Exploring the Patterns and Causes of Women's Engagement with Specialized Health Services in Ahvaz

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Fertility Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22038/ijogi.2025.90442.6525

Abstract

Introduction: Women's health is recognized as a fundamental axis in family and community health. This study aimed to investigate the common reasons for women's referral to specialized women's clinics in Ahvaz.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional-retrospective study was conducted on 252 women referring to specialized women's clinics in Ahvaz. Data were collected by census method from medical records between Mehr and Esfand 1402. Demographic information, medical history, and reasons for referral were reviewed in full compliance with ethical standards. Simple random sampling was performed from 1600 records and in compliance with inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Of the 252 referring women, the majority were in the age group of 26-35 years (93.3%) and 96% were married. More than 80% of the women were overweight or obese, and 85.4% were housewives. The most common reason for referral was pregnancy care (55.5%). Other common problems included a history of miscarriage (25.4%), irregular menstrual bleeding (16.2%), and polycystic ovary syndrome (10.7%). Only 6.3% of women had infertility (primary or secondary), and preventive screenings such as Pap smears accounted for a small share (0.8%) of the reasons for referral.

Conclusion: The findings showed that prenatal care was the main focus of referrals, while attention to preventive screenings and management of common problems such as obesity, miscarriage, and polycystic ovary syndrome in the study population needs to be strengthened.

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 November 2025

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