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. 2024 Apr 23:47:205.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.205.42499. eCollection 2024.

A scoping review of the social determinants of maternal health in the MENA region

Chaimae Moujahid  1 , Jack Edward Turman  2   3 , Loubna Amahdar  1
Affiliations

A scoping review of the social determinants of maternal health in the MENA region

Chaimae Moujahid et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

One crucial step to improving maternal health outcomes in any region is understanding the social determinants of maternal health, which vary significantly across the world´s geographical areas and within individual countries. The variability in these determinants is manifested in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Using a scoping review process, we identified articles analyzing social factors influencing maternal health outcomes in the MENA region. A total of 50 articles were included in this review. Several social factors impact independently or in association with maternal health outcomes or utilization of maternal health in the MENA region. These factors include: residing in an area of conflict, residing in a rural region, low accessibility and quality of health care, low level of education, antagonistic relationship with spouse and family-in-law, cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriage, traditional practices, and beliefs, low household wealth, women´s financial security, women's bad childbirth history, and interpersonal violence. Multi-sector collaboration across governmental ministries, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, healthcare delivery programs, and community members is critical to creating long-term solutions in maternal health for MENA nations. Together they must address traditional practices harmful to women, poor accessibility, availability, and affordability of health services. To benefit women, a long-term commitment of organizations at local, national, and international levels to social investments in women´s education, financial status, and cultural norms is recommended for MENA nations.

Keywords: Maternal health; genders; health care system; iniquity; violence.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
steps in operating the scoping review on social determinants of maternal health in Middle East and North Africa
Figure 2
Figure 2
flowchart of the number of literature searched and selected
Figure 3
Figure 3
the steps of management and analysis of our database
Figure 4
Figure 4
pathways through which determinants influence maternal health
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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