Conceptual Framework for Integrating Holistic Perspectives and Approaches to Problems of Safe Motherhood

ABSTRACT

This article provides a conceptual framework for incorporating the array of variables defined in maternal health research in order to explicate their influence on problems of safe motherhood. Focusing an overview of the articles in this collection, in addition to strategies and policies needed from practitioners' perspectives and finding from case studies, research findings from a variety of countries are provided. Factors influencing positive outcomes such as age of mother, skilled attendants at delivery, and prenatal care are considered. The importance of the political and economic structure and stability of the country which plays an important role is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Cross-cultural
• globalization
• pregnancy
• prenatal care
• safe motherhood

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Barbara Wejnert

Barbara Wejnert, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Gender Studies at SUNY-Buffalo.

Suzanne K. Steinmetz

Suzanne K. Steinmetz, PhD, MSW, is Professor of Sociology at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI).

Nirupama Prakash

Nirupama Prakash, PhD, is a Professor at Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, India, and a Director of Women Studies & Societal Development Unit.