Showing 96 results for Health
Z Cheraghi, H Mahjub, A Ghalehiha, S Bashirian, H Tayybeenia, A Rahmani, B Naghsh Tabrizi , N Shir Mohammadi , A Farhadi, M Asgarinia, M Karami,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Prioritizing the list of required research, taking into account the real needs and problems of the health sector, provides a ground for justice; strengthens the link between research, action, and policy; and addresses the needs of vulnerable groups. The present study was done to formulate research priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences using the opinions of experts in the field of health as a positive step towards proper allocation of research resources of the University to solve the problem.
Methods: In this study, the research priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in 13 domains during 2017 were ranked using 10 standard criteria according to the Essential National Health Research (ENHR) approach.
Results: Forty inter and intra beneficiaries were participated in this study. During the sessions, using group training techniques (brain storming), the topics were discussed, resulting in identifying 122 topics in 13 domains. In each of these domains, top 10 topics with the highest ranks were determined as the research priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.
Conclusion: Determination of research priorities at a provincial level based on the ENHR approach was conducted in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences with the cooperation of all health stakeholders for the first time. The result of this study will play an important role in optimum use of resources of the research and technology domain of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences by directing research projects according to the identified priorities.
F Shahbazi, H Soori, S Khodakarim, Mr , Ghadirzadeh , Ss Hashemi Nazari,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This research was conducted to investigate the socioeconomic and geographical inequality in mortality from road traffic accidents in Iran in 2016.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the data of 16,584 people that died from road traffic accidents in 2016 were received from the Legal Medicine Organization. Theil entropy index was used to determine inequality in geographic areas. Moreover, relative and absolute concentration indices were used to measure inequality in mortality from RTAs across educational levels.
Results: The mortality rate from road traffic accident was 21.5 per 100,000 people. Theil index was 0.66 for traffic-related deaths among the provinces, indicating an unequal distribution of traffic injuries caused by traffic accidents among the provinces. When inequality was measured at smaller geographical levels, i.e., among cities in each province, the results indicated a fair distribution across smaller geographic levels. The focus index also indicated a fair distribution of traffic accidents among the deceased sub-classes (concentration index & 95% CI: -0.13 (-0.41; 0.16).
Conclusion: Our findings showed that the distribution of mortality from road traffic accidents was unequal at provincial positions. According to our findings, mortality from traffic accidents was distributed equally among the socioeconomic and urban levels. Therefore, health managers can use the findings of this study to develop interventions to reduce inequalities. In addition to targeting factors contributing to known social inequalities in the health and social status, other factors should be considered and applied to evaluate their interventions in the future.
L Khazaei, S Khodakarim, A Mohammadbeigi , A Alipour,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: an important problem challenging cesarean section is its extensive use as a common method of delivery. Due to the growing trend of cesarean section in Iran in recent years, the natural delivery promotion program was implemented as one the programs incorporated in the Health System Reform Plan in 2014. In this study, the trend of changes in the percentage of CS delivery in Qom Province following the implementation of this program was evaluated.
Methods: This trend analysis that was performed in all cesarean deliveries in Qom Province from 2005 to 2018 using a joinpoint regression method.
Results: These results showed an annual increase of0.4% in the CS percentage 95% CI: -0.5 to 1.2), which was not statistically significant. A significant decrease was observed in the rate of CS in governmental hospitals. Conversely, in non-governmental hospitals, the percentage of CS increased significantly.
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, after more than 3 years of implementation of health sector evolution plan, overall implementation of this plan failed to significantly reduce the overall process of cesarean delivery during this period in Qom province and achieve the predetermined goals.
M Pourranjbar, H Jamalizadeh, M Mehrtash, K Divsalar,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Menopause is one of the most sensitive events in a woman's life. Health improvement in this period can bring women a better quality of life and has many effects. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and the level of health of postmenopausal women in Kerman Province.
