[Economic factors related to the Millennium Development Goals: a literature review]

To systematize all the information published on the status of and progress made toward the Health-related Millennium Development Goals (HMDGs), as well as to understand associations with certain economic factors and the potential for success.

A search was conducted for all scientific articles covering the Millennium Development Goals in general, published from 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2006, in the electronic databases of the EBSCO, CSA Illumina, Thomson Gale, SwetsWise, and BIREME. All original articles in English or Spanish that evaluated HMDG status, progress, and determinants were selected. The analysis evaluated the distribution of determinants of HMDG status or progress, the HMDGs referred to, the study type, the relationship between economic indicators and health, the study location, and the status and potential for attaining the HMDGs. The quality of the articles was also rated.

Of the 304 original articles found, 114 (37.5%) covered one or more HMDGs. The most frequently addressed goals were those concerning infant and maternal mortality. Of the 39 articles that evaluated HMDGs and their association with economic variables, 13 dealt with economic factors related to equity, policy, or globalization. Economic and policy factors were most frequently associated with HMDG status or progress.

There is a definitive trend toward measuring HMDG status and progress according to economic factors that reflect the population's condition. There is an information gap regarding government spending, international commerce, international aid, and global economic policy. The potential for achieving HMDGs in poor countries is low.