Evaluation of the PhD Program in Reproductive Health in Iran Based on the Context-Input-Product-Process Model

Owing to the fact that seven years has passed since the establishment of the PhD program in reproductive health in Iran, its evaluation is essential. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the PhD program in reproductive health in Iran based on the Context-Input-Product-Process (CIPP) evaluation model.

This descriptive study was conducted in 2013 in the nursing and midwifery schools of Iran in which a PhD program in reproductive health was being taught (Tehran, Shahid Beheshti, Isfahan, Shahroud, and Mashhad Universities). The study population consisted of all heads of departments of midwifery, faculty members of PhD programs in reproductive health, heads of libraries in nursing and midwifery schools, graduates and reproductive health PhD students of medical sciences universities in Iran. Data collection tools consisted of five researcher-made questionnaires based on the CIPP model and a checklist of educational facilities and equipment assessment. Content and face validity were evaluated based on expert opinion. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated in order to obtain the reliability of the questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean of groups were compared using One-way ANOVA.

The status of context indicators of PhD programs in reproductive health was evaluated as appropriate by 60% of department heads, 83.3% faculty members, 83.3% graduates, and 74.1% students. Managers, graduates, and students evaluated the status of input indicators of PhD programs in reproductive health as fairly appropriate. Moreover, faculty members, graduates, and students evaluated the status of process indicators of PhD program in reproductive health as fairly appropriate. In addition, in the product domain, managers, faculty members, and students evaluated the status of product indicators of PhD programs in reproductive health as fairly appropriate.

The results of this study showed that the status of PhD programs in reproductive health was fairly appropriate; therefore, it seems necessary to improve the indicators that cause the program status to be fairly appropriate.