Exploring Challenges and Weaknesses of Community-Based Health Promotion Programs in Past Three Decades in Iran: The Way Forward

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, School of Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Center of Research Development, Coordination and Evaluation, Office of Undersecretary for Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

3 Retired, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Community-based initiatives including community-based health promotion (CBHP) programs have more than three decades of history in Iran. However, due to inadequate dissemination of the reports of such interventions, there is limited information or analysis of them accessible easily for health researchers and decision-makers at national or international level. This study, partially reported here, aimed to perform a situation analysis of community-based health promotion programs and interventions in Iran commissioned by WHO office in Tehran.Methods: Different data collection strategies were utilized to collect the relevant published and unpublished data such as the reports, papers, books and also electronic data available on the website of the funding organizations. Data were analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques such as thematic analysis to provide answer for research questions. ‏‏‏A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis conducted to identify the overall situation of community-based health promotion programs in Iran.Findings: There were hundreds of different types of community-based health promotion programs in different communities across the country which the researcher categorized them in 10 major groups. Little dissemination of the information regarding the process and the outcome of the programs, weak link between academia and the programs, and the lack of adequate evaluation of the majority of the programs, and also limited resources ad creation of unrealistic expectation of country participants were among the identified weaknesses and threats of community-based health promotion programs in Iran; while the strong organizational and political supports and developed structures due to these programs were identified to be among strengths and opportunities.Conclusion: Future community-based health promotion programs in Iran should benefit from a stronger scientific base and more effective participation of community members. Sharing the existing experiences should be paid attention.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 31, Issue 261 - Serial Number 261
September and October 2014
Pages 1855-1864

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 March 2013
  • Revise Date:
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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