Women\'s Health and Working Life: A Scoping Review

Women's Health and Working Life: A Scoping Review

For working women in contemporary times, the challenges of balancing work and home are as intense as ever. While domestic partnerships and parenting are becoming more equitable than they once were, working women still take on a more significant share of household and childcare responsibilities. The stress of juggling work, parenthood, and other personal commitments can easily cause or exacerbate mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, reproductive problems like irregular cycles, musculoskeletal issues like back pain and neck pain, and other health issues.

Even though the percentage of women workforce in corporate India has increased significantly over the last two decades, there is still a dearth of tailored healthcare provisions in the workplace for them. Consequently, women employees have to compromise on the quality of personal and professional lives alike.

The major five health problems working women face are:

Physical health: Several women nowadays experience significant physical health issues, such as a variety of muscle aches and pains, postural dysfunctions such as slouched posture, joint pain, arthritis, and a lack of fitness that makes them tired during daily activities.

Mental health: Anxiety, despair, a lack of excitement, and feelings of loneliness are brought on by not being able to maintain a healthy work-life balance, decreasing productivity at work, and not having enough "me time." Studies also indicate that relationships with coworkers and the work environment contribute to psychological suffering among married working women. For working women, having children, having sick family members, and not having a support system heighten any mental health problems already present.

Sleep disturbances: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires getting enough sleep. Unbalanced work-life and family obligations lead to sleep disorders such as insomnia, delayed sleep onset and wakefulness, drowsiness during the day, and anxiety at night. Sleep disorders lower productivity and efficiency at work. Their problems are exacerbated by their husband's and in-laws' lack of empathy.

Heart problems: Heart diseases among working women are on the rise. Researchers have identified a trend in the prevalence of heart disease that is specific to women, especially those who work. Stress and depression are two major factors that contribute to this convergence in working women. Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection has been identified as the most prevalent heart condition affecting working women. Heart attacks are the result of a ripped artery that supplies blood to the heart in an emergency. A lack of physical activity can also cause women's cardiac problems.

Gynecological issues: It has been discovered that working women experience problems with their periods, such as heavy bleeding, painful periods, and discomfort. The most prevalent ailment is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

To add to these woes, working women are also prone to lifestyle disorders like Obesity, Thyroid issues, Anaemia, Vitamin D deficiency, Infertility, Diabetes, and Blood Pressure issues.

To all the women out there: Pay attention to your health!

Multitasking brings in productivity and a myriad of health problems listed above. Most women tend to ignore initial warning signs of any distress to their bodies leading to worsening of symptoms, absence from work, disputes within the family, and lack of social interaction within the community. Research highlights the fact that very few women with physical and mental health issues seek medical attention.

As a woman, one must understand that rest and care for oneself is equally important as is work. A healthy work-life balance will go a great way in improving one’s quality of life in the personal space as well as efficiency in the workspace.

Improving Women's Health and Well-being through Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for women extends beyond just pregnancy-related care. It includes a broad spectrum of health concerns that impact women across their lifespan. Physiotherapy empowers women to understand their bodies and take charge of their well-being regardless of their stage in life. It offers assessments, exercise programs, and specialized treatments to address various conditions, such as muscle training, pelvic floor strengthening, and pain reduction. Women of all ages can benefit from women's health physiotherapy to improve their physical condition, regain function, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Anchor Physiotherapy and Sports Fitness Studio provides comprehensive physiotherapy services that cater to the diverse needs of women across different life stages. Experience the benefits of women's health physiotherapy with Anchor Physiotherapy and Sports Fitness Studio. Take charge of your well-being today. Contact us for specialized assessments, tailored exercise programs, and personalized treatments.

Rahul Rajeev

Chief Physiotherapist