Clustering of Provinces based on health indices in Iran: 2005

Inharmonious growth and mutation in provinces of country in cultural، economic and social characteristic in recent years، requires carefully plan for justly development in different areas. These plans essentially have to be integrated with inherent features of each zone and then، these plans are well enough to improve the quality of promotion. This study has been done according to health indices in Iran in order to identifying different poles over the country. Methods Homogeneous clusters have been calculated by using fuzzy clustering method and R statistical software، based on health indices in year 1385. The data are collected in help of department of Health in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Results Firstly، the Provinces of country have been divided to two clusters based on a cluster validity index. Then، again in order to minimize the length of each cluster، clusters repartitioned to two new clusters based on the validity index. The resulted clusters are homogeneous in structure. Discussion Based on geographic pattern of clusters and analyzing the status of each cluster and considering the advantages and disadvantages of them، it is possible to propose good health and care services in each province with respect to the inherent properties of each province.