Women's health in developing countries

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2006 Dec;20(6):907-22. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2006.06.005. Epub 2006 Aug 4.

Abstract

Healthcare priorities are different in developing and developed countries. A more effective resource allocation, complemented by efforts to implement only those practices that are effective, should be a priority for improving reproductive health services in developing countries. A large burden of gynaecological disease exists in developing countries and it is difficult to envisage serious reforms and improvements without an increase in public-sector spending. However, communities themselves could assume some responsibility for women's health in ways that prioritize women's own perceptions and primary needs. In this chapter we have compiled existing evidence regarding various gynaecological problems faced by women in developing countries. To name a few: sexual health issues, abortion, subfertility, cancer, and genital fistulae. We believe that there is a large knowledge gap in the area of women's health in developing countries, and there is an urgent need to conduct appropriately designed studies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced / statistics & numerical data
  • Developing Countries*
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Infertility / epidemiology
  • Infertility / therapy
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Unwanted
  • Reproductive Medicine*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / therapy
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / transmission
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / surgery
  • Vaginal Fistula / epidemiology
  • Vaginal Fistula / surgery
  • Women's Health*