Sociomedical problems of institutionalised women

The inmates of this institute form a special group in the society which is a reflection of various social pressures and problems. These institutionalised female largely come from poor socioeconomic families and often from families with serious social problems like family disharmony (30%), marital disharmony (20%), poverty (10%), unwedmotherhood (8%), broken homes (51.1%) etc. 90% inmates had one or more morbid conditions. Average number of morbid conditions per inmate was 2.16 at the time of study. Institution which assumes the custody of these women should provide them with medical services towards the rehabilitation and discharge of a healthy, productive, well adjusted citizens. An effective health education programme comprising of nutrition education, sex education, personal hygiene, alcohol and drug abuse should be specifically drafted and should be undertaken for the inmates.