scholarly journals Exploring Challenges of Health System in Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marziye Hadian ◽  
Alireza Jabbari ◽  
Hojjat Sheikhbardsiri

BACKGROUND፡ Traditional medicine is a complete system, including diagnostic methods, etiology and treatment based on interpersonal differences. Owing to a lack of investigations in the field of Iranian traditional medicine as well as its many present challenges, certain studies in this area can prove quite practical in identifying and solving ongoing challenges. This study investigates the challenges of the health system in Iranian traditional medicine in the context of control levers.METHODS: The study was qualitative content analysis. A framework analysis, "Control Knob Approach", was considered appropriate to promote apprehension of challenges of health systems in Iranian traditional medicine. Data were collected by purposeful sampling through in-depth and semi-structured individual interviews with 35 experts of Iranian traditional medicine. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the data, which extracted the initial codes after performing the recorded interviews on paper and immersing them in the data analysis.RESULTS: Upon analysis of data by Iranian medicine experts, five main categories including financing, payment system, regulations, behavior and organization were defined alongside 13 subcategories.CONCLUSION: According to current challenges and the tendency of society to receive traditional medicine services, as well as the long history of traditional medicine in Iran, fair access to traditional medicine services should be provided. This access must be through the production of indigenous knowledge and the formulation of regulatory and educational policies and guidelines and the empowerment of relevant, healthy, effective, evidencebased and cost-effective forces.

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 2107-2130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadett Csurgó ◽  
Luca Kristóf

Our article aims to study the attitudes of the elite to family life and gender equality. This is a social group who still experiences significant gender imbalances. We focus on attitudes to family life, which has thus far been underresearched in elite literature. With the help of the analysis of 34 individual interviews with members of the Hungarian political, economic, and cultural elite, we identify and present three types of narrative identities: dominant, deferential, and egalitarian. The main finding from our qualitative content analysis is that egalitarian partnership norms which were discussed in every narrative and gender equality appear in most cases as a norm among the elite. However, there is a narrative tension between this norm and the couples’ actual experiences of their family life. We conclude our article with some comments on how the ideology of egalitarian essentialism strengthens gender inequalities reinforcing the underrepresentation of women in elite positions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
fateme mohammadi ◽  
Khodayar Oshvandi ◽  
Farshid Shamsaei ◽  
Fateme Cheraghi ◽  
mostafa bijani

Abstract Background: The bereaved families of COVID-19 victims are among the most vulnerable social groups in the COVID-19 pandemic. This highly infectious and contagious disease has afflicted these families with numerous psychological crises which have not been studied much yet. The present study is an attempt at investigating the psychological challenges and issues which the families of COVID-19 victims are faced with. The present study aims to identify the Mental Health crises which the families of COVID-19 deceased victims are going through.Methods: A qualitative research, the present study uses a conventional content analysis design. The participants were 16 members of the families of COVID-19 victims selected from medical centers in Iran from February to May 2020 via purposeful sampling. Sampling continued to the point of data saturation Data were collected via semi-structured individual interviews conducted online. The collected data were analyzed according to the conventional qualitative content analysis approach.Results: Analyses of the data yielded two main themes—emotional shock and fear of the future—with nine categories. Conclusion: The families of COVID-19 deceased victims are affected by various psychological crises which have exposed them to a deep sense of loss and emotional shock. In addition, the instability in the family following the loss of a family member and job insecurity due to the COVID crisis have caused them to be very worried about the future. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a cultural context which recognizes and supports all the various aspects of the mental health of these families.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akramsadat Hoseini ◽  
Tahereh Dehdari ◽  
Mahnaz Solhi ◽  
Seyedeh Tayebeh Rahideh ◽  
Leila Janani

Abstract Background: Literature shows that the consumption of Dietary Supplements (DS) is more common in Iran. This study aimed to explore the experiences of a sample of Iranian women regarding the factors influencing the use of DS.Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was conducted in Qods city, Tehran province, Iran from January to March 2020. Forty-two semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with women. The participants were asked about their experiences about the determinants of the consumption of DS. After the first round of the interviews was done, we performed content analysis of the data and continued up to data saturation.Results: Two main themes including personal factors (with 5 subthemes including sociodemographic characteristics, perceived benefits of DS, history of illness, physiological conditions, and lifestyle factors) and socio-economic factors (with 3 subthemes including subjective norms, the price of food and commercial considerations of the sectors involved in the production and sale of DS) emerged as the experiences of the participants as to the intake of DS.Conclusions: These variables may suggest areas which need to be focused on for performing more effective interventions to affect appropriate consumption of DS in Iran.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 95-114
Author(s):  
Titas Krutulys

