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Social determinants of urban slums - perception of health status with orientation to women


V Saritha

Abstract

Objective: The principle focus of the paper was to evaluate the social determinants with respect to health of women living in slums.
Methods: Data were collected using a convenience sample of women in and around the city of Visakhapatnam. The research tool used was a structured questionnaire that consisted of five parts:
Results: The study observed an interwoven relationship between the social determinants like economic status, education and male domination affecting the health of the women in these slums. 42.13% of the women suffer from fatigue, whereas 11.68% of them have unexplained fevers. Common chronic conditions included headaches, arthritis, back pain and urinary incontinence. Pain prevented from performing most activities. Along with Anemia 23.35%, Back pains13.71%, Body pains 6.09%, Fatigue 21.32%, Gastritis 21.32%, Gyaenic problem 14.72%, Hypertension11.17%, Head ache18.78%, Joint pains 9.64%, Thyroid 9.14%, Diarrhea 23.86%.
Conclusion(s): In conclusion we identify the problem or risk factor and suggest that improvement of the variable in question will lead to improvements in outcomes e.g. improving nutrition is likely to reduce the incidence of diseases. These problems though important are numerous, and it is unlikely that piecemeal solutions will be amply cost effective to achieve health of women in slums; rather these problems require parallel attention.

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eISSN: 0856-8960