Methods: A total of 536 postmenopausal women were selected from Kerman province. The Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire was used to measure the level of health and the general physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) was applied to determine the amount of physical activity. The formula for measuring body mass index was used for BMI. Ultimately, the Spearman, Kruskal Wallis, and Bonferroni statistics were used because the data distribution was not normal.
Results: The amount of physical activity in postmenopausal women in Kerman Province was lower than the WHO recommended. There was a significant relationship between physical activity with the level of health (r = 259), (P≤0.001). Moreover, BMI and health level had an inverse relationship (-0.186) (P≤0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the results, a significant relationship was found between physical activity and general health status of postmenopausal women. Considering the effect of physical activity on health, it can be concluded that increased physical activity of postmenopausal women in Kerman Province can improve their health and BMI.
E Abdalmaleki, Zh Abdi, M Goharimehr, R Alvandi, S Riazi Esfahani , E Ahmadnezhad,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Iran has carried out a series of surveys based on the Global school-based student health survey (GSHS) referred to as the CASPIAN. The aim of this paper was to compare the methodology and tools of CASPIAN surveys and to propose recommendations and suggestions for future implementations.
Methods: The data of this systematic review study were gathered from the World Health Organization (WHO) documentations, international databases including Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus, GoogleScholar, and ScienceDirect, and national databases including Magiran, SID, and Irandoc. The search was conducted in both English and Persian (for the time period from 2003 to 2018). The time and place of the study, target population, questionnaire(s), sample size, and sampling method were compared between the surveys.
Results: Five rounds of CASPIAN survey were conducted in Iran from 2003 to 2015. The surveys had two sets of questionnaires for students and parents. In all five rounds, sampling methods and questionnaires were similar in the core and differed in some details that were added selectively in each round. The questionnaires were designed based on the GSHS and the WHO stepwise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) programs.
Conclusion: Considering the small variation in each series and compliance with the global model, it is suggested that the next CASPIAN survey be conducted according to the previous series in accordance with the standards presented in the global model in recent years in a reasonable interval from the 2015 survey.
E Ghaderi, M Salehi Vaziri , E Mostafavi, Gh Moradi, Kh Rahmani, M Zeinali, Mr Shirzadi, H Erfani, Sh Afrasiabian, S Eybpoosh,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To provide an overview of the national program of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever surveillance in Iran, its current achievements, and challenges.
Methods: In this mixed method study, the relevant reports, documents, and guidelines, as well as published literature and surveillance data were gathered and critically reviewed. The opinions of the key informants at local and governmental levels were assessed through structured interviews.
Results: The program was integrated into Iran’s primary healthcare (PHC) network in 1999. The involved organizations include CDC, medical universities, Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII), and Veterinary Organization. Case finding is based on standard definitions of suspected, probable, and confirmed cases. Laboratory confirmation is necessary for diagnosis and is provided within 48 hours after receipt of the specimen by the National Reference Laboratory of PII. CCHF treatment is primarily supportive. Antiviral therapy with ribavirin is also considered. Both therapeutic services are free. Education mainly focuses on high-risk groups and healthcare workers. Major achievements of the program include rapid diagnosis and treatment of cases, prevention of nosocomial transmission, identification of high-risk provinces and major transmission routes, improved outbreak preparedness, development of laboratory tests for detection of other arboviruses, and reduction of CCHF case fatality rate.
Conclusion: Program implementation has had a positive impact on early detection and proper control of annual outbreaks. However, some aspects of the program still need improvement, including promotion of the general and high-risk populations’ awareness and regional collaborations (especially among neighboring countries) for infection control in humans, livestock, and vectors.
M Etemadi, A Olyaeemanseh, Mm Tadayon, E Rostami, M Shiri, Aa Fazaeli , Mj Kabir, A Mehrabi Bahar, A Vosough Moghadam ,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The study aimed to analysis the psychometric properties of the health system resilience scale, assessing it and to introduce a conceptual model for qualitative analysis of Iran health system in the face of the civid-19 crisis.
