Women's Reproductive Health in Disasters: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Review

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

4 Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

10.30476/jhmi.2023.100416.1188

Abstract

Background: Reproductive health services have remained a top priority in humanitarian emergencies. As more people are displaced, and their mobility areas become more diverse, emergency response efforts must ensure access to standard RH care services. This systematic review aimed to evaluate and interpret the research on Reproductive health in disasters conducted in 2022.

Methods: From January 2010 to December 2022, a systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochran Library, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, as well as Science Direct, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases. The author chose the articles based on keywords. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also considered for the selection of articles, and the quality of the articles was checked with the relevant checklists. The articles were mined for information on Reproductive health (RH) in disasters.

Results: 213 articles were extracted after searching the databases. 7 articles were completely in line with the study's objective after their titles, abstracts, and texts were evaluated. A cross-sectional article, a combined article, two qualitative articles, an experimental article, and a case report was among the chosen articles. These 6 studies uncovered a diverse range of RH issues. Most women's problems in disasters are caused by a lack of awareness and knowledge; a lack of support and protection equipment; a lack of support from organizations in charge; and ignorance of cultural factors.

Conclusion: The most vulnerable individuals in society are women and girls. Women's living conditions are worsened, and they experience mental, psychological, and physical stress due to emergencies and disasters.

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