To assess the knowledge attitude and practices regarding women empowerment and its impact on health status of women in rural and urban areas attached with Govt. Medical College, Patiala, Punjab

Abstract

Introduction: Women’s empowerment, or autonomy, is a multifaceted concept. In a patriarchal society, as exists in large parts of India, men are placed in a more advantageous position than women. The state of male supremacy is reflected in the child rearing and caring practices, the Access to nutrition, child care and education all favour boys over girls. Women’s empowerment is essentially an effort to rectify this imbalance and attain gender equity. The most common indicators for measuring empowerment measure capabilities, education and health in particular, and control over economic and political resources and decision-making.

Material and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, all married females from 200 households were interviewed in rural (CHC Bhadson) and urban (MCH Center Tripuri) field practice areas attached with department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Patiala (100 households each from rural and urban). Married females from age group of 18 – 49 years were included in this study. A pre-tested proforma was used to collect information of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding women empowerment and their health status. The study was conducted between March 2011 to June 2012.

Results:After interviewing 110 women in rural and 103 in urban area, the data regarding socio demographic profile of the respondents and their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding various domains of empowerment and their health status was compiled and analysed statistically. Knowledge regarding legal age of marriage was higher in urban women (78.64%) as compared to rural women (43.64%). 64.08% urban and 49.09% rural women received treatment for anaemia during pregnancy. In the rural area 75% of children died were females. Majority (60.91% rural and 51.46% urban women) reported that they had experienced domestic violence.

Conclusion: From the information it can be concluded that the attitudes or opinions of the women in a family are definitely influenced by the better empowerment status of the women. It is evident that if the empowerment (education, occupation and financial status) of the reproductive age group of women is enhanced it will lead to better health status.

Recommendations:It is recommended that provision of education, employment and improving their socio economic status by the Government will lead to modification in the overall health scenario of the family, community, state as well as a country.