Showing 2 results for Community Participation
Mahnaz Ashoorkhani, Fatemeh Rajabi, Reza Majdzadeh,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (2-2019)
Abstract
Complex nature of health and disease, the impact of various socioeconomic factors on the health system arrangements and health of the society, and also the impact of health on the social and economic conditions of the society require a social approach to health. This necessity has led to the creation of new policies and programs, under the name of socialization of health, to strengthen the social approach to health in the health system of Iran. However, there must be more convergence between various stakeholders about the definition, conceptual framework, and different dimensions of this term (socialization of health). Using the experts' opinions and scientific evidence, we clarified the concepts and different dimensions of socialization of health to be used by healthcare policymakers and managers.
Maryam Rahbari Bonab, Fatemeh Rajabi, Reza Majdzadeh,
Volume 37, Issue 1 (2-2023)
Abstract
Background: Community participation has been accepted as a promising approach to promoting health and health equality. Based on Iran's constitution and the general health policies, community participation in health is addressed as a right, and during recent decades, some measures have been put in place. However, it is critical to improve public participation in Iran's health system and institutionalize community participation in health policymaking. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilities affecting public participation in Iran's health policymaking.
Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews with health policymakers, health managers and planners, and other stakeholders were conducted to collect data. The conventional content analysis approach was used to analyze the data.
Results: Two themes—including community level and government level—and 10 categories were identified through the qualitative analysis. Cultural and motivational factors, lack of awareness of the right to participate, and lack of sufficient knowledge and skills are among the identified barriers in the process of establishing effective interaction. From the health governance perspective, a lack of political will is identified as one of the obstacles.
Conclusion: A culture of community involvement and political will are pivotal in the sustainability of community participation in health policymaking. The provision of a suitable context for participatory processes and capacity building on the community and government levels can be useful in institutionalizing community participation in the health system.
