The Socio-Cultural Dimensions Impacting the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Women in the Region of Kashmir

Abstract

This study examined Kashmiri women's reproductive rights awareness, body autonomy perception, socio-cultural norms, access to reproductive health care, childbearing decision-making, and contraception attitudes. The research also explored how these parameters change across socio-demographic variables such as age, income, education, occupation, and marriage duration. The study focused on Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Anantnag, and purposive sampling ensured socio-cultural diversity. Online questionnaires were used to contact respondents in the region. The questionnaire asked open-ended questions on a 5-point Likert scale about women's sexual and reproductive health (SRH). The survey received 170 replies via email. The final analysis includes 150 replies after intensive data cleansing. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. All ethical principles were followed to ensure informed consent and participant anonymity. The results show that Kashmiri women's sexual and reproductive health is complex. Women had different views on reproductive rights, emphasizing the need for accessible, individualized information, especially considering socio-cultural origins and educational levels. Cultural, family and community norms shaped women's views on bodily autonomy. Social norms affected women's reproductive health and rights, limiting their healthcare access. The study also found socio-economic, financial, and cultural impediments to high-quality reproductive health care. Family and socio-cultural norms affected women's childbearing liberty. The region generally accepted contraception, but individual, artistic, and religious perspectives affected attitudes. In conclusion, Kashmiri women's sexual and reproductive health is characterized by modest empowerment and awareness, solid socio-cultural norms, and unequal healthcare access. These findings affect regional health policy, education, and interventions to improve women's reproductive rights and health.