title: Community competence and empowerment: strategies for rural change in women's health service planning and delivery.
abstract: Rural women face a variety of health-related problems, some of which they share with their city sisters. However, the multiple responsibilities of women on the land, and their geographical isolation and lack of support, can lead to physical decline and increased mental strain. It is these factors which are often overlooked in the planning and allocation of funding and services to rural areas. This paper examines the application of community competence and empowerment measures in developing and implementing health services for women in rural Australian communities. A study conducted in the south-west region of Western Australia illustrates the ability of women within rural communities to identify and respond constructively to health issues of concern.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Coakes
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D003256:Community Participation; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006285:Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011209:Power, Psychological; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014904:Western Australia; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*