A review of literature, 2006 ( pdf - 438 KB) - ARCHI

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Macedonian Women’s Health Project Review of literature ___________________________________________________________________ Conclusion The first phase of the Macedonian Women’s Project, the literature review, reveals a complex combination of factors and their interactions may be influencing the health of and wellbeing of Macedonian women. Some of these factors are health enhancing whilst others may have a detrimental effect on their wellbeing. The literature review indicates that Macedonian women have a number of ways of maintaining their health and wellness available to them. There are strong cultural and traditional methods of treating and preventing illness including using a variety of home remedies such as teas, herbs, grasses and ointments and seeking the assistance of traditional healers. In terms of social support for health, the community seems to have strong family values and women usually have the assistance of their extended family in caring for children. However, nearly a third of Macedonian women in south eastern Sydney do not speak English well or do not speak English at all. While these women may have support within their own community they may have difficulties in accessing mainstream health information and services. The traditional patriarchal social structure in the community means that some women may also be isolated by a heavy workload of family and household responsibilities in addition to paid employment. It seems likely that a turbulent history of war, persecution and oppression of Macedonian people and its effect on their identity may have an adverse effect on the health of Macedonian women. The issue of violence against women has also been identified by community workers. Social stigma associated with some illnesses and fatalistic attitudes to health also have implications for women’s health in relation to their participation in prevention programs and the early detection of illnesses like breast and cervical cancer. Some women may be experiencing poor health associated with socio-economic disadvantage. Macedonian women have lower levels education compared with the general population in south eastern Sydney and are more likely to work in occupations attracting lower pay and higher rates of injury and occupational disease. Little is known of behavioural influences on the health of Macedonian women. Tobacco and alcohol use, physical activity, nutrition and sexual health may all be factors influencing the health of Macedonian women in this area but more research would need to be undertaken to give a more accurate assessment of the situation. Information specifically relating to the health of Macedonian women in south eastern Sydney area was generally scarce. The vast majority of literature extracted for this review related either to the Macedonian community as a whole or to Macedonian women in other parts of Australia and Macedonia. This lack of information specifically relating to women, coupled with the evident disadvantage of some Macedonian women, reinforces the importance of a project such as this one. In the next phase of the project, Macedonian women and those who have experience working with the community will be asked to discuss the things that affect the health and wellbeing of Macedonian women. These consultations will include a broad range of questions (including exploration of some of the themes brought out in the literature - 25 -
Macedonian Women’s Health Project Review of literature ___________________________________________________________________ review) in order to provide a better understanding of factors specifically influencing the health and wellbeing of Macedonian women in south eastern Sydney. The information derived from these interviews and group discussions will be used to develop and implement strategies in partnership with the community consistent with the health issues identified by women themselves. The findings will be disseminated among local service providers to inform them about the Macedonian culture, raise awareness of health issues for women and to assist them in tailoring their services to the needs of the community. The future success of this project, however, will depend on the Macedonian community’s readiness for such a project, their involvement and the effective use of available resources. _______________________________________ - 26 -
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A review of literature, 2006 ( pdf - 438 KB) - ARCHI

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