During World War II Lithuania was ruled by three completely different political regimes. In the first year Lithuania was authoritarian state ruled by group of nationalists, in 1940 Lithuania was occupied by Soviet Union and in 1941 State was occupied by Nazi Germany. All these political powers was undemocratic and propagated their ideologies. One of the most important aspect of every ideology is to suggest new concept of time. This change of perception of time could be seen in the change of cultural memory. Article try to analyze this change using the most popular Lithuanian periodical press of the period. This research analyzed main historical periods and the most popular themes represented in the main newspapers. Using theories of Anthony D. Smith and Raoul Girardet research showed what historical periods was seen positively and what negatively, what was main historical heroes and enemies; also how foreign history was represented in the periodical press. The quantitative content analysis showed that while representations of history in the so called independent Lithuania and in Lithuania occupied by Nazis was quite similar, historical representations during first Soviet occupation was unique. Qualitative content analysis showed that there was three very different paradigms of cultural memories, represented in periodical press. Lithuanian nationalist mostly tried to promote Lithuanian medieval times and especially Lithuanian dukes and historical capital Vilnius, also they tried to justify their politics creating myth of great welfare during their rule. They praised Soviet history, criticized Poland and poles, but wrote about most of the countries quite neutral. During Soviet occupation all Lithuanian history was harshly criticized and showed as negative times, this regime promoted only few Lithuanian heroes who died young or was known for their left wing politics. Main historical past represented in the newspapers was history of Soviet Union, other countries was ignored. Main enemies of Soviets was Lithuanian gentry, and Lithuanian rulers of the past. During Nazi occupation there was more Lithuanian national history than German history, but the main appreciable historical periods was Lithuanian prehistory and the 19th Century. Regime promoted history of Lithuanian culture and language, but tried to ignore Lithuanian state. Foreign history was mostly binary – propaganda criticized Soviet Union as well as Tsarist Russia, USA and United Kingdom, but appreciated history of Italy, Japan, Finland, Turkey, Spain etc. Main historical enemies were of course Bolsheviks and Jews.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahboobeh Hosseini Moghaddam ◽  
Zinat Mohebbi ◽  
Banafsheh Tehranineshat

Abstract Background Being in the frontline of the battle against COVID-19, nurses need to be capable of stress management to maintain their physical and psychological well-being in the face of a variety of stressors. The present study aims to explore the challenges, strategies, and outcomes of stress management in nurses who face and provide care to COVID-19 patients. Methods The present study is a qualitative descriptive work that was conducted in teaching hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from June 2020 to March 2021. Fourteen nurses who were in practice in units assigned to COVID-19 patients were selected via purposeful sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, individual interviews conducted online. The collected data were analyzed using MAXQDA 10 according to the conventional content analysis method suggested by Graneheim and Lundman. Results The data collected in the interviews resulted in 14 subcategories under 4 main categories: providing care with uncertainty and anxiety, facing psychological and mental tension, creating a context for support, and experiencing personal-professional growth. Conclusions Despite their concern over contracting the infection and transmitting it to their families, nurses feel compelled to provide professional care to patients under all circumstances. Work overload and working in exhausting conditions lead to nurses’ physical and psychological burnout, thus their need for the support of authorities and their families. Based on the nurses’ experiences, the primary outcomes of caring for COVID-19 patients are personal growth and professional empowerment.


Author(s):  
Mohsen Aminizadeh ◽  
Mehrdad Farrokhi ◽  
Abbas Ebadi ◽  
Gholam Reza Masoumi ◽  
Pirhossein Kolivand ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: Identification of hospital preparedness challenges against biological events such as COVID-19 is essential to improve dynamics, quality and business continuity confidence in the health system. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the challenges of hospital preparedness in biological events. Methods: This study employed a qualitative method using content analysis in which 20 healthcare managers and experts who are experienced in biological events were selected through purposeful sampling. The data collection was done through semi-structured interviews, which continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis as well as the Landman and Graneheim Approach. Results: Six main concepts (training and practice, resource management, safety and health, patient management, risk communication, and laboratory and surveillance) and 14 sub-concepts were extracted on hospital preparedness challenges in biological events through analyzing interviews. Conclusions: The present study indicated that the health system of the country faces many challenges in response to biological events and threats. Moreover, study participants indicated that Iranian hospitals were not prepared for biological events. It is recommended to design preparedness plans of hospitals based on preparedness standards for biological events. In addition, comprehensive measures are required to enhance their capacity to respond to biological emergencies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-372
Author(s):  
Catherine Anne Nicole Lorentzen ◽  
Berit Viken

