Iranian Female Adolescents’ Reproductive Health Needs: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction Adolescence is a transitional stage of psychological and physical development that brings change, growth, and, all too often, health risks to reproduction (1). It is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the period between 10 and 19 years of age (2). The need for quality improvement in health services intended for adolescents, including health care services related to human reproduction, has been recognized around the world (3). It was reported that sexual violence, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), abortion, psychological well-being Influence the reproductive health of adolescents (4). About 100 million become infected with a treatable sexually transmitted infection. In addition, about 15 million adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 give birth and 3 million girls aged 15 to 19 undergo unsafe abortions every year (5). Since abortion is illegal in Iran, there is a lack of data demonstrating the prevalence of abortion in adolescents (4). Universally, about 40% of all new HIV infections occur in young people according to recent estimates (2). However, there is not enough data on HIV due to the lack of reporting from the private sector (4). Availability of information resources and access to reproductive health services is also essential to facilitate healthy pregnancies and births (6). A health needs assessment is a systematic process to ensure that all people have access to quality essential health services in an effective, efficient and safe way (2). Respecting the needs and concerns of adolescents is an essential element to create a successful health program (7). Undertaking comprehensive adolescent's reproductive health needs (RHN) assessments combined with self-care is a good method to improve the quality of life in young people (8). However, the existing studies indicate that the aspect of needs in reproductive health care services for adolescents is not well understood (5). In addition, there is a gap between the needs and current program planning for adolescent health in unindustrialized countries (9). Adolescents often lack basic reproductive health information and access to inexpensive, confidential reproductive and sexual health-care services (10). Access to adolescent-friendly services is the key to maintaining a healthy reproductive system (3). Obtaining sexual and reproductive health services is limited by the concerns about the ability to pay and lack of understanding of health care providers (11). The lack of parent-adolescent relationship prevents them from talking about their reproductive health concerns (12). Despite the availability of existing knowledge about the adolescents' RHN, relevant studies are also scattered across a wide range of journals. On the other hand, there

Sexual Self-Efficacy and Associated Factors: A Review

“…There has been a developing comprehension that SSE is affected by macro factors that are substantial for realization of decision-making about sexual issues and behavior (11). SSE (i.e.…”

“…Although evidence suggests that SSE is necessary for the sexual function and safe sexual behavior (11), the factors related to the SSE remain marginalized and neglected in sexual health education programs. While understanding these factors may improve people's knowledge, attitudes, beliefs or behavioral practices and could lead to a reduction in risky sexual behavior (12).…”

Participatory Action Research Approach to improve Adolescent Girls' Reproductive Health

“…There are no explicit policies supporting the provision of RH education for them in Iranian schools. For the successful implementation of the school-based component of this intervention, participatory teaching methods that engage students are necessary ( Panjalipour et al ., 2018 ). Also, the healthcare system in Iran does not provide RH services tailored for adolescents.…”

“…The current study revealed that participants do not have enough, or correct knowledge about RH. This problem was reported in several Iranian studies ( Simbar et al ., 2017 ; Mirzaii Najmabadi et al ., 2018 ; Panjalipour et al ., 2018 ).…”

Factors Related to Maternal-Infant Attachment

“…Mothers, who have an elevated attachment to their infants are often aware of their needs, and this feeling affects many aspects of the infant's personality, such as their sense of curiosity, and ability to socialize and trust (7). In this relationship, the infant would learn the manner of relating to and communicating with others, and therefore, it is considered as the foundation for the formation of the child's future behaviors (8).…”