Author/Authors :
SALEHI ZALANI, Gholamhossein Center for Health Human Resources Research & Studies - Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran , BAYAT, Mahboubeh Dept. of Health Management and Economics - School of Public Health - International Campus - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , SHOKRI, Azad Health Services Management of Research Center - Institute for Futures Studies in Health - Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman , MIRBAHAEDDIN, S. Elmira Center for Human Resources Research & Studies - Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran , RASI, Vahid Health Management and Economics Research Center - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , ALIREZAEI, Samira Health Management and Economics Research Center - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , MANAFI, Fatemeh Dept. of Health Management and Economics - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Abstract :
Background: This study aimed to use a mixed-method approach to investigate affecting factors on the performance of Community Health Workers (CHW) in Iran’s villages.
Methods: This study was conducted during 2014-2015 with a mixed method in three phases of literature review, Del-phi technique and developing a rich picture. Overall, in order to finalize the affecting factors and their relationships between qualitative content analysis, Delphi technique, AHP technique and Focus Group Discussion were used, re-spectively.
Results: Affecting factors on CHW performance were divided into four main categories, 10 sub-themes and 35 con-tents. Increase in the level of people’s awareness, disease patterns, demographic structure and lifestyle were placed in four priorities respectively on the basis of importance.
Conclusion: To the most extent CHW cannot face current needs of rural communities. It challenges equitable access to healthcare services and also conflicts with the primary philosophy of CHW presence in rural areas. CHW can be used in two forms; either as an assistant to rural family physicians or with the same previous functions.
Keywords :
Affecting factors , CHW , Performance , Rural areas , Iran
