Risk factors and the risk approach for the proper care of women in reproductive age

Abstract

Different models are presented for interpreting maternal mortality and the causal relationship of risk factors. The risk approach is explained and the difference between risk and risk factor is established. Elements of epidemiological surveillance for the risk approach are presented. The relationship between this approach and components of primary care is identified. The possibilities offered by the risk approach for the development of the local health care systems are emphasized. Maternal mortality is accepted as an expression of the generic differential and, therefore, as an Index of women's health and of the reproductive health of the community.Different models are presented for interpreting maternal mortality and the causal relationship of risk factors. The risk approach is explained and the difference between risk and risk factor is established. Elements of epidemiological surveillance for the risk approach are presented. The relationship between this approach and components of primary care is identified. The possibilities offered by the risk approach for the development of the local health care systems are emphasized. Maternal mortality is accepted as an expression of the generic differential and, therefore, as an Index of women's health and of the reproductive health of the community.