A culture of silence
Thapa, S.
Jnma; Journal of the Nepal Medical Association 34: 118-119
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2715 PMID: 12154946 Document Number: 306617
Studies have found high reproductive morbidity in many developing countries, with women opting to neither discuss their problems nor seek medical care. Among the reasons why women choose to suffer their affliction in silence is fear of being ostracized by fellow villagers, not knowing someone who can provide treatment, lack of time for treatment, and women's low status and corresponding cultural expectations of females. Many of the several hundred female patients attending a 2-week health camp organized in June 1995 by the Ministry of Health in Taplejung District were aware that they had gynecological and dermatological problems, but they had neither discussed it with their husbands nor sought treatment on their own. An even worse situation was observed in some villages in Bajura district. More than 20,000 patients were seen at the health camp by 30 doctors. Some patients came from Panchthar and Therathum districts. A similar health camp was recently organized in Myagdi and Pyuthan districts. The camp comprised comprehensive health services where major surgeries were also performed. In Taplejung, one-third of the 300 surgeries conducted were major. The experience of such health camps shows that people will seek help when good quality services are available and accessible.