WOMENS HEALTH IN THE PEOPLES-REPUBLIC-OF-CHINA - SOME CHALLENGES OF MODERNIZATION

Objective To identify aspects of the health of Chinese women throughou t their lifespan which may paradoxically be threatened by modernizatio n and to suggest relevant interventions through medical practice, educ ation and research to meet these challenges. Data sources Six risk are as were selected as examples: infant sex ratios; tobacco use by girls; respiratory illness plus anemia; psychosocial stress; osteoporosis; a nd dementia. Articles and other databases, through article citations, and through consultations with Chinese medical professionals. Data sel ection Studies were selected which described clinical investigations, health care policy, or conditions of women in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Preference (but not exclusivity) was given to articles i n internationally available publications, in English, and to authors w orking in the PRC. Data extraction Study quality, specific descriptive information concerning population, samples, and outcome measures were evaluated. Data synthesis Data documenting the present and future sig nificance of these health threats are described, and current and poten tial interventions to address these problems through medical practice, education and research are outlined. Conclusion Important issues in w omen's health are currently recognized in the PRC ; problems occur in assigning priorities in the face of a large population and limited res ources. The Chinese medical community plays a central role in developi ng and carrying out interventions to protect and promote women's healt h.