Reproductive health status of rural scheduled caste women of Uttar Pradesh in India

Pages: 152-157
Lalita K. Gautam and Alok Kumar (Department of Sociology, CCS University Campus Meerut, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh)

In India reproductive health is a major concern especially in economically weak families belonging to scheduled caste (SC). The present study is aimed at drawing a systematic factual knowledge about the socio-economic conditions and reproductive health profile of rural women of Chasi village of district Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 100 married women of age group: 15-45 years, were interviewed using schedule/guide and purposive sampling method. Majority (82%) of the women were housewives and half (52%) were illiterate. Monthly family income of 70% of the respondents was between Rs. 5001 to Rs. 10,000/-. More than half (60%) of respondents were married in early age group of 15-20 year whereas 35% respondents were married in age group of 21-25 years. Majority (55%) of the respondents gave birth to the first child in early age of 15-20 years and 65% respondents have 3-5 children. 55% of the respondents found sources of consultation treatment in government hospital. Significant number (40%) of respondents were found to have consulted made (Dai) and most of (60%) the deliveries have been conducted at home by untrained Dai. A half of the respondents felt weakness during prenatal period.40% of respondents suffered from lower abdominal pain, 30% respondents suffered from several headache and 25% of respondents suffered from back pain, swelling stitches pain or infection. However,40% of the respondents told that their babies were normal during prenatal period, 25% of respondents have experienced the premature delivery. It was observed that a large number of respondents (46%) take the rest of one month after delivery and one third (29%) respondents take the rest for only 15 days after delivery. This study reveals that the majority of the women lack proper care, consultation and hygiene before, during and after the child birth. This study strongly recommends the formulation and implementation of emphatic strategies to improve reproductive status of women in rural areas.