Research in family medicine in developing countries

Abstract

The output of family medicine research in developing countries varies vastly from country to country and also within countries. Most research originates from academic departments of family medicine or from collaborative initiatives with researchers in developed countries. There is generally a paucity of researchers, resources, and expertise. Many factors affecting the research output in primary care internationally applies in developing countries, but there are also factors that are unique to these countries. Solutions require financial resources and international goodwill. Wonca could play a major role in enhancing research in family medicine in the developing world.

Figure 1.

Distribution of burden of disease in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by cause in World Health Orgainzation regions (estimated for 2000). Non-comm = noncommunicable, comm = communicable, Medit = Mediterranean.