RT - Journal Article T1 - Barriers and Facilitators to Participatory Governance in Iran Health Policymaking: A Qualitative Study JF - MJIRI YR - 2023 JO - MJIRI VO - 37 IS - 1 UR - http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8509-en.html SP - 446 EP - 454 K1 - Community Participation K1 - Health Policymaking K1 - Political Will K1 - Iran AB - 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. LA eng UL http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8509-en.html M3 10.47176/mjiri.37.51 ER -