Purpose There is a need for cost-effective strategies to counteract mental health challenges among immigrant women. This study aims to identify how nature might improve the mental health status of immigrant women residing in Norway. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were gathered through individual interviews with 14 immigrant women from Iran (2), Poland (2), Palestine, Afghanistan, Congo, Kenya, Thailand, Russia, Portugal, Latvia, Colombia and Bulgaria. Findings The qualitative content analysis revealed that interaction with nature positively influenced the immigrant women’s mental health. This occurred because of the following: exposure to nature itself, leading to mood enhancements; familiarization with the new country’s culture, nature, climate and language, facilitating feelings of mastery, attachment and belonging; social interactions, promoting immediate well-being and future social support; interacting with nature in familiar ways, reducing feelings of alienation/loss; and physical activity, improving mood and stress-related conditions. These mental health improvements were a result of interactions with various types of natural environments. Originality/value This study supports the promotion of interaction with nature among immigrant women as part of low-cost public health work. Practitioners should consider multiple arenas for potential nature-related mental health gains.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fateme Mohammadi ◽  
Hadise sadate Tabatabaei ◽  
Farzaneh Mozafari ◽  
Mark Gillespie

Introduction: Dignified care is one of the moral responsibilities of professional caregivers. However, in many cases the dignity of hospitalized patients, especially women in the delivery room, is not maintained. Dignity is an abstract concept and there has been no previous research exploring the dignity of pregnant women in the delivery room in Iran. Objectives: The objective of this study is to define and explain the concept of dignity for pregnant women in the delivery room from the perspectives of professional caregivers. Research design: This is qualitative research. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured individual interviews. The conventional content analysis method was used to analyze the data. In qualitative content analysis, participant narrative is examined in-depth and sorted into categories and themes. Participants and research context: Potential participants who met the entrance criteria for this study were approached between July 2016 and February 2017. In all, 20 professional caregivers working in the delivery room setting within Iranian general hospitals were invited to participate in the study. The sampling was done through targeted sampling until saturation was achieved. Ethical considerations: The research ethics committee of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences has approved the study’s protocol and all commonly recognized ethical principles were followed throughout the study. Findings: The findings of this study were presented in three main themes, including “privacy,” “respecting patients’ preferences,” and “comprehensive attention” and eight categories. Discussions and conclusion: Women in the delivery room need to be taken care of in an environment where healthcare staff promote the preservation of dignity through maintaining privacy, by providing attentive care and through ensuring that patient preferences regarding care and treatment are respected. In such an environment, the dignity of these women would be maintained and desirable outcomes achieved.


Author(s):  
Fardin Alipour ◽  
Negin Khoramdel ◽  
Maliheh Arshi ◽  
Mohammad Sabzi Khoshnami

Many children have entered foster care centers due to different reasons, and they will experience new conditions after leaving these centers. This research explored the experiences of the postmarital life of women with a history of residence in foster care centers. It was conducted using a qualitative content analysis. The data were collected through semistructured interviews with 21 former foster care women and experts. Data analysis was performed using coding and classification of codes. The main extracted theme was “Life in Suspension.” The extracted codes were placed in 10 subcategories and three categories, including (a) spoiled identity, (b) social pressures, and (c) unstable marital life. The need for planning to reduce the various challenges of this group and increase their quality of life, both during and after foster care centers, is essential.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fateme Mohammadi ◽  
Khodayar Oshvandi ◽  
Farshid Shamsaei ◽  
Fateme Cheraghi ◽  
Masoud Khodaveisi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The bereaved families of COVID-19 victims are among the most vulnerable social groups in the COVID-19 pandemic. This highly infectious and contagious disease has afflicted these families with numerous psychological crises which have not been studied much yet. The present study is an attempt at investigating the psychological challenges and issues which the families of COVID-19 victims are faced with. The present study aims to identify the Mental Health crises which the families of COVID-19 deceased victims are going through. Methods A qualitative research, the present study uses a conventional content analysis design. The participants were 16 members of the families of COVID-19 victims selected from medical centers in Iran from February to May 2020 via purposeful sampling. Sampling continued to the point of data saturation Data were collected via semi-structured individual interviews conducted online. The collected data were analyzed according to the conventional qualitative content analysis approach. Results Analyses of the data yielded two main themes and seven categories. Emotional shock included (feelings of guilt and rumination, bitter farewell, strange burial and concern about unreligious burial), and fear of the future included (instability in the family, lack of job security and difficult financial conditions, Stigmatization and complications in social interactions). Conclusion The families of COVID-19 deceased victims are affected by various psychological crises which have exposed them to a deep sense of loss and emotional shock. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a cultural context which recognizes and supports all the various aspects of the mental health of these families.


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