A cross-sectional study on the quality of life of economically productive age group rural women at Keelara CHC, Mandya

Abstract

Background: Household upkeep, food security, and rural lives depend heavily on economically active women in rural areas. However, they face major environmental and socioeconomic obstacles that have a significant impact on their standard of living.

Methods: A cross-sectional study (CSS) was conducted within a community, involving 1,250 rural women aged 15 to 65 years who attended the Keelara Community Health Centre (CHC) in Mandya. Data were collected utilizing the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which encompasses physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains.  Socio-demographic and economic variables were recorded as well.

Results: Among participants, 63.4% were aged 19-44 years, and 95.9% were Hindu. Educational attainment varied, with 24.9% illiterate and 32.0% completing secondary education. Most lived in nuclear families (54.2%) and belonged to lower socioeconomic classes (75.8% in Class IV). The mean overall QOL score was 103.40±11.92. Statistically noteworthy associations were established between QoL and education, marital status, family type, socioeconomic status, and religion (p<0.05); age and occupation were not significant.

Conclusions: A notable proportion of women inside rural areas indicate a less than satisfactory QoL, which is profoundly influenced by variables including educational attainment, socioeconomic conditions, and familial support systems. Targeted interventions that focus on these determinants are crucial for enhancing the well-being and societal contributions of women in rural areas.