From Kilimanjaro to the Himalayas: studies of health determinants in Third World communities

Abstract

Studies in communities in developing countries may seem far from occupational medicine in the UK, but there is much in common. Poverty and inequality, and the lack of control and choices that follow, are important causes of ill health. The methodology described in this paper is based on the concept that measurement should itself contribute to development and empower people. It combines quantitative data from large scale household surveys with qualitative data from focus groups, key informants and institutional reviews. In Nepal, malnutrition in children is seen to be related not only to feeding practices but also to the status of women. In Uganda, highlighting areas of poor service delivery in health and agriculture has initiated dialogue about improving local delivery of these services. In Tanzania, corruption in public services adversely affects everyday life; the survey results are part of an integrated strategy to tackle the problem.