Addressing Social Determinant of Health in Addressing Social Determinant of Health in Iranian Healthcare Network- A proposed Model

Nowadays, healthcare systems has encountered challenges due to rapid changes in socioeconomic status, urbanization, changes in disease's patterns and burden of chronic diseases. Health systems should be revised using a social approach to promote equity in health in communities. The purpose of this study was to revise Iran's existing primary health care network addressing social determinants of health approach and to design and propose a model with necessary structures, duties and intersectoral relationships. This qualitative study with content analysis was conductedusing purposive sampling methodin 2011. The data were gathered using semi-structured interviews (11 interviews) and focus group discussions (5 FGDs) with experts, policymakers and managers of Iran's healthcare system. Data analysis revealed three main themes including "national level"، "provincial level"، and "district level"، and two subthemes including "revising existing structure" and "proposed structure". The "revising existing structures"included "country healthcare network" and "intersectoral decision making councils". The "proposed structures"included "community empowerment, intersectoral cooperation and equity in health". Finally, the proposed model of healthcare network in Iran based on the social determinants of health was developed. Considering the importance of social determinants of health in community health promotion, it is essential to provide necessary infrastructures in order to revise the healthcare network based on the social determinants of health.