Violence against women, symptom reporting, and treatment for reproductive tract infection in Kerala State, South India

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Sharon D. Morrison, Associate Professor (Creator)
S. Sudha, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: In this article we examine factors associated with women's self-reports of reproductive ill health symptoms and factors associated with seeking and receiving treatment for the symptoms. We focus on indicators of women's societal position, especially empowerment (indicated by experience of and attitudes toward violence against women), autonomy, and education. We used data from the National Family Health Survey-2 from Kerala state in Southern India. Based on our results we suggest that violence against women, whether actually experienced or internalized as acceptance of its justification, is associated with increased ill health symptoms, and the acceptance of violence is associated with decreased chance of treatment. Women's higher formal education appeared to reduce treatment seeking for reproductive ill health, perhaps due to the stigma associated with sexually transmitted disease (STD) in this cultural setting. Women's work participation had no significant impact, nor did indicators of women's economic and personal autonomy.

Additional Information

Publication
Health Care for Women International 28(3) March 2007, 268-284. https://doi.org/10.1080/07399330601180164
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
Kerala, India, reproductive health, violence against women, reproductive tract infections

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