Living Arrangements and Health Status of Union Dissolution Women: A Case Study of Balasore, Odisha

Abstract

In India, around fourteen percent of women are widowed, separated, or divorced out of the total evermarried women (Census, 2011) and evidence from the recent literature suggests widowhood or divorce and its association with morbidity and mortality. Yet limited research has been carried out to explore the living arrangements and health status of widowed, separated, or divorced women. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to explore the living arrangements and health status of union dissolution women in Balasore, Odisha. The study used primary data from a sample of hundred (100) union dissolution women aged 20 to 80 years using a semi-structured interview schedule from February to April 2017. Statistical methods such as descriptive statistics have been carried out to fulfill the objectives of the study. The study found that 35% of women were either separated or divorced and 65% were widowed, with a median age of 40 years with almost half of the respondents being educated up to primary level. The majority of the women were staying in joint families with their 3rd generation families, while only 15% were living alone. It is found that, 25% of them were working in low-paid jobs with a monthly income of less than Rs. 5,000 only. Around 62% of them belong to the below poverty line (BPL) category and merely 30% reported that they were receiving pension. Results suggest that around 21% reported that they were diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure, 22% had joint pain and 15% had vision-related difficulties and to meet their health expenditure, three-fourths of them were dependent on their families for treatment. Psychological health of the women suggests that 35% of them have reported anxiety, low self-esteem, sleeplessness, and loneliness, while one-fourth of the women have ever experienced physical and verbal abuse too.