Maternal health and the measurement trap.

摘要: This paper focuses on the contribution of measurement-related factors to neglect maternal health in resource allocation for programmes and public research. As recent interest has now progressed beyond need information primarily purpose advocacy, have emerged as powerful constraints programme action. Three outstanding needs can be identified: first, establish levels trends specific outcomes; secondly, identify characteristics determinants thirdly, monitor evaluate effectiveness designed influence outcomes. In order meet these needs, emphasis placed operational research by current major initiatives must complemented an equivalent methodological studies. The call improved international national agencies should made unison with Inadequate is a reality that faced throughout world, but particularly developing countries. quality, quantity scope health-related data are elements this inadequacy may discussed terms four factors: indicators, sources, measurement techniques, conceptual framework. paper, lack shown self-reinforcing constitute trap sprung factors. Dismantling revealed weak framework lie at very centre. Maternal tended conceptualized discrete, negative state, characterized physical rather than social or mental manifestations, narrow time-perspective focusing pregnancy, delivery puerperium. broaden perspective develop equally broad definitions represent important steps forward taken.