Health-Related Challenges and Coping Strategies Among Women During Pandemics: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

Abstract

Equality and empowerment for women are among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 5). Although women were confronted with more challenges in various ways during pandemics; however, there is hardly any systematic synthesis of evidence on women's health-related challenges during pandemics. We reviewed the health challenges faced by women during the pandemic. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL following PRISMA guidelines. We identified 2,831 studies, of which we included 17. Reproductive health, psychosocial health, and gender-based violence emerged as significant challenges. Many studies reported challenges in provisions for routine services and increased anxiety, fear, and stress among women. The findings highlighted that pandemic have a significant impact on women's health. Women must have equal rights and opportunities without discrimination, which requires urgent action to enhance women's rights and to achieve SDGs. Women engagement/involvement in pandemic-related services needs to be explored, which will aid in developing strategies to alleviate vulnerabilities.

Violence against Women in the United States: Trends, Risk-Factors, and Outcomes from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB)

“…Although violence towards women has been downtrending over the last several decades, there is an increase in reports of violence towards women since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic [14]. Social distancing and isolation kept more women in the home, where they faced increased risk of partner and family violence [15]. Fear of joblessness and financial hardships also contributed to increased gender-based violence [15].…”

“…Social distancing and isolation kept more women in the home, where they faced increased risk of partner and family violence [15]. Fear of joblessness and financial hardships also contributed to increased gender-based violence [15]. Prior studies indicate that the loss of income, marriage, and substance use are risk factors for violence [16].…”

Housing-related challenges during COVID-19 pandemic among urban poor in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and gap analysis

“…With the increase in population, the stigma of catching the infection increased inside and beyond the home. This increased domestic violence, a problem regardless of gender, as working family heads were forced to remain at home (33)(34)(35). Frequently, women in urban slums experience violence (36).…”

Women’s health and rights in the twenty-first century

“…Similarly, despite reporting lower lifetime and lower past-year prevalence than LMICs, the persistence of gender-based violence in HICs and the disproportionate affliction of young persons highlights a collective failure to align with gender equality and women's empowerment objectives globally 66,71,74 . Ultimately, gender-based violence not only violates women's right to equal opportunity and dignified living, it exposes them and their children to life-long physical, sexual and reproductive and mental health complications as a consequence of that violence 60,66,69,71,75,76 .…”

“…By embracing an intersectional approach and the principles of reproductive justice, efforts to advance women's and girls' health and rights can more effectively tackle the complex, layered challenges they face. This necessitates comprehensive policies and programs that are responsive to the diverse experiences and needs of women and girls across different communities and contexts 26,56,66,68,75,96,97 .…”