Ramezani Tehrani F¹ (MD), Simbar M² * (PhD), Abedini M³ (MD)

  ¹ Reproductive Endocrinology Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences,

  Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

  ² Department of Reproductive Health, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery,

  Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

  ³ Department of Geriatic, health care Department, Deputy of Health,

  Ministry of Health and Medical education Tehran, Iran

  Received: 11 Aug 2010, Accepted: 23 Apr 2011

  Abstract

  Introduction: The extent and effects of reproductive morbidities on health and quality of life of women in developing countries are evident. Measuring maternal and reproductive morbidities are suggested to be considered as indicators of maternal and reproductive health. This study aimed to assess prevalence of reproductive morbidities including reproductive tract infections (RTIs), pelvic organ relaxation (POR), and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in Iran, to be a base for planning of necessary reproductive health care and education services.

  Methods: In this community-based descriptive study, 1239 women aged 18-45 years were recruited using a randomized cluster sampling method from four selected provinces in Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire with demographic and fertility sections and an observational checklist for physical examination. Face and content validities as well as test-retest and inter-rater reliability of these tools had been assessed beforehand.

  Results: The prevalence of RTIs, POR, and AUB were 37.6%, 40.4%, and 31%, respectively. Results demonstrated that 35.1, 34.5 and 9.6 percent of women experienced one, two, and three kinds of morbidities, respectively. Only 20.6% of participants had none of above-mentioned reproductive morbidities.

  Conclusion: Reproductive health screening programs are necessary for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of reproductive morbidities. Achieving global definitions of reproductive indexes is necessary for estimating the prevalence of reproductive morbidities in order to planning health care programs.

  Key words: P revalence, Reproductive morbidity, RTI, POR, AUB

  Hakim Research Journal 2011 14(1): 32- 40.

  * Corresponding Author: 3th floor, Deputy of research, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Vali-Asr Avenue, Cross of Vali-Asr and Neiaiesh Highway, Opposite to Rajaee Heart Hospital, Tehran, Iran, Postal Code: 1996835119. Tel & Fax: +098- 21- 88202516, E-mail: msimbar@sbmu.ac.ir