Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Madhuvanti Mahadeo, DrPH, Department of Public Health, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 411 E 69th Street, KB-202, New York, NY 10021, 718 288 2813, mmahadeo@gmail.com

Background: Drug use has been shown to have negative effects, including abuse, on relationships. Yet many women stay in these unhealthy relationships. On the island of Trinidad, use of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine is rampant, particularly by men. Specifically, within the East Indian population, women tend to stay with these drug users. Objectives: This paper aims to understand the experiences of Indo-Trinidadian women in long-term relationships with drug-using men and to examine why women stay in the relationships. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted within the East Indian community. A qualitatively derived method, situation analysis, was used, with ten women, five men, two community leaders, and key informants sharing their experiences. Themes were coded and interpreted from interview transcriptions. Results: For these Indian women, cultural and religious expectations were crucial to the decision of staying. Lack of familial support, or encouragement by family members to “work things out” also led to women staying. Feeling a sense of responsibility for the drug user was also a factor. The broader contexts of de-industrialization and community disintegration further influenced women to keep their families together. Discussion: Women stayed with their partners for a variety of reasons with no intention of leaving the situation. Because of religious and cultural considerations, it is necessary to help women deal with their situation as opposed to encouraging them to leave their husbands, since this is considered by the women as a deterrent to seeking help. Making services available and advertising services such as counseling is also important.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Understand the roles of culture and religion in women's health.
• Recognize the indirect impact of de-industrialization and community disintegration on families. 3.Discuss how to help women who choose to stay in relationships with drug users.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered