Volume 16, Issue 5 (Sep & Oct-In press 2026)
J Research Health 2026, 16(5): 11-11 |
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Ethics code: IR.IUMS.REC.1400.375
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barzegari J, Raeissi P, sehati M, Reisi N. Providing Primary Health Care for Non-Communicable Disease Patients during Pandemics: A Qualitative Study on Challenges and Solutions. J Research Health 2026; 16 (5) :11-11
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2963-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2963-en.html
1- Department of Health Services Management, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , barzegari.javad@yahoo.com
2- Department of Health Services Management, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Deputy of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Child Growth and Development Research Center and Isfahan Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2- Department of Health Services Management, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Deputy of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Child Growth and Development Research Center and Isfahan Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract: (13 Views)
The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted primary health care (PHC) for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), causing delayed care and higher mortality globally. In Iran, over 5 million NCD patients are registered in the integrated health system (SIB), yet PHC utilization dropped sharply. This study examines challenges in PHC-based NCD care during the crisis and strategies for future emergencies. In 2021, a qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 11 experienced NCD program managers from Iranian universities of medical sciences and the Ministry of Health, selected via purposive sampling. Data collection continued until thematic saturation; transcripts were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's thematic content analysis in MAXQDA. Trustworthiness was ensured through prolonged engagement, member checking, and peer debriefing. Thematic analysis revealed two overarching domains: challenges and strategies. Challenges were categorized into provider-related issues at macro-level (policy neglect, workforce reallocation, fragmented command, inadequate digital infrastructure) and micro-level (non-free services, prolonged follow-ups, equipment shortages, low motivation), alongside recipient-related factors (fear of infection, unhealthy lifestyle changes, psychological distress). Proposed strategies included fundamental transformation (dedicated NCD clinics, telemedicine, home-based care, strengthened self-care) and optimization of existing processes (private-sector collaboration, risk-stratified follow-up, task shifting, enhanced insurance coverage, proactive crisis planning).
Keywords: Primary health care, Noncommunicable diseases, COVID-19 pandemic, Qualitative research, Iran
Type of Study: Short Communication |
Subject:
● Service Quality
Received: 2025/11/2 | Accepted: 2026/03/17 | Published: 2026/08/23
Received: 2025/11/2 | Accepted: 2026/03/17 | Published: 2026/08/23
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