Strategic Analysis of Community Participation in Primary Health Care in Iran and Presentation of Promotion Strategies Using Internal and External Environment Assessment Techniques

Abstract

Introduction: Community participation in health affairs and especially in the field of primary health care is one of the requirements for achieving the goals defined in this field. Accordingly, the present study was designed and implemented with the aim of strategic analysis of the internal and external environment in the field of primary health care in Iran and presentation of the promotion strategies to attract community participation. Methods: This is a qualitative study that was conducted using the internal and external environment assessment technique called SWOT. The data used were obtained through a semi-structured quality questionnaire and a survey on strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, as well as proposed promotion strategies to improve community participation in the field of primary health care. Results: Analysis of external environment of the field of primary health care in Iran regarding community participation led to the identification of the opportunities such as increasing community literacy, the possibility of using public spaces and media as well as influential people to attract community participation; and threats such as financial and employment constraints of families, citizens' unfamiliarity with their effective role in health, and inadequate intersectoral participation. The evaluation of the internal environment led to the identification of strengths in such as native selection policy for health workers; and weaknesses such as lack of attention to evidence-based performance and poor time access to health activities. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that there are internal weaknesses and external threats to community participation in the field of primary health care.