Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111096

Melissa Andrea Simon, MD, MPH, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University McGaw School of Medicine, 333 East Superior, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-694-8901, simonmelissa@yahoo.com and XinQi Dong, MD, Section of Geriatrics, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland, Chicago, IL 60637.

INTRODUCTION: In the developing world, the traditional paradigm of women's health focuses on maternal healthcare thus often preempting attention needed to the health of older women. Currently, out of the 600 million older women worldwide, over 400 million are living in the developing world and by 2020, five out of seven older women will reside in developing countries. METHODS: In 2003, two months were spent in the Dominican Republic working in clinics and hospitals while helping to establish a health care program. Through experience and direct observation, a dire need to focus on older women's health was uncovered. Extensive literature review was also performed on Medline. RESULTS: Through extensive literature research and review, the situation in Dominican Republic is similar to other developing countries around the world. There is a lack of providers, facilities, and knowledge of issues specific to older women's health. There are many barriers to the effective provision of health care to older women including a lack of data and medical intervention, especially prevention. There is also an absence of educational programming targeting them. A multidisciplinary approach involving increasing governmental and public awareness, strengthening support services and medical education, and advocating the concept of healthy aging are some proposed solutions. CONCLUSION: There is little focus in OB/GYN training of international women's health, let alone older women's health. However, obstetricians and gynecologists often are a woman's sole provider of health care throughout their lifespan. There is truly a need to increase awareness and promotion of older women's health.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the needs of older women’s health in developing countries.
• Identify the barriers to provision of health care to older women in the developing world.
• Discuss options and strategies for overcoming the barriers to providing and promoting older women’s health in developing countries.

Keywords: International Health, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.