Maternal Time Allocation in Relation to Kind and Domain of Primary Health Care

In this article I review research questions and findings in the area of maternal time allocation and child health and nutrition as an introduction to more general issues related to time allocation and primary health care. I present an organizing framework for thinking about primary health care activities which focuses on the kind of care required (prevention, management) and the domain in which it takes place (home, clinic, community). I hypothesize that the determinants of people's participation in different health activities vary according to kind and domain of care. This proposition is examined in relation to maternal time constraints by presenting four examples of time‐related studies in Haiti and Rwanda. The examples identify two key factors, child's age and availability of competent caretakers, which influence health behavior across different kinds and domains of care. I conclude by considering the implications of these ideas for new research, study design, and health policy.