Afghan Refugees and Immigrants Health Status in Iran: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Iran, as one of the most concentrated destination of immigrants, has hosted around three million Afghan refugees in the recent decades. Due to inappropriate healthcare, and improper life style of Afghan refugees, Iran witnesses the spread of both physical and psychological disorders. Evaluating the health needs of this population is necessary for health policymakers to develop appropriate strategies. Aim: To provide reliable information on Afghan refugees' health status in Iran, by conducting a systemic review on the available literature. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases and gray literature were searched up to July 2017. Mesh key terms were formed by combining "Afghan refugees" OR "Afghan immigrants" OR "Afghan populations" with at least one of the following terms: "health status" AND "health service". Results: A total of 198 articles were extracted of which 50 were finally reviewed for the study. The present study findings demonstrate high prevalence of both communicable and non-communicable disorders as well as psychological problems in this population. Although, the risk for adverse health consequences has decreased as a great part of the immigrant population has returned to their country. Conclusion: In consequence of low socioeconomic status, poor health condition, improper dietary behaviours, and lack of proper immunization coverage, high incidence of physical and mental disorders is expected in Afghan immigrants in Iran which led to high economic burden and healthcare issues.