Hifsa Altaf
Maries Stopes Society , Pakistan
Title: Occupational Risk Factors associated with Reporductive Health of Rural Women
Biography
Biography: Hifsa Altaf
Abstract
Environemental and occupational risk factors adversly effect the health and performace of rural women. Research aims to identify risk factors related to women reproductive health in age group of 15-40 years working in Agricultural sector and interventions to prevent hazradous effects. Sindh is province of Pakistan with total land area of 14.1 million hectares (mha). The cultivated area is 5.88 mha and net sown area is 2.39 mha. According to 1998 Census, population of Sindh is 30.4 million and 51% live in rural area. “Hatri” is union council of Taluka Hyderabad (rural) of Sindh with population of 29,719. “Fazal Baghul” is a village of union council Hatri with population of 1,019, female population is 510. Survey revelead that 40% of women work in agriculture filed, livestock, poultry, and cottage industry. The adverse impact of work related risks causing women reproductive health issues are exposure to hazardous chemicals used in agricuture (pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides), accidents/ physical injuries caused by tools used during cultivation and mal-nutrition due to overwork and poverty.
The study revealed that 50% of women suffer from reproductive tract infection, 30% from Anemia and 16% have hormonal imbalance and stress problems and 4% has breathing and other issues. Survey team with the community stakeholders provided free medical check-ups and treatment, diagnostic refral points for laboratory investigation, iron suppliments, protective masks for feild work and reproductive health awarness to the clients. To cope with the issues political commitement, government agility, community invovement and role of CSOs is seriously needed.