Methods: In this Mixed-method study, the determination of face and content validity was performed using 8 experts. The structure validity was investigated in a cross-sectional study through an electronic survey of 178 actors in the Iran health system. Resilience has been assessed in five dimensions using 5point Likert scale.
Results: The percentage mean score of the Iranian health system resilience in the face of the Covid19 crisis was 41/08 and in the moderate level. The percentage mean score (standard deviation) for 5 dimension include awareness 39/2 (21), diversity 38/7 (21), self-regulation 36 (20/6), integration 39/9 (21/5) and adaptation 41/2 (21/8). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the appropriate fit of the information with the five-component structure.
Conclusion: The maximum score of resilience dimension belongs to adaptation and the lowest to the self-regulation indicating that it requires interventions to involve the private sector, and to design a new delivery system for crisis situations. The questionnaire can be used as a standard instrument for assessing the health system resilience.
H Choobineh, Gh Danesh, N Mansouri, M Najafi Majareh , F Shahbazi, Ss Hashemi Nazari ,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of HSE indices in a number of organizations affiliated with Tehran Municipality.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the study population included all organizations affiliated with Tehran Municipality HSE performance was assessed through an 18-item checklist. The content validity of this checklist was examined by obtaining the opinions of experts in the field. The data of this study were analyzed using the SPSS software version 22.
Results: The results of this study showed that three organizations, namely Suburbs Bus Company, Urban Planning Organization, and Terminals and Parks Organization had the best HSE performance with indexes of 63.6%, 57.485 and 52.59%, respectively. Among the 18 items of HSE performance, the HSE policy had the highest score (68.6%).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the value of the HSE index was not complete in any of the fields. The results of this study showed that although the foundation of the HSE system was implemented in many units of Tehran Municipality, it is still a long way before the desired point is reached. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate and implement appropriate action plans and to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures to improve the HSE indicators.
E Abdalmaleki, Zh Abdi, M Gohrimehr, R Alvandi, S Riazi Isfahani , E Ahmadnezhad ,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the data sources for monitoring the progress towards Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is household surveys such as Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and Demographic and health Survey (DHS). This study was conducted to assess the implementation of these surveys in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) to evaluate the experience of Iran in conducting these surveys and to propose one of them as the best option for implementation in Iran.
Methods: In this review article, by reviewing the databases of the relevant organizations, the implementation history, instructions, protocols, and the generated indicators of these two surveys were assessed.
Results: So far, 26 standard DHS and 56 standard MICS have been implemented in the EMR. Iraq implemented the highest number of MICS and Egypt carried out the highest number of DHS. In the global reports, no DHS/MICS surveys were conducted in Iran after 2000 However, according to the official reports, Iran conducted two rounds of a survey called MIDHS (a combination of DHS and MICS) in 2010 and 2015.
Conclusion: The EMR has performed well in implementing these surveys. According to the findings, DHS is more suitable for Iran. However, right now, what is important is not to decide which survey to be conducted. Considering the international commitments for monitoring the progress towards UHC, it is important to conduct either one in 2020 in Iran.
A Mehri, M Yaseri, D Rahimi, S Nejat,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Self-confidence is an individual characteristic in students that enables them to have a positive or realistic view of themselves. The purpose of present study was to evaluate the validity and psychometric properties of the Self-confidence Questionnaire (PEI)
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 students of four medical universities. Validation of this questionnaire included the steps of translation, content validity, face validity, repeatability and internal consistency.
Results: The mean age of the participants in this study was 32.1 (SD = 5.5) years. The majority of the students were postgraduate students (47%) and the least (11%) were undergraduate students. The results of this study showed that the overall relevancy and clarity of the questions were 92% and 83%, respectively. The percentage of agreement on overall comprehensiveness was 100%. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and interclass correlation coefficient were higher than 0.7 in all domains. The ICC of each question was also between 0.72 and 0.98.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the Persian version of the PEI questionnaire has an appropriate reliability for use in the student population of Iranian universities.
