Research Group: Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health

Our long-term goal is to contribute to cutting-edge research and evidence-based practice that can both facilitate access to sexual, reproductive and perinatal health (SRPH), and ensure the rights of the individual in relation to SRPH.

Sexual, reproductive and perinatal health (SRPH) encompasses the entire life-cycle perspective on sexuality, procreation and the time before, during and after childbirth, as well as the rights of the individual.

In global terms, our goal is that all countries can provide their respective population with SRPH through the development and implementation of new knowledge and skills. We need to preserve and safeguard what we have achieved in SRPH research at both national and international levels, and then make use of the knowledge we acquire.

The Research Group

The Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health research group at Dalarna University (DU/SRPH) is based in the Swedish province of Dalarna. Its focus is the establishment of methods by which to improve reproductive health and the health of children and adolescents not least because SRPH is hugely significant within the context of public health and socio-economic development.

Our group is interdisciplinary. This results in research projects that incorporate a range of analytical methods and a wide collection of data.

Lack of Access to SRPH – a Major Challenge

According to WHO, nearly 300 000 women lose their lives every year as a result of pregnancy and childbirth-related factors. In addition, nearly 2 million newborns die each year from childbirth-related infection or complications. Many of these deaths could be avoided if there was access to professional midwifery care such as there is in Sweden.

UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SDG Target 3.1 Reduce Maternal Mortality under Global Goal 3 Good Health and Well-Being sets the target of reducing global maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100 000 live births. The SDG Target 3.2 End All Preventable Deaths Under 5 Years of Age sets the target of ending preventable deaths of newborns and reducing neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1 000 live births. To meet these targets, better access to SRPH is required, and this is where we focus our work and research.

In Sweden, it has long been important to ensure that all women have access to maternity and obstetric care, regardless of their individual circumstances. This is not always the case in the other countries where we work. Through our international commitment and involvement, we have gained insight into the importance of gender equality for both SRPH and the well-being, health and socioeconomic development of a population. We need also to ensure that within the context of Sweden, the rights of the individual and the quality SRPH care that is currently available here are maintained.

More Information about Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health (SRPH)

The midwife’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: protect and invest together – the Swedish example - PMC (nih.gov)

Kerstin Erlandsson
Professor Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health
Lecturer Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health
Marie Klingberg Allvin
Professor Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health (Leave of Absence)
Elin Ternström
Senior Lecturer Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health
Anneli Strömsöe
Associate Professor Medical Sciences
Senior Lecturer Nursing

Research Projects

Further Research at Dalarna University

Video: Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health - A Human Right

More videos/Playlist 

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Kerstin Erlandsson
Professor Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health
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