Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department Of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center. Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Women’s health is supposed to be one of the indicators of development.
Reproductive health is an important part of women’s health. Vulnerable women are a group of women
whose reproductive health needs to be given special attention. The purpose of this study was to
compare the reproductive health of vulnerable and nonvulnerable women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted on vulnerable
women (n = 250) and nonvulnerable women (n = 250). The samples were selected from vulnerable
women’s centers and comprehensive health centers in Isfahan by quota and using simple random
sampling method in 2017. The research tool was a researcher‑made questionnaire completed by the
researcher using interview method. Internal reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed to be 0.89
using Cronbach’s alpha. A P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Data analysis was
performed using SPSS 18 software and independent t‑test, Mann–Whitney, Pearson, Spearman,
and Chi‑square tests.
RESULTS: The results showed that the mean total score of reproductive health in the nonvulnerable
group (81.41) was significantly higher than that of the vulnerable group (68.6). The mean total score
and the score of reproductive health components, except some of them, were significantly different
between the two groups (P < 0.05). Having an addicted spouse and unsafe sex were the most
prevalent features associated with high‑risk behaviors.
CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, reproductive health status of vulnerable women
is inappropriate in all dimensions. Given the importance of this issue, the development and
implementation of special health programs for this group seem to be necessary.
Keywords
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