Women's Health Counts

This group of essays provides an introduction to the main sources of statistical data on women's health, and illustrates the problems which may arise from data collection. It presents some of the issues of concern in the use of randomized controlled trials, and places data in its social context.

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In the current climate of medical audit, cost effectiveness, and the selective use of statistics for political purposes, those concerned with women's health cannot afford to dismiss what can be learned through the use of statistics. While a women-centred approach to health has traditionally been seen as relying on women's own experiences and accounts, there is an important place for the effective use and analysis of hard data in studies of women's health and illness. This collection is an introduction to the main sources of statistical data and illustrates the problems which may arise from their collection and use. "Women's Health Counts" also explores the extent and limitations of official data and shows what can be learned from large data sets; presents some of the issues of concern in the use of randomized controlled trials, and looks at the way in which qualitative research may help us interpret statistical data, as well as placing the use of quantitative data on women and health in its political and social context.