3 research outputs found
Obstacles of ending TB: What does health system think?
Background: Despite the importance of Tuberculosis (TB) control program and elimination of disease as its target, only a few studies have been carried out to evaluate tuberculosis control in Iran. In the present study, we intended to ask the opinions from experts and managers of Iran University of Medical Sciences about the TB control program in Iran.Methods: A Qualitative study was carried out to determine experts’ and managers’ opinions about the national TB control program. Experts and stakeholders were listed for focus group discussions (FGD) and interviews using purposive sampling method. We interviewed all levels of staff involved in the tuberculosis control program (managers, physicians, and administrative and executive staffs). Three FGD sessions were held with 28 participants. The participants were excluded if they had less than six months of experience in TB program. FGD and interviews were manually coded and the themes and sub-themes were extracted. After analyzing the results, the final report was drafted. Results: The results were classified into four themes and 15 subthemes (6 in input, 3 in process, 2 in outputs, and 4 in outcome). There were positive points and problems in each part. To achieve the goal of End TB, we will need to review the process, incorporate with other sectors, apply new diagnostic methods, and participate with other stakeholders (internal and external).Conclusion: Because of the effects of socio-economic factors on tuberculosis, considering the current implementation of the program; it is not possible to eliminate tuberculosis.
Nutrition policy process challenges in Iran
Introduction: Nutrition transition is occurring rapidly in the world, especially in developing countries. The
nutrition transition occurred in Iran very fast due to urbanization and changes in the lifestyle of people, leading to
overweight and obesity. However, nutritional deficiencies are still detected due to economic factors and low
nutritional knowledge. Nutrition policies do not adequately respond to the nutrition challenges in Iran. This study
was conducted to evaluate and analyze the nutrition policy process challenges in Iran.
Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 59 policy makers and
nutrition experts of medical universities across Iran. Interviews were continued until data saturation was
achieved. Data were supplemented with surveys and documentary analysis. Thematic analysis was guided by the
propositions of the stages heuristic framework.
Results: The results were categorized into four main themes and eight sub-themes. The main themes were 1)
nutrition problem definition, 2) policy formulation, 3) implementation of the policies, and 4) evaluation of the
policies. However, the multi-faceted nature of the nutritional problem makes it difficult to deal with, so a multi- sectoral approach is needed.
Conclusion: Nutrition policies have been implemented in Iran with varying degrees of success and with different
levels of cross-sectoral collaboration. The nutrition policies sometimes have not been able to respond to the
nutritional problems. One of the important reasons is that nutrition is not a priority for policy makers. Many
policies suffer from a lack of adequate and appropriate resource allocation. Cooperation mechanisms to resolve
nutritional problems are sometimes ineffective and inefficien
Perceived barriers of migrants and refugees to vaccinate their children against Measles and polio: a study in Iran
Abstract Background This study examined the perceived barriers of migrants and refugees to vaccinating their children against measles and polio in Iran. Methods First, an instrument was developed and validated through several steps. Next, 1,067 parents who had not vaccinated their children against polio and measles or had delayed receiving any dose of these two vaccines until the age of 15 were selected from 16 provinces and completed the instrument. Finally, the data were analyzed. Results The results of the explanatory factor analysis showed that the perceived barriers affecting vaccination against polio and measles vaccines were categorized into five factors: low knowledge, negative attitude, communication challenges, lack of participation in vaccination programs, and problems related to migration and refugees. Additionally, the results indicated a significant difference in the mean score of perceived barriers based on participants’ level of education, economic status, and nationality. Conclusion The identified barriers may provide a perspective for developing effective efforts in this area. Interventions should focus on parents with low education and poor economic status