Women's health research for sexual and reproductive health

Abstract

○ The objective of this study is to explore the sex/reproductive health status and issues among Korean women, by conducting a ‘Korean Women’s Health Research for Sexual and Reproductive Health’. ○ Key sex/reproductive health Issues and indicators were examined through literature review including previous studies, national survey results, and policy reports. Pilot study results was also reviewed focusing on the production of sex/reproductive health indicators. ○ The study protocol for ‘Korean Women’s Health Research for Sexual and Reproductive Health’ was developed including study population, sample size, survey method, and questionnaires. ○ We conducted ‘Korean Women’s Health Research for Sexual and Reproductive Health’ among 1019 adolescents, 3533 adults, and 1015 old women. Main survey results are as follows. - About 42% of adolescents and 40% of adults women experienced severe pain during menstruation period, and it influenced the daily life. - The contraceptive practice rate for women aged 19-64 were 47.5%, and women used various contraceptive methods including menstrual cycle method. - Nearly 60% of women in menopause or menstrual transition period experienced one or more severe menopausal symptoms. - Unmet medical needs for sex/reproductive health were 18.8 % among adolescents and 17.2% among adult women. ○ This study can contribute the development and production of Korean women’s sex/reproductive health indicators. It also provides the practical methodology which is useful for studying and promoting sex/reproductive health among both married and unmarried women. It suggests the sex/reproductive health indicators in life-course perspectives.