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Improving the Health Status of Afghan Mothers Living in the Islamic Republic of Iran; [Amelioration De L'etat De Sante Des Meres Afghanes Vivant En Republique Islamique D’Iran] Publisher Pubmed



Changizi N1, 2 ; Afshar NE2 ; Farahani Z3 ; Shariat M4 ; Hejazi S2 ; Jahromy LH2 ; Ghasabe SR2 ; Radpooyan L2
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Maternal Health Department, Population, Family, and School Health Office, Vice Chancellery for Health, Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Breastfeeding Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal Published:2023


Abstract

Background: The healthcare system of the Islamic Republic of Iran provides special maternal health care services for mothers, regardless of their nationality. Aim: This study, supported by the United Nations Population Fund, was conducted to review available data associated with health indicators of Afghan mothers living in Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: This descriptive study used data from the electronic registration system of the Maternal Health Office of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education on characteristics, morbidity and mortality among Afghan mothers in the Islamic Republic of Iran from 2017 to 2019. The data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Based on the results, we propose interventions to improve health services for vulnerable Afghan mothers. Results: There were 168 488 deliveries over the 3 years of the study (2017–2019). Deliveries by Afghan women increased from 3.4% in 2017 to 5.2% in 2019, and more than 70% of these Afghan women were vulnerable. Ten percent of deliveries among Afghan mothers were performed by traditional birth attendants. The rate of caesarean section among Afghan mothers was 30%. Maternal mortality ratio among the Afghan mothers was 43 per 100 000 for the 3 years. Conclusion: Afghan mothers in the Islamic Republic of Iran use primary health care services provided for mothers in the country. However, healthcare delivery to these mothers is inadequate, although considered better than the care provided to Afghan mothers living in Afghanistan. We recommend targeted interventions to improve the health status of Afghan women living in the Islamic Republic of Iran. © Authors 2023; Licensee: World Health Organization.
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