R Moradzadeh, M Jamalian, M Zamanian,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (11-2020)
Abstract
COVID-19 has now turned into a global crisis affecting all sections of economy and investment. Many interventions have been applied to control the COVID-19 epidemic. It seems that these measures and plans need to be assessed in the coming weeks and months to determine whether or not they have been effective. Each of these interventions started in their appropriate time during the epidemic; some of them are still in progress and some have been lifted. Nevertheless, improved public knowledge, attitude, and practice has played the most important role in controlling the COVID-19 epidemic. Future studies should take into account such interventions.
A Arshadi, P Yavari, Mh Elyasi, A Abadi, A Kolahi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Studies investigating life skills and general health have mainly focused on some skills or parts of health. In this study, ten components of skills and three components of general health were examined in patients presenting to veterans’ health and counseling centers in Tehran and the relationship between each skill and multiple levels of general health was assessed.
Methods: this cross-sectional study was performed on 600 randomly selected service users. Data were collected using two standard questionnaires and analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc and multivariate regression. Lisrel-8 path analysis and software were used to investigate the causal relationships between variables and the way a skill affected general health.
Results: The highest mean scores of skills were related to emotion management, critical thinking, social support and creative thinking, decision making, stress management, self-awareness, empathy and effective communication and problem solving. The results of path analysis showed a strong link between overall life skills and general health. The effect of skills on social performance was more than other components of health.
Conclusion: The contribution of emotion management, creative thinking, effective communication, and stress management skills to the prediction of general health was more than other life skills. Considering the importance of general health, it is recommended that educational programs be implemented with focus on these population subgroups to improve their skills and general health level.
M Khammarnia, F Setoodehzadeh, E Barfar, K Rezaei, M Peyvand,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Diabetes is one of the most expensive chronic diseases and a global public health problem. One of the objectives of implementing the Health Reform Plan (HRP) was to reduce the out-of-pocket payments for hospitalized patients. The present study was carried out with the aim of determining the direct medical costs in hospitalized diabetic patients after implementation of the HRP.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2019. The records of diabetic patients hospitalized in Imam-Ali Hospital of Zahedan from March 2017 to June 2018 was reviewed by the census method and the direct medical costs were recorded in a researcher-made checklist. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22
Results: In this study, the direct medical costs of 704 hospitalized diabetic patients were evaluated. The majority of the study population was female (517, 73/5%) and 237 had gestational diabetes. The mean direct medical cost per hospitalized diabetic patient was 29,264,465 Rials and the mean out-of-pocket payment was 11.8%. Moreover, direct medical costs of diabetic patients increased with age (P<.001).
Conclusion: Diabetic hospital care imposes a high burden on basic health insurance. Despite the HRP, out-of-pocket payments for hospitalized diabetics are still significant. Government subsidies should focus on expanding access to care for diabetics, financial protection for disadvantaged residents and expanding public education on diabetes.
ُsm Hosseini Shokouh, M Arab, S Emamgholipour, M Meskarpour Amiri ,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Understanding and analyzing the socio-economic factors affecting mental health is important for mental health policy-making in metropolitan areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between socio-economic factors and mental health of households living in Tehran.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 650 households from 22 districts of Tehran using mixed sampling method. Mental health measures were collected using the standard SF-36 questionnaire and socioeconomic measures of the household were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The face validity of the questionnaire was measured by qualitative method and its content validity was confirmed by quantitative method. The test-retest method was used to test the questionnaire reliability. Regression models were estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS) and weighted least squares (WLS) methods. The Stata software was used for data analysis.
