The effects of dictatorship on health: the case of Turkmenistan
2007

The Effects of Dictatorship on Health in Turkmenistan

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rechel Bernd, McKee Martin

Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Hypothesis

Is the health crisis in Turkmenistan attributable to the consequences of the dictatorship under president Niyazov?

Conclusion

The dictatorship has contributed to the health crisis facing Turkmenistan.

Supporting Evidence

  • The regime's policy of secrecy and denial leads to health care problems.
  • Drug trafficking complicity has increased drug use and health issues.
  • The health care system has been neglected, worsening the health crisis.

Takeaway

In Turkmenistan, the government's harsh rules and secrecy have made people sick and hurt their access to healthcare.

Methodology

The study used semi-structured interviews with key informants and a comprehensive search of secondary information sources.

Potential Biases

The government's control over information and media may lead to significant bias in health reporting.

Limitations

The study relies on limited and potentially biased data due to the government's secrecy.

Participant Demographics

The population of Turkmenistan is about 5 million, mostly living in rural areas.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1741-7015-5-21

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