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
Abstract
Introduction: 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. Finally, 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 objective after their titles, abstracts, and texts were evaluated. A crosssectional
article, a combined article, two qualitative articles, an experimental article, and a
case report were among the chosen articles. These 6 studies uncovered a diverse range of RH
issues. Most women’s problems in disasters are caused by lack of awareness and knowledge,
lack of support and protection equipment, 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. Therefore, the issue of RH among women should be given
special consideration by health policymakers. Creating RH programs for women affected by
disasters is essential to disaster management. Therefore, to lessen their suffering and issues
during disasters, countries should develop thorough guidelines and programs to improve the
RH of women and girls of childbearing age.
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