Results: Among the socioeconomic variables, four variables including years of education, health behaviors (regular physical activity, healthy eating habits), not-smoking, and social capital had a positive and significant relationship with all mental health measures (social role, emotional role, mental health and vitality ). The relationship between not-smoking and all mental health measures was more than other socioeconomic variables (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Mental health policymakers should place extra emphasis on the development of social capital in metropolitan cities, promotion of the citizens' health behaviors, and particularly on tobacco use and the related behavioral disorders.
H Tavakoli Ghouchani, A Delshad, Hr Shoraka, H Lashkardoost, A Afshari Safavi , J Rahimi,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to major health and socioeconomic problems worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the clinical features and health behaviors related to COVID-19 in patients presenting to selected COVID-19 centers of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out using stratified random sampling in 350 patients presenting to selected COVID-19 centers of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences in August and September 2020. Demographic and clinical features and the data related to COVID-19 disease were collected using a researcher-made checklist and analyzed with the SPSS 24 software using chi-square test and logistic regression.
Results: Of 350 patients, 200 (57.1%) were male and the rest were female. The PCR test was positive in 72% of the patients. The highest percentage of infection was seen in self-employed subjects and driver, people in the age group 30-50 years, and male subjects. The highest observance of masking, hand washing, and social distancing was related to healthcare staff and the lowest was seen in self-employed people, drivers, and military staff. A history of attending a gas station increased the chance of a positive test by 2.3 times (95% CI: 1.13-4.79).
Conclusion: According to the results, age, gender, occupation and history of presence in crowded places are important determinants of infection and adherence to protocols.
Z Naghibifar, H Soori, S Eskandari, A Razzaghi, S Khodajarim,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Quality of life is a valuable indicator for measuring people's health. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of quality of life in the staff of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran using the path analysis model.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on subjects participating in the Health Cohort Study of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2018. A demographic information form and standard quality of life, general health, physical activity and burnout scales were used for data collection. The SPSS version 24 and Amos version 24 were used for data analysis.
Results: A total of 770 individuals were selected for the study, of whom 345 (44.8%) were male. The mean age ± standard deviation of the participants was 42.6±8.4. Analysis of the quality of life pathway of the participants showed an appropriate model (RMSEA= 0.014, CFI=0.999, NFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.994, CMIN/DF = 1.146). In addition, general health (0.560) and physical activity (0.078) had a direct correlation and occupational burnout (-0.178) and age (-0.082) had an inverse correlation with quality of life.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that factors such as general health, physical activity, and burnout have an impact on the participants. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the factors affecting the quality of life.
A Darvishi, S Emamgholipour Sefiddashti , M Rajabi, Mh Mehrolhassani, V Yazdi Feyzabadi,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Fair financial protection against health expenditures is one of the most critical goals of health systems. This study was conducted to investigate the most appropriate threshold for measuring the exposure to catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in Iran.
Methods: The present study was conducted using 2018 national household income and expenditure data of the Iran statistics center. The occurrence and intensity of the households' exposure to CHE at different thresholds and for economic quintiles was measured using two World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank (WB) methodologies. The most appropriate threshold for each methodology was also determined using the Kappa statistics adaptation estimation.
Results: The occurrence of households’ exposure to CHE was 3.02% and 8.51% in urban households and 4.66% and 9.22% in rural households, respectively. According to asset quintiles, the highest occurrence was in the first quintile and the lowest in the fifth quintile. In addition, the results of adaptation estimation based on Kappa statistics showed that a threshold of 40% in the WHO methodology and 25% in the WB methodology were the most appropriate thresholds.
Conclusion: The results showed a relatively high rate of exposure to CHE. CHE occurrence was also more in poorer households, and common thresholds were the most appropriate thresholds for estimating CHE.
K Holakoui-Naeini, Ma Mansournia, Sh Naderian, R Beiranvand, M Bidkhori, Kh Maajani, Sh Nematollahi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pre-natal mental health problems are major causes of disease burden, especially in lower socio-economic groups of population. The present study used data of a prospective cohort study to estimate the risk of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress, on birth weight.
