apologies for cross-posting
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The POWER Study Reproductive & Gynaecological Health chapter 

Using a community-engaged research model and integrated KT approach, the POWER Study is examining a comprehensive set of evidence-based indicators bridging population health and health system performance. The Women's Health Equity Report is serving as an evidence-based tool for policy makers, providers and consumers in their efforts to improve health and reduce health inequities in Ontario. POWER is examining gender differences in access to care, as well as quality and outcomes of care for the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the province and how they differ by gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and geography. 
 
The POWER Study Reproductive and Gynaecological Health chapter provides critical information on patterns of disparities in care for women in Ontario that can be used to target improvement interventions. Care provided for reproductive and gynaecological health issues is deeply imbedded in social and cultural norms and may vary over time, socioeconomic status, across cultures and regionally. Because of the central role that pregnancy and childbirth plays in the lives of many women a substantial proportion of this chapter deals with indicators related to prenatal care, the processes and consequences of childbirth and postpartum care and outcomes. The remaining sections of the chapter report on abortion, hysterectomy for benign conditions and sexually transmitted infection rates. There are known disparities in care by socioeconomic status, age and region for these areas of health care. By painting a picture of inequities in health care access in the province, opportunities for improvement are identified and objective evidence is presented to inform priority setting and to provide a baseline from which to measure progress. 

To download a copy of the full chapter or the highlights document (which outlines the chapter's key findings and messages):  
http://www.powerstudy.ca/the-power-report/the-power-report-volume-2/reproductive-gynaecological-health   
 
The Reproductive and Gynaecological Health Chapter Highlights document is also available in French: http://www.powerstudy.ca/l-etude-power/volume-2

Also available for download from www.powerstudy.ca: 
Introduction to the POWER Study (Ch 1); The POWER Study Framework (Ch 2); Burden of Illness (Ch 3); Cancer (Ch 4); Depression (Ch 5), Cardiovascular Disease (Ch 6), Access to Health Care Services (Ch 7), Musculoskeletal Conditions (Ch 8), Diabetes (Ch 9).
 
Additional volume 2 chapters including HIV and Populations at Risk are forthcoming
 
The POWER Study is funded by Echo: Improving Women's Health in Ontario, an agency of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. This report does not necessarily reflect the views of Echo or the Ministry. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the Report.
 
Arlene S. Bierman, MD, MS
Ontario Women's Health Council Chair in Women's Health, University of Toronto
Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital
30 Bond Street (209 Victoria Street, Room 210-D)
Toronto, ON  M5B 1W8
Phone:  (416) 864-3041
Fax:    (416) 864-5641
Web: www.powerstudy.ca 

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