Women Participation in Health Research of Iran: Analysis of Challenges and Strategies with Literature of Review

Marzieh  Vahid-Dastjerdi; Maryam  Mazahery; Batoul  Ahmadi; Mehrdad Kazemzadeh  Atoofi; Farzad  Kompani; Nazila  Rezaei; Sahar Saeedi  Moghaddam; Shirin  Djalalinia

doi:10.18502/ijph.v52i12.14328

Marzieh Vahid-Dastjerdi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Mazahery Spiritual Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Tehran Psychiatric Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Batoul Ahmadi Department of Health Care Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mehrdad Kazemzadeh Atoofi Spiritual Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Tehran Psychiatric Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Farzad Kompani Division of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nazila Rezaei Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Sahar Saeedi Moghaddam Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shirin Djalalinia Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v52i12.14328

Keywords: Health-related research; Women; Participation; Research

Abstract

Background: Recent evidence provides the facts behind the perceptions about women researchers participating in health research (HR). Women scientists as almost half of active researchers in HR fields have important and fundamental role. The present study aimed to analyses the situation of women participation in HR of Iran.

Methods: The present study comprised three complementary phases intended to identify and analysis challenges and problems of women participation in health research in Iran (2021-22). Following a review phase, using the content analysis approach through semi-structured interviews data gathered from key stakeholders of health research. At final step, aimed to aggregate and conclude the main key findings, through an expert panel all of the results analyzed to clarify the main messages of the study, focus on reflection to the target group.

Results: The results reveal considerable gender differences in research contribution between Iranian men and women. The need for legal infrastructure and support for the active participation of women in HR was the main extracted point of study. The need for transparent documentation and implementation of related research that demonstrates the necessary challenges and gaps was another major point.

Conclusion: Findings may help illuminate policy makings to promote participation of women in the country research. The optimal management of HR require facilities can play an important role in improving the quality and quantity of health studies and achieving scientific competitive positions at the regional and global levels.