Reproductive Health Professionals’ Position in Iran
Mahsa Khoshnam Rad1, Shahla Khosravi2
1Tehran University of Medical Science, Alborz University of Medical Science, Iran.
2Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
*Corresponding Author Email: m.khoshnam@abzums.ac.ir, khosravi785@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT:
The professional role usually refers to a set of formal and informal expectations associated with a given position. Today, the professional roles in health professions are developing and changing to achieving more suitable and useable health services provision. Health professionals could perform better functions if they are well-trained and employed in the appropriate role and position (king, 2015). There are few studies about the professional role and position of midwives with higher education levels (Massimi et al., 2017; Shimpuku, 2021). Midwives are key to delivering reproductive health care and are crucial in addressing the health challenges women face in the country (Nyathi, 2020). Advanced academic programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels in Iran have made midwifery education more structured in recent years. Graduates of reproductive health have a midwifery background and have completed a doctoral program.
KEYWORDS: Midwifery Educational Programs, Reproductive Health Professionals, Midwifery, Professional Roles, Interdisciplinary Approach.
INTRODUCTION:
In Iran, midwifery programs are offered at three academic levels:
1. Bachelor’s Degree: Typically, a four-year program that provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary for clinical practice. Graduates are eligible to work in various healthcare settings.
2. Master’s Degree: A two-year program where midwives can specialize in five different areas. This advanced education allows midwives to deepen their expertise in reproductive health, expanding their professional capabilities.
3. Doctorate (Ph.D.): Midwives can pursue a Ph.D. in reproductive health after completing their bachelor's and master's degrees, which involves passing a theoretical and practical examination. This program has been in place since 2006, with approximately 30 new graduates each year. It encompasses eight semesters and consists of 50 credit hours covering diverse topics related to women’s health, epidemiology, nutrition, sociology, and more (National Council of Health and Food Security, 2022).
Midwives often serve as the primary service providers in reproductive health, addressing issues such as maternal mortality, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive rights. Their training equips them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to navigate the complexities of reproductive health care. Midwives with advanced degrees are prepared to engage in clinical practice, education, research, and policy-making. They contribute significantly to areas like women’s health, fertility, maternal health, and adolescent health. This breadth of expertise allows them to participate actively in scholarly research, with over 500 doctoral theses and projects focused on reproductive health produced to date (AbdiShahshahani et al., 2014).
Iran's reproductive health field is embracing an interdisciplinary approach with a community-centric approach. The social and political determinants of women's health are addressed through integrated strategies, as highlighted by this model.
The education of midwives in decision-making, leadership, and research can facilitate their effectiveness in addressing health disparities and advocating for women’s reproductive rights. As the call for strengthening midwifery education continues to rise globally, the emphasis is placed not only on clinical skills but also on research and policy engagement (Tomori, 2018; Sidibe et al.,2023).
By aligning the skills of midwives with national health policies and planning, countries can leverage the expertise of reproductive health professionals to improve health services and outcomes for women. This strategic integration of midwives' roles into broader health care frameworks could ultimately enhance the quality of reproductive health services and support the health rights of women across the country (Sidibe et al.,2023).
The development of midwifery education and the professional roles of midwives could mark a pivotal advancement in reproductive health care. The interdisciplinary nature of this field combined with the increased emphasis on research and policy-making positions midwives as essential actors in promoting women’s health and well-being. By empowering midwives through education and professional development, could harness their potential to address public health challenges and contribute to social justice and health equity for women.
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Received on 16.08.2024 Revised on 29.10.2024 Accepted on 24.11.2024 Published on 12.12.2024 Available online on December 30, 2024 Asian J. Nursing Education and Research. 2024;14(4):323-324. DOI: 10.52711/2349-2996.2024.00062 ©A and V Publications All right reserved
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