Identification of Indicators for Reproductive Health and Population Programs Monitoring in Iran

Background & aim: Given recent demographic changes, Iran has revised its reproductive health (RH) programs. To respond to the need for monitoring the new programs and policies, this study aimed to identify appropriate indicators for RH and population programs monitoring in the Iranian context.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was applied which was conducted in four phases: identification of goals of RH policies and programs, a scoping review of the RH indicators, developing and ranking the identified indicators, and indicators' finalization. The final indicators were selected through consensus, with a cut-off point of ۷۵%. Data was collected from June ۲۱, ۲۰۲۰, until February ۱۸, ۲۰۲۱. Data analysis was conducted simultaneously during each stage of the study. MAXQDA.۱۱ and MS Excel ۲۰۱۷ software were used in the first and third phases for data analysis.  Results: A total of ۳۷ RH indicators were finalized after three rounds of screening. The first five indicators with the highest score were: total fertility rate, population under ۱۵ years, total population, population aged ۶۵ years and older, and age-specific fertility rate. The lowest score was related to the recuperation index (degree of recuperation relative to fertility decline at younger ages).Conclusion: The nature and number of indicators might vary at different organizational levels; so, the need to develop specific indicators is pivotal.

Keywords:

Reproductive health , Population growth , Sustainable Development , Iran