Author/Authors :
Abu-Moghli, F.A. University of Jordan - Faculty of Nursing, Jordan , Khalaf, I.A. University of Jordan - Faculty of Nursing, Jordan , Tokiko, S. Japan International Cooperation Agency - Integrating Health and Empowerment of Women in the South Region Project, Jordan , Atsuko, I. Japan International Cooperation Agency - Integrating Health and Empowerment of Women in the South Region Project, Jordan , Nabolsi, M.M. University of Jordan - Faculty of Nursing, Jordan , Al-Sharairi, B.A. Ministry of Health - Amman Airport Health Centre, Jordan
Abstract :
Failure to address women’s health, including their reproductive health needs, increases health care costs and social inequity. This descriptive study assessed the reproductive and non-reproductive health status of women over 15 years old in poverty pockets in the southern region of Jordan. Two villages were selected using purposive sampling and all women in the villages were invited to participate in a “healthy family week”: 259 responded to the invitation. Although 49.4% of the surveyed women were overweight or obese, only 8.5% had high blood pressure. Reproductive health concerns included the high proportions of women married at an early age (15–20 years) (76.8%), having 5+ children (43.1%) and with haemoglobin level 12 g/dL, indicating anaemia (55.5%). Urinary tract infection was the most common health problem (29.0%). Health care providers should be sensitized to the health needs of Jordanian women in general and those living in disadvantaged areas in particular.
