Raising awareness about reproductive morbidity.

Lack of awareness of the extent and effect of reproductive morbidity on the health and quality of life of women in developing countries is evident at national, community and individual levels. Raising awareness at national level requires population-based, epidemiological information which must be validated. At community level, public opinion mediates women's actions when they are sick and fear of social consequences provides a barrier to treatment. Individually, women find it difficult to talk about sexual reproductive health and its management. Methodologies currently being developed for raising awareness at all levels are described.