ABSTRACT
Background: Equity is one of the most important issues in the distribution of resources and access to health services. Although it is very challenging to address health equity issues, it deeply affects policy making, resource allocation, and generally the legal principles of government and society. This study aimed to determine the inequality of distribution of general practitioner in Tehran province
Methods: This was an applied study that by ecological descriptive method investigated the relationship between the distribution of general practitioners and the mortality rate of children in the cities of Tehran province in 2012-2015. The data collection tool was a researcher-made form including the name of the city, the number of general practitioners, the mortality rate for children under five years old, and the population of each city. The STATA software with the DASP21 version 2.1was used to draw the Lorenz curve. The SPSS19 software and Pearson correlation coefficient [P-value < 0.05] were utilized for analyzing data
Results: Based on the results the Gini coefficient for general practitioners was not significantly changed and was in a relatively equitable position, the Gini coefficient varied from 0.269 to 0.299. The results of the study did not show a
significant relationship between the distribution of general practitioners and the mortality rate of children, although, with an increase in the ratio of general practitioners, the mortality rate of children decreased [P-value . 0.05]
Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the distribution of general practitioners was relatively inequitable. Therefore, it is essential for the Ministry of Health to establish the balance in the distribution of the human resources
ABSTRACT
Background: equity in distribution of resources is considered as an important priority in health care systems. Equitable distribution of obstetrics and gynecology [Ob/Gyn] services in the country level is critical in maternal and neonatal health for qualitative promotion of maternal care in pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery periods
Objective: the present study aimed at determining regional disparity of obstetrics and gynecology services and its association with children and infants mortality rates
Materials and Methods: this was a descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2015 to investigate distribution of Ob/Gyn services using three indicators of number of nursing and midwifery personnel, total Ob/Gyn specialists, and total delivery beds among 30 provinces of the country. Equity criteria in the present study included population, normal vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, and total deliveries. Data were gathered using a researcher-made form and Stata 12 was used to calculate Gini coefficient. The association of Ob/Gyn services with children and infant mortality rates was investigated using SPSS package and linear regression test
Results: the lowest Gini coefficient was observed in distribution of nursing and midwifery personnel in delivery wards in terms of vaginal delivery [0.38 from 1] and the highest value was related to distribution of Ob/Gyn specialists in terms of vaginal delivery [0.73 from 1]. Infant mortality was significantly associated with number of nursing and midwifery personnel in delivery wards, and total number of Ob/Gyn specialists
Conclusion: considering new population policies in Iran and increased fertility rate, it is recommended to facilitate accessibility of the required services for the women, particularly those of reproductive age