Materials and Methods: This study used data of 398 pregnant women who were participants of the Bandar Abbas Pregnancy Cohort Study (BAPC) during 2017-2020. Data of depression, anxiety, and stress were collected using DASS-21items questionnaire in pregnancy. Low Birth Weight (LBW), as birthwieght below 2500 grams, was calculated according to infant`s vaccination log. Modified Poisson regression models with logarithm link function and significance level of 5% were applied to estimate the effect of depression, anxiety and stress on LBW.
Results: Compared to the subjects without mental health problems, the risk of LBW increased by 8.03 times in the severe depression (95% CIs: 5.55-11.62), by 8.06 times in the moderate stress (95% CIs: 5.64-11.51), by 3.13 times in the severe anxiety (95% CIs: 1.18-8.31), and by 8.43 in the highly severe anxiety (95% CIs: 5.80-12.25).
Conclusions: Severe and moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and stress all had statistically significant effects on LBW. Pre-natal screening services can help mitigate the burden of mental health by timely detection and referral. Moreover, designing and implementing consultation programs for pregnant women and their fsmilies, expecially their spouses, to provide emotional support and to improve marital relationship are amongst the suggestions.
Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far, Taha Kushki, Mohammad Jamshidi, Sajad Delavari,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The health sector will face a shortage of manpower during crises. The sustainability and retention of human resources during these conditions are vital. The purpose of this study was to explain possible policies and strategies to strengthen health workers during the crisis and prevent them from leaving the organizations and hospitals.
Methods: This was a scoping review research to find strategies for retention of human resources during epidemics. English and Persian databases were searched and relevant studies were selected and reviewed. The key pieces of information obtained were then categorized. Finally, suggested efficient policies and strategies were summarized and reported.
Results: A total of 168 different articles were collected. After excluding irrelevant studies, 21 articles were selected and fully reviewed. The results were classified into six main categories of policy-making as well as strategies to implement them.
Conclusion: Considering the epidemic situations, in order to strengthen and support human resources in times of crisis, it is recommended that policymakers and decision-makers of the health sector focus their attention on six major topics including education reform, financial support, psychological support, social and welfare support, professional support, and development of infrastructures in deprived and crisis-stricken areas. The important point about suggested strategies is that they need to be in accordance with the ongoing situation of their target societies, as we know that underdeveloped, developing and developed countries have a different set of circumstances and therefore require different priorities and policies.
Zahra Jaafari, Zahra Abdolahinia, Hajar Ghasemi, Ali Esmaeilpour, Saeideh Mahmoodzadeh, Ali Bahaodini, Seyed Vahid Ahmadi Tabatabaei, Najmeh Safa, Hamid Reza Tohidinik, Ali Akbar Haghdoost, Ali Sharifi, Vahid Yazdi-Feyzabadi, Hamid Safari,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: low utility of health care services is one of the main determinants of not achieving desired health indicators in urban areas. This study aimed to investigate the barriers and facilitators of receiving health services from health centers in Kerman city, Iran.
Methods: This study was a qualitative study with a content analysis approach conducted in 2020. After selecting health centers with the experience of desirable or low utility services, purposive sampling continued until information saturation. A total of 78 staff members, recipients, and non-recipients of services citizens were interviewed semi-structured and face-to-face at health centers. All interviews were recorded and coded manually and then reviewed and analyzed using directional content analysis.
Results: The essential services for children and mothers, free services, and service providers' behavior were mentioned as facilitators of referral. Distance and physical factors, knowledge of different types of services, preference of private centers, time access, view of people on regular visits to centers, addresses and telephone numbers registered in the system, responsiveness to health needs, fear of disease disclosure, lack of human resources in the centers, and service providers' behavior, were among the barriers of visiting the centers.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, an accurate understanding of the under-coverage people's views and perceptions can help national and local planners and policymakers design the necessary strategies to increase the use of health services in urban health centers.
