Socioeconomic differences in self-rated health among women: a comparison of St. Petersburg to Estonia and Finland.

Introduction: Social determinants of health have not been intensively studied in Russia, even though the health divide has been clearly demonstrated by an increased mortality rate among those with low education. A comparative analysis of social health determinants in countries with different historical and economic backgrounds may provide useful evidence for addressing health inequalities. We aimed to assess socioeconomic determinants of self-rated health in St.

Ethnic differences in factors associated with the use of contraception among 20- to 44-year-old women in Estonia and St. Petersburg, Russia.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with contraception among 20- to 44-year-old women in different ethnic groups in two Eastern European countries.

Study Design: Data on sexually experienced women in need of contraception taken from population-based cross-sectional surveys, conducted in Estonia (n=1680) and in St. Petersburg (n=798), were analyzed.

Inequalities in health and health service utilisation among reproductive age women in St. Petersburg, Russia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Russian society has faced dramatic changes in terms of social stratification since the collapse of the Soviet Union. During this time, extensive reforms have taken place in the organisation of health services, including the development of the private sector. Previous studies in Russia have shown a wide gap in mortality between socioeconomic groups.

The determinants of sexually transmitted infections among reproductive age women in St. Petersburg, Estonia and Finland.

Objectives: Sexually transmitted infections' (STIs) rate vary in St. Petersburg, Estonia and Finland; the aim was to compare the determinants of self-reported sexually transmitted infections in these areas.

Methods: Data from four population-based questionnaire surveys were used (Finland in 1992 and 1999; St.

Risk factors for induced abortions in St Petersburg, Estonia and Finland. Results from surveys among women of reproductive age.

Objectives: To compare the risk factors of self-reported abortion in St Petersburg, Estonia and Finland, which are neighbouring areas having different abortion rates.

Methods: Data from four population-based questionnaire surveys (Finland 1992 and 1999; St Petersburg 2003; Estonia 2004) were used. With the exception of the 1992 Finnish survey (based on interviews) all were postal surveys.

Contraceptive use and abortion among women of reproductive age in st. Petersburg, Russia.

Context: Although the characteristics associated with contraceptive use among Russian women have been studied, no large-scale research has been conducted on women's use of different contraceptive methods and abortion.

Methods: A random sample of 1,147 women aged 18-44 completed questionnaires at local women's clinics in St. Petersburg in 2003-2004.

Between a rock and a hard place: the question of money at St. Petersburg women's clinics.

The new financing mechanisms introduced into the Russian health care system since the beginning of the 1990s have not resolved its severe financial problems. This article examines the consequences for outpatient services and the daily work of individual doctors in St. Petersburg, using women's reproductive health services as a case example.