Comparison of Reproductive Health and its Related Factors in Vulnerable and Non-vulnerable Women

Abstract Introduction: Women's health is supposed to be one of the indicators of development. Reproductive health is an important part of women's health. Vulnerable women are a group of women whose reproductive health needs to be given special attention. The aim of this study was to compare reproductive health and its related factors in vulnerable and non-vulnerable women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on women covered by special centers for vulnerable women (n = 250) and comprehensive health centers (n = 250). The samples were randomly selected from Isfahan (Iran) from October to December 2017. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire completed by the researcher using interview method. Internal reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed to be 0.89 using Cronbach's alpha. The data were analyzed in SPSS 20 using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Pearson and Spearman tests. P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results The results showed that the mean total score of reproductive health in the non-vulnerable group (81.41) was significantly higher than that of the vulnerable group (68.6). The mean total score and the score of reproductive health components, except for access to and receipt of health services and healthy reproductive counseling, were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Having an addicted spouse and unsafe sex were the most prevalent features associated with high risk behaviors. Smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly higher in the vulnerable group (P < 0.01). Conclusion According to the results, reproductive health status of vulnerable women is inappropriate in all dimensions. Given the importance of this issue, the development and implementation of special health programs for this group seems to be necessary in order to promote their reproductive health.