Narrative review of women’s health in Iran: challenges and successes

Abstract

BackgroundIn each society, the health of women in different periods may be endangered by an unequal distribution of resources, facilities, and gender prejudices. The present study evaluated the time trend of Iranian women’s health between 1990 and 2013.MethodsThis narrative review includes an integration and descriptive summary of the existing evidence on trends and criteria of different aspects of women’s health from social determinant point of view. The evidence was drawn from peer-reviewed, cross-national or large-scale studies, official sources of the Ministry of Health, reviews, and online scientific databases published between 1990 and 2013.ResultsThe average life expectancy of Iranian women has increased from 44.15 years in 1960 to 75.75 years in 2012; in most deprived provinces of Iran, however, this criterion is about 67.3 years, and in the capital it is 75.8 years. In 2011, 43.37 % of DALYS, 36.21 % of YLL, and 1.92 % of YLD were dedicated to women; these figures were 3.63 % lower than they were in 2003. Although a significant reduction has occurred in maternal mortality rate, which dropped from 83 to 23 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2013, there is no equal distribution in maternal mortality across the country as manifested by the unfavorable conditions of border provinces (SD = 19.2). The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is an alarming health problem among Iranian females, increasing approximately 546 % between 2007 and 2015. As for mental health, depression in women was ranked first among diseases in 2011 compared to a second place ranking in 2003. As regards social health, the delinquency of women has increased in recent years compared to men with women committing more crimes related to drugs and actions against virtue. The annual report of the United Nations for the gender gap index in 2013 ranked Iran as 130 among 136 countries (from 0.622 in 2000 to 0.584 in 2013).ConclusionGenerally, over the last three decades, the health indices of Iranian women have grown in aspects of physical, mental, and social health. Remarkable differences can be seen among female health indices based on geographic location and in comparison with men. To promote an improved health status for Iranian women, the root causes of the discrepancies must be identified and a comprehensive national plan must be established.

Women's right to health in Iran: Domestic implementation of international human rights law

“…Also, the number of health facilities is not enough in remote rural areas of this province. Furthermore, more than 50% of maternal mortalities in deprived provinces are reported to be preventable …”

“…Limited access to reproductive health information and contraceptives can result in unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection, and pregnancy‐related illnesses and death. Studies showed that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among Iranian women has increased by 550% from 2007 to 2015 . Most of these women are infected via having sex with their partners .…”

“…Furthermore, more than 50% of maternal mortalities in deprived provinces are reported to be preventable. 18,19 By successful control of communicable diseases and improvement of maternity health around the country, now the main causes of Iranian women's diseases are related to their lifestyle. 20 Chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and other NCDs are ranked as the major causes of death among Iranian women.…”

“…Studies showed that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among Iranian women has increased by 550% from 2007 to 2015. 19 Most of these women are infected via having sex with their partners. 29 It seems that Iran has an immediate need of a national SRH policy that empowers women and men in preserving their health.…”

The Miracle of the Behvarzes’ Efforts on Women’s Health; Iran’s Experience

“…A symbol of such collaboration between the community and first level health system can be seen in epidemics and delivering healthcare. Another sign of this collaboration is the large number of female health volunteers, who are working with Behvarzes to promote community health (5). It is obvious that companionship of other sectors' developmental programs has resulted in an overall socioeconomic development of the rural population and has made the improvement of health indicators sustainable.…”