Why Women Delay Seeking Healthcare
In societies worldwide, women face a multitude of challenges in accessing adequate healthcare, often stemming from deeply ingrained cultural, social, and economic factors.
The Burden of Shame
The stigma surrounding reproductive health concerns, often influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, suppresses discussions about menstruation, contraception, and sexual health. In certain cultures, it is considered taboo for women to have open conversations about sex-related matters and reproductive health. As a result, they may feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek medical care for issues like infertility and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to fear of judgment or social ostracisation. This results in not getting proper treatment on time.
Duty Calls
Society conditions women to prioritise the needs of their families and communities above their own from a very young age. They may be expected to take on caregiving responsibilities, especially for children and elderly parents, which can leave little time or energy for self-care. This may foster dismissive attitudes or lead to inadequate care, further discouraging them from seeking medical treatment.
Lack of Support
In some cases, husbands or other primary income earners within the family might not provide adequate support for their wives or other female family members when it comes to seeking medical care. The primary breadwinner may downplay the severity of health issues, dismissing symptoms and discouraging medical attention, believing that the issue will resolve on its own.
No Time for Self-Care
Women often face the challenge of balancing demanding work schedules with primary caregiving roles. Juggling work deadlines and family obligations can be overwhelming. The emotional labour involved in providing support further drains their energy. Finding time for self-care becomes even more challenging without reliable support systems like affordable childcare. In the midst of managing multiple priorities, they frequently find themselves deprioritizing their own healthcare needs. They may put medical attention on hold due to time constraints.
Lack of Knowledge and Misconceptions
A lack of proper health education impedes women’s ability to recognize symptoms of mental and reproductive health issues, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Low health literacy levels hinder informed decision-making. Misinformation about contraception and STIs heightens the risk of unintended pregnancies and reproductive health complications.
Tackling these challenges requires a diverse approach, including community-based education initiatives, culturally sensitive healthcare services, and policies that support work-life balance and women’s empowerment. By fostering open dialogue, challenging societal norms, and providing accessible healthcare options, we can strive towards a future where all women have the opportunity to prioritise their health and well-being without fear of judgment or discrimination.
