Zahra Kiani, Masoumeh Simbar, Mahrokh Dolatian, Farid Zaeri,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim : Empowering women means enabling them to decide independently on the basic issues of life. The great challenge of fertility and reproductive health of women is indicative of their inability to make decisions . The third objective of the Millennium Development Goals is empowerment of women and the effect of social determinants of health in this regard has been recognized. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between structural social determinants of health and women's empowerment in reproductive health.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-correlation study including 400 women consulting the Shahid-Beheshti University of Medical Sciences health centers in Tehran, Iran. In the first stage, the health centers were selected by the simple random method, followed by quota sampling the f inal sampling was done by the convenience sampling method. The tools for data collection were demographic and socio-economic questionnaires, as well as a questionnaire to obtain data on women's empowerment in reproductive health . Data were analyzed using SPSS-17.
Results: That data showed that the women’s empowerment in reproductive health was at an intermediate level. Structural social determinants of health were correlated with women’s empowerment in reproductive health the highest correlation was found to be with women’s education level (r= 0.44, P< 0.001).
Conclusions: Women's general empowerment, as well as their empowerment and in family planning needs special attention. Structural social determinants of health are correlated with women's empowerment in reproductive health . Thus, policies should be adopted and plans executed aiming at strengthening the role of women in the family and the society .
Azar Tol, Bahram Mohebbi, Elham Shakibazadeh, Mehdi Yaseri, Maryam Sabouri,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In health promotion, empowerment is a process through which people gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health. This study aimed to assess the predictive factors of health care empowerment among women in reproductive age in 2016.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 549women in reproductive age referring to health centers in South Tehran. The participants were recruited through cluster and multi-stratified sampling. Data were collected using the Health Care Empowerment Questionnaire (HCEQ), which has three subscales, namely, degree of control, involvement in interactions and involvement in decision-making. The data were analyzed using the descriptive and analytical tests and multi-regression analysis.
Results: Husbands' education level, women's employment, family size, ethnicity, history of chronic diseases and economic status were predictors of degree of control. Husbands' education level (under high school diploma and high school diploma), family size (2-3, 3-4) and moderate economic status (sufficient income) predicted involvement in interactions. In addition, husbands' education (incomplete high school diploma and high school diploma), family size (2-3, 3-4), women's employment and history of chronic diseases predicted involvement in decision-making.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that various individual, family and socio-economic conditions of reproductive-age women influence their potential empowerment for receiving health care services. A family-based approach to facilitate receiving reproductive health care seems to be essential.
