High figures of anxiety, violence, and lacking support after miscarriage and childbirth were shown in the last national women’s health survey.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt described the annual National Women’s Health Survey as sobering and powerful.
The survey shows that one in three women reported anxiety and one in four reported symptoms of depression, with a higher rate among ages 18-24 with more than 50% and 40% respectively.
Women aged 25-44 also reported busier schedules and more responsibility before COVID-19 restrictions, juggling work, and home responsibilities at the same time.
Dr. Elizabeth Farrell, medical director of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health told newsGP that the findings just reflected the existing challenges for a woman.
She said that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the precarious aspect of living especially for women. She added that the detrimental effects of the pandemic have caused anxiety for many and even affected their overall decision making in maintaining and managing life during the pandemic.
Intimate partner violence was also reported in the survey, showing that one in four women are affected by it.
Professor Jane Fisher, director of Global and Women’s Health at Monash University expressed concerns over the results.
She said that violence has been understood singlehandedly as a physical activity whereas it can be manifested in other forms, emotionally and psychologically.
For women who had tried to get pregnant, one in four reported infertility, of whom one in three considered discussing with a GP.
When it comes to maternal health, three in five women lack support after miscarriage and childbirth.
Jackie Mead, co-CEO of Red Nose said that she was not surprised by the figures of the survey.
The healthcare system of Australia itself is incapable of dealing with the succeeding programs for women experiencing emotional and psychological effects after a miscarriage.
Added by the COVID-19 restrictions, more than 50% reported a lack of access to healthcare services, affecting largely those who are in the rural and remote areas.
For women aged 25-44, one in three said that they do not have enough time to attend health appointments.
The National Women’s Health Survey has been going on for 6 years and has been valuable in providing direct results on the status of women concerning healthcare. Dr. Farrell said that it is important to determine these indicators to inform the decision-making process of the industry in dealing with it.
Also, Dr. Farrell believes that mental health needs a lot more support that comes for the role of GPs. Having an adequate understanding of the presentation and its possible reflection on the patient’s mental health will allow the practitioner to effectively manage the necessary healthcare needs.
Minister Hunt assured that the findings of this year’s survey will serve as a lesson for the government in drafting the long-term National Women’s Health Strategy to 2030.
