Title: Working women and health problems. Identity of a nurse.

POPLINE Document Number: 120595

Author(s):

Bhullar S

Source citation:

NURSING JOURNAL OF INDIA, 1996 Jan;87(1):2-3.

Abstract:

Working women in India are forced to perform dual roles, wage earner and household manager, to the detriment of their health. Depending on their profession, working women may face stresses such as shift work (including night duties), transportation problems, frequent job transfers, and lack of child care near the workplace. That they are unable to be fully attentive to the physical and mental development of their children can cause considerable distress. Women's labor force participation has been linked to emotional depression, chronic fatigue, malnutrition, high blood pressure, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and musculoskeletal disorders. The burden of ill health associated with women's employment in India impedes both family life and national development. Nurses are promoting community services in the areas of immunization, nutrition, and family planning. Recommended is extension of the Maternity Benefits Act to one year to enable working women to regain their health after pregnancy. The goals of health for all, universal literacy, and poverty elimination can be achieved only if women's health concerns become a priority.

Keywords:

India
Critique
Mothers
Labor Force
Stress
Health
Women
Asia, Southern
Asia
Developing Countries
Parents
Family Relationships
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Human Resources
Economic Factors
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Demographic Factors
Population