Providing an Integrated Method For Ranking the Townships of Ilam Province in Terms of Health Care Services Enjoyment

Abstract

Introduction: Equitable distribution of health care services is prerequisite of success to the national development programs. This study was conducted to assess the townships of Ilam province in terms of enjoyment of health care services. Materials & methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Ilam province using 14 health care services indices. Data were collected by a data collection form made by the researcher using statistical yearbook of Statistical Center of Iran (SCI) in 2011. Ilam townships were assessed with 5 methods using Microsoft Excel 2010 (disharmonious index of Morris; standardized score; Scalogram; Numerical Taxonomy; TOPSIS) and given the different methods did not reach a general consensus, Copeland's method was used. Findings: The findings indicated that there existed unequal distribution of health care services across the townships of Ilam province. According to the Copeland method, Ilam and Malekshahi townships have been ranked the first and last regarding the enjoyment of health care services, respectively. Discussion & conclusions: As a result, health care services have been settled in the provincial center (Ilam Township). The policies leading to the development of health care services in large cities are the major important factors in the unequal distribution of health care services. The results of this study can provide illustration of current situation of enjoyment of the health care services and promote the evidence-informed decision making (in national and local levels) for policymakers.