Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research

R. Renuka ¹, M. Jeyarathnam ²

Affiliations
1 Laxmi Meghan College of Nursing, Kasargod District, Kerala, IN
2 Dept. of Women's Studies, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Autonomy is the ability to obtain information and make decisions about one's own concerns. Women's autonomy in health care decision making is extremely important for better maternal and child health outcomes, and as an indicator of women's empowerment. Gender based power inequalities can restrict open communication between partners about reproductive health decisions as well as women's access to reproductive health services. In India, use of contraception is greatly influenced by women's autonomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to identify the relationship between women's autonomy and family planning practices.

METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out to explore the relationship between the women's autonomy and family planning practices among currently non pregnant married women. Data was collected from a conveniently selected sample of 56 married women using an interview schedule. Women's autonomy was estimated through questionnaire which includes three dimensions of autonomy such as decision making autonomy, movement autonomy and control over economic resources. A number of socio demographic variables were used to investigate the association between autonomy and contraceptive use. Chi square test was used to test the significance of data.

RESULTS: While assessing the autonomy level of the women, 41% showed high decision making power, 55.3% were with moderate decision making power and 3.5% had no decision making power. In regard to freedom of movement 39.2% had complete freedom of movement, 33.9% had incomplete freedom of movement and 26.7% had no freedom of movement. Among 56 samples, 50% had control over their economic resources. Contraceptive use among these women was 53.6%; Decision making autonomy and educational level was significantly associated with contraception use.

CONCLUSION: Improvement in power equality and educational qualification among women are the effective and efficient methods to improve the use of contraceptive methods, on the other hand it may reduce unintended pregnancies as well as improve reproductive health outcome.

Keywords

Married Woman, Autonomy, Contraceptive Practices.

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R. Renuka ¹

Affiliations
1 College of Nursing, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

Menopause is a universal and irreversible part of the overall ageing process involving a women's reproductive system, after which she no longer menstruates. The transition from a potentially reproductive to non reproductive state is the result of reduction in female hormonal production by the ovaries. The transition is normally not sudden or abrupt, tends to occur over a period of years, and is a natural consequence of ageing. However, for some women, the accompanying signs and effects that can occur during the menopause transition years can significantly disrupt the daily activities and sense of well - being. The objectives were to identify the various menopausal symptoms among women, to assess the type of physical activity performed by women and to assess the relationship between the physical activity and menopausal symptoms. A Quantitative approach with Non- experimental co-relational study design was adopted for this study. The study population comprised of 50 women who attained menopause and within the age group of 41- 55 years. A modified standardized International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the physical activity and a self structured questionnaire was used to assess the menopausal symptoms among women who attained menopause. Interview method was used to collect the data. The data reveals that 38% of selected samples have mild menopausal symptoms, 38% have moderate menopausal symptoms and 24% have severe menopausal symptoms. Among the heavy workers 59.09% have mild symptoms, 31.81% have moderate symptoms and 9.09% have severe symptoms. Among the moderate workers 27.77% have mild symptoms, 55.55% have symptoms and 16.66% have severe symptoms. Among sedentary workers 10% have mild symptoms, 20% have moderate symptoms and 70% have severe symptoms. χ² test was used to assess the relationship between physical activity and menopausal symptoms. The calculated χ² value 20.49 is greater than the table value, 9.49 at 0.05 level of significance. Thus the result proves that women doing regular physical activity have less severity of menopausal symptoms.

Keywords

Menopause, Menopausal Symptoms and Physical Activity.

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R. Renuka ¹

Affiliations
1 College of Nursing, SRIPMS, Coimbatore, IN

Abstract

With the whole world reeling under the shadow of many incurable and debilitating diseases, if there is some chance of helping in the treatment of these life- threatening medical conditions, then all sorts of new possibilities may unfold in our lifetimes. One such possible way of improving the quality and perhaps even the duration of life is through the collection of potentially life-impacting stem cells found in the menstrual blood of woman. With advancements in stem cell research and development, a number of preclinical studies have demonstrated that menstrual blood contains self-renewing stem cells which may potentially be utilized to treat various diseases.

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