Table 7 Using local evidence to diagnose the likely causes of a health issue

An Australian study of the factors affecting recreational physical activity found that while people living in disadvantaged areas had similar levels of access to public open space as those in wealthier locations, the equipment and space available in the disadvantaged areas were of lower quality. The study suggested that this may explain lower levels of use of these spaces in disadvantaged areas [43].

A province in Argentina detected an increase in maternal mortality. When looking for explanatory reasons, a recent local study was identified in which the causes of maternal mortality were assessed. The report also evaluated those aspects of healthcare that needed to be modified in order to decrease mortality. This local study suggested that abortion was the most common cause of maternal death.

(The report is available at: http://www.aagop.com.ar/articulos/CEDES.pdf)