Title : Unraveling the history of gynaecology in Fiji and how it has shaped women's health today
Abstract:
In Fiji, breast and cervical cancers numbers are rising steadily. Many women have fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, uterus prolapse and other female specific illness or problems showing in younger age group of women (below 25 years). Qualitative studies conducted in the obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) field is sparse and non-inclusive of personal reflections or perceptions of both health professionals and women especially in the Pacific. Through the application of medical anthropology, Pacific and gender studies, the perspectives of ten health professionals (with ten years of experience in the OBGYN field) and 21 women aged between 30-65 years were interviewed using Talanoa technique to understand the history of gynaecology in Fiji and how it has shaped women’s health today.
This research identified that 1) sex education at primary school level can equip reproductive aged women to make informed choices towards obstetrics and gynaecology, breaking age old taboos and empowering women to choose their health consciously, 2) under-resourced medical facilities of a national health care programme often display images of political agendas and have direct implications on migration of health professionals and delay in treatment for women and 3) the sociocultural and family environment of women determine the prioritisation level for one’s health and also depicts the impact of gender-based imprinted social conformations. Women’s health has a strong link to the personal attitudes, past experiences and values for which deep and conscious healing as well as supportive enabling mechanisms must be in place to improve gender-based health disparities.
Audience Take Away:
- For women’s health especially for the field of obstetrics and gynaecology the holistic approach has to include a transdisciplinary dimension where deep and conscious healing along with supportive enabling mechanisms need to be in place to truly improve women’s health.
- If a health professional understands about women’s health, then their attitude towards the quality of care to be provided to the clients will be either enhanced or improved.
- Yes, this research can definitely be an important inclusion to learning and development especially for OBGYN and or women’s health.
- Women’s health is a labyrinth concept and needs holistic and transdisciplinary approach to re-evaluate, Why things are not improving? Why more cases are occurring? And why women need more support in this regard? It will provide a refined approach.
- Yes, definitely these findings will increase the understanding level of the problem and improve the design towards women’s health.
