Health Challenges of Women of Martyr Families in Erbil City

Abstract

Background and objective: During the last 100 years ago Iraq generally and Kurdistan region particularly underwent wars which led to the loss of men from families. Nowadays in Kurdistan region, there are 20000 martyrs families. This study aimed to identify women’s satisfaction and expectations about health services provided in Medical Center of Martyr families in Erbil city. Methods: A qualitative design, based on a thematic analysis approach was conducted on 34 women who met the inclusion criteria of the study which was either mother, daughter, wife or sister of martyr and attended Medical Center of Martyr Families in Erbil city during Jan to Aug 2018. Non-probability, convenient sampling was used for selecting them and they were interviewed in four focus groups. Results: Four main categories could be extracted as a result of the conducted analysis: 1) Unsatisfied with services, 2) Economical factors, 3) Being forgotten by government and society and 4) Respectful health care providers' behavior. Conclusions: The women of martyr families were not satisfied with the health services of the center and they had expected more from government to respect them and provide their emotional, social, economic and physical needs.