P-337 Perceptions attitudes and beliefs regarding gynecological and menstrual health among fisher women working on sea shores of Mumbai, India

Introduction

Fisher women have to carry loads of fish from water bodies to markets even during periods of their menstrual cycles. This poses great challenge as they have to work in lot of discomfort or lose their daily wages.

Objectives

To explore thoughts, perceptions, attitudes and beliefs about gynecological complaints and hysterectomy among fisher women.

Methods

A total of 149 women were enlisted from fisher people colony. After explaining the study and obtaining informed consent, socio demographic and risk factor assessment was done. Five focus group discussions were conducted for fisher women with help of dual moderators and the discussion was audio recorded. The information collected was coded. Verbatim translation of same was done in English.

Results

Mean age was 45.88 ± 7.063 year, majority were Hindus 165 (90.7%) and 97 (53.3%) speaking Marathi. 127 (85.23) were married. 31 (20.8%) had regular menstrual cycles. Mean age at menarche and menopause were 14.20 ± 1.405 and 49.14 ± 20.537 years respectively. 143 (96.0%) women had history of pregnancy with mean age at first child birth being 23.42 ± 13.611 years and median of four children. Among 146 women interviewed, 116 (77.9%) were treated for gynecological symptoms and 106 (71.1%) had undergone hysterectomy.

Qualitative analysis was done

Women mainly complained of heavy menstrual flow and frequent vaginal discharge and took treatment from local doctor. With multiple pregnancies many had history of uterine prolapse. Women cited lot of discomfort to stand and work in waist deep water bodies during their menstrual cycles, hence preferred to remain off-work and lost daily wages for these five days every month. Majority fisherwomen were comfortable with removal of uterus as a permanent solution after completion of child-bearing.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that fisher women need more awareness and attention with respect to their gynecological and menstrual health.