Sexual and Reproductive Health (Srh)-Related Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior of Afghan Refugee Women in Tehran, Iran

Mohamadreza Boroumandzade , University of Tehran
Rasoul Sadeghi, Tehran University
Hossein Mahmoudian, University of Tehran

Reproductive health is a concept that encompasses various social, psychological and physical aspects of childbearing and sexual relations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), reproductive health means a healthy, satisfying and committed life, sex relation, ability to reproduce, freedom to make decisions about a childbearing, and the possibility of having a healthy child. The "WHO" has defined reproductive health as a state of complete physical, psychological and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or weakness in all aspects of sex and reproduction system. The living conditions of immigrants greatly provide the potential for the spread of high-risk behaviors, such as alcohol use and extramarital sex. Unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, pregnancy-related complications, and sexually transmitted infections (STI) including HIV/AIDS are more common among migrants. This study investigates sexual and reproductive health (SRH)-related knowledge, attitude, and behavior of Afghan women migrants residing in Tehran province, Iran. The data is drawn from a survey of 400 unmarried and married women aged 15-54 conducted in the province of Tehran (the capital of Iran) in 2019. The results indicated poor knowledge of Afghan women on SRH and STDs. Only one- fourth of Afghan married women use a method of contraception. Also, results showed that almost half of the sample has experienced STDs, unwanted pregnancy (48%) and abortion (43 %). In conclusion, SRH-related knowledge, attitude, and behavior of Afghan women refugees are under poor condition and need to implement SRH interventions. Keywords: SRH related- behaviors, STDs experience, abortion, Refugees, Afghanistan, Iran.

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 Presented in Session P3. Poster Session Migration, Economics, Environment, Methods, History and Policy