I would like to thank everyone for making this discussion possible and successful and with all the responses given regarding the how and why musculoskeletal disorders affect women and what should be done to address this are as follows.
Looking into the graph given by the CDC, Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal disorder for both men and women, but is greatly seen to affect women than men in both developed and industrialized countries. Although OA affects people of all ages, it is a condition whose incidence rises greatly with age. It can affect both genders, but it is twice as a common in women over 65 years of age than it is in their male counterparts. (R. C. Lawrence, C. G. Helmick, F. C. Arnett, et al. 1998). There is also a dramatic increase of these cases in developed countries than in those industrialized countries. Changes in lifestyle factors, such as increased obesity and lack of physical activity with the urbanization and motorization of the developing world further increase the burden.
Moreover, musculoskeletal conditions greatly affect women, physiologically and psychologically. Hormonal variations and changes related to women's reproductive functions is one of the reasons pointed out to result in this case. Depletion of Estrogen and progesterone is known to have an effect in calcium absorption and utilization. The musculoskeletal problems, aches, and pains that tend to plague women after menopause could be also related to a drop in levels of collagen in ligaments and other soft tissues, according to indications in the study conducted by Rich (2006).
Poverty, another identified cause on the increased incidence, made housewives to spend more time during household chores, domestic and provision of needs.
Work-related factors including jobs involve physical labor especially lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, or twisting during lifting also jobs requiring prolonged sitting and standing are considered in the formation of chronic musculoskeletal conditions most especially back pain.
As these factors are being identified by most literatures cited in our discussion, these have posted women in general to a lot of physical and psychological consequences.
Experience of these symptoms can result in poor levels of physical activity and increase in the risk of other diseases including heart disease, diabetes and obesity. In the psychological aspect, assumption of sick role may cause stress, depression, anger and anxiety. Women may experience difficulty in coping with pain and disability, which in turn can lead to feelings of helplessness, lack of self-control and changes in self-esteem and body image. They often experience social isolation which can later on affect their activities, employment and personal relationships. This may be compounded by lack of understanding and empathy among co-workers, employers and others. Economically, women may shoulder the burden for the costs of care, support and the purchase of aids and equipment. And since those who are affected by this condition may have a problem with the employment opportunities, financial independence may also be restricted. As these debilitating conditions are painful for the individual, this also lead to the inability to work and to enjoy life fully, and are a cost to societies and countries (WHO, 2003).
In the remarkable increase of chronic musculoskeletal conditions among women, Multidisciplinary treatment approach would be beneficial for women as well as Cognitive-behavioral approaches. Recent research indicates that behavioral interventions are generally superior to medical treatment controls in improving the overall condition of the woman. Exercise, a known intervention in most chronic musculoskeletal conditions, is the key to the management of certain arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. Evidence and current research suggests that exercise and muscle-strengthening can have an impact on function by reducing pain and stiffness, improving muscle strength and endurance, maintaining cardiac fitness, supporting weight reduction, and contributing to an improved sense of well-being. Moreover, accessible employment or appropriate social security support, training and education, self management training, information and advice on positive lifestyle options and self management strategies should be strengthened; aids and adaptations and fully accessible buildings, transport, housing, leisure facilities and pursuits are also recommended.
Though women are regarded as the “primary care giver of the family”, I agree that women also need to be loved not only by their family but of the society as well.
Thank you again for sharing with us your ideas. God bless everyone!