Women, health and transition in Uzbekistan

Substantial social and economic changes that took place in Uzbekistan after the collapse of the Soviet Union have had an impact on people's health and well being. The transition period has brought many changes in both living conditions and lifestyles, an increase in poverty and social stress on women in Uzbekistan. The findings suggest that deterioration of women's status is related to socio-economic deprivation. This qualitative study examines the context and meaning of health related experiences showing the complexity of social factors that contribute to the potentially negative consequences on the health of women. The study contributes to understanding how Uzbek middle class middle age women perceive their health and how health is affected during the transition process. Such issues as choices of treatment, lifestyle habits, employment, household responsibilities, and religion are analysed to develop understanding of the quality of women’s lives in Uzbekistan. The examples drawn from the research cohort illustrate a manifestation of the distinctive features of Uzbek women simultaneously revealing similarities with other cultures. The findings of the study reveal that socially constructed gender roles, cultural norms, and economic circumstances, all influence women's health-seeking behaviour. The shift towards a market economy has resulted in increasing socioeconomic differentiation, insecure livelihood, and declining health and well being among the Uzbek population. Economic tensions and rapid social and cultural transformations have subjected women to constant stress and tension, which threatens their health and well-being. However, the study also provides the examples of successful coping strategies, strong will and adaptability to new socio-economic conditions. It illustrates women's experience of living in new conditions of transition as well as contributes to understanding the general position of women in society and explains the construction and maintenance of patriarchal order in Uzbek society.