Raising awareness about reproductive morbidity

Abstract

Lack of awareness of the extent and effect of reproductive morbidity on the health and quality of life of women in developing countries is evident at national, community and individual levels. Raising awareness at national level requires population-based, epidemiological information which must be validated. At community level, public opinion mediates women's actions when they are sick and fear of social consequences provides a barrier to treatment. Individually, women find it difficult to talk about sexual reproductive health and its management. Methodologies currently being developed for raising awareness at all levels are described.

PIP: A World Health Organization Technical Group Report has defined reproductive morbidity as any condition or dysfunction of the reproductive tract, or any morbidity which is a consequence of reproductive behavior including pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, or sexual behavior. Lack of awareness that reproductive morbidity is a serious health problem of women should be a cause for concern. There is, indeed, a lack of awareness at the national, community, and individual levels of the extent and effect of reproductive morbidity on the health and quality of life of women in developing countries. Raising awareness is necessary to encourage health care providers to identify common morbid conditions and their underlying causes. Heightened awareness should then lead to the development of a policy for the management of reproductive morbidity which increases women's control over sexual health and their confidence to seek treatment. Raising awareness is integrally related to the collection and feedback of information. Information of different types and precision is needed to influence opinion and motivate action at several levels. Raising awareness at the national level requires valid population-based, epidemiological information. At the community level, public opinion mediates women's actions when they are sick and fear of social consequences provides a barrier to treatment. Individually, women find it difficult to discuss sexual reproductive health and its management. Methodologies currently being developed for raising awareness at all levels are described.