Analysis and exploration of infertility policies in Iran: a study protocol

Table 2 Definitions of dependent and explanatory variables

Variable	Measure
Financial protection
Insurance coverage	The amount of risk or liability that is covered for an individual or entity by way of insurance infertility services
Government funding	Money provided by the government to pay for infertility services
Supply of voluntary and charitable donations	Financial support from voluntary associations or non-governmental organs
Population coverage
Gender	Gender sensitivity in the service delivery^*
Age	Availability of services for all age
Urban/rural coverage	Availability of infertility services in urban and rural areas
Service package
Acceptability	Cultural, social and religious acceptance of infertility services
Accessibility/availability	Considering the number of service centres in relation to the population and their distribution
Awareness/registry	Having proper registry system
Preventive	Existence of a preventive service, which includes check-ups, patient counselling and screenings to prevent infertility
Diagnostic and curative	Providing all infertility diagnostic and curative services
Rehabilitation, and supportive care	Existing rehabilitative infertility care includes empowerment of the couples to manage their conditions with proper counselling and enabling them to enjoy life by appropriate rules for adoption

* 1. Availability of infertility services to single women or men ,widows, and homosexual. 2. Equal treatment (e.g.,waiting time,courtesy, privacy, information given) for male and female clients

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