Women's health in Iran: issues and challenges

This article focuses on major women's health issues and challenges in policy making, planning, and implementation in Iran. This qualitative research involved focus group discussions with experts from both academic and administrative bodies. Data were collected, coded and analyzed after 2 sessions of 4 different focus groups. The most important identified health issues were: malnutrition, high prevalence of chronic disorders such as osteoporosis, poor mobility, lack of reproductive health education and inappropriate use of contraceptive methods, high prevalence of mental disorders and conflicts generated by the transition from a traditional to a modern lifestyle: The main challenges were: lack of interdisciplinary research, and efficient health information system, inadequate access to reliable statistics or research data, poor need assessment at various levels, poor data analysis and limited applicability of research knowledge, lack of effective communication between researchers and planners, and budgetary restrictions. Strategies proposed included: identification of the existing information gaps, greater support for research in priority areas, creation of appropriate system to collect research data, and setting up a network of communication to promote optimal use of research-generated knowledge in policy making and planning. The findings from this study can serve as guidelines for health managers and planners in their efforts to identify current priorities for women's health in Iran. Promotion of effective cooperation between various government agencies (notably those within the Health Ministry), research and academic institutions, and other organizations concerned with issues of women's health is recommended.