32. Hundt, G., Abed, Y., El Alem, A., and Shawaa, R. Evaluation and Improvement of Maternal and Child Preventive Health Resources and Services of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip - Summary of Main Findings.
In Arabic and English.

The three objectives of this study are: (1) to carry out an evaluation of maternal and child health (MCH) services and resources, lay an professional, in Gaza; (2) to promote the improvement of MCH care and services within clinics and the community so that health outcomes and satisfaction may be improved; and (3) to foster cooperation between researchers, clinicians, policy makers and health personnel through workshops, seminars and visits. The study covers three areas of Gaza including Rimal District, Jabalia village and Jabalia camp. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. Observational methods were used in clinics and pharmacies, while interview methods were used with various samples. These samples included 600 children randomly selected from birth records, 157 women recruited in home and clinic settings, 453 randomly women selected from birth registers, six groups of men, six groups of clinic staff, and four groups of Traditional Birth Attendants. Results indicate that 45% of all mothers interviewed married at a young age (17-20 years). Only 5% of the women surveyed did not attend antenatal care. Thirty-three percent of new mothers received a home visit by a Daya (traditional birth attendant) during the postnatal period. Based on the various results, each section is concluded by issues for discussion raised by the authors.