Reproductive Health Behaviors of Afghan Immigrant Women and its Determinants in Tehran Province, Iran

Forced immigrants and refugees are one of the vulnerable groups in reproductive health studies and policies. Reproductive health issues and challenges are more pronounced in irregular migration. Therefore, this article examines the reproductive health behaviors of Afghan immigrant women and its related socio-demographic factors. The data was collected through a survey and through a multi-stage sampling method with a sample size of 200 Afghan married women in Tehran province. The results indicated that unintended pregnancies, abortions, low access and using of contraceptive, and sexually transmitted diseases are reproductive health issues and challenges of Afghan immigrant women in Iran. In addition, the awareness and attitude of immigrant women towards various aspects of reproductive health is low. The results of multivariate analysis showed that adaptation, generational status, household socio-economic status, awareness and attitudes towards reproductive health have the greatest impact on the reproductive health behaviors of Afghan women. Hence, Afghan women migrants face limitations, both in terms of social acceptance and access to and health services. This situation can lead to a higher prevalence of diseases and high-risk reproductive health behaviors among immigrants. It is suggested to eliminate structural and cultural barriers to access reproductive health services for Afghan women.