Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Preparedness challenges of the Iranian health system for dust and sand storms: A qualitative study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Kiyoumars Allahbakhshi 1
. Zohreh Ghomian 1
. Reza Khani Jazani 1
. Davoud Khorasani‑Zavareh 2

1 Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), H1, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Alfred Nobels Allé 23 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The dust and sand storms (DSS) in Iran increased in recent years, which have
caused adverse health effects. Regarding the effects of DSS on the health indicators, the health
system plays a key role based on the mission and the services which it provides. The present study
was conducted, in Iran, to fill the existing knowledge gap and to understand the preparedness
challenges of the health system in response to the DSS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty‑one semi‑structured interviews, in 2016–2017, were
undertaken. This study carried out using purposeful sampling with key informants in the Khuzestan
Province, national policymakers in Tehran, as well as people affected by this phenomenon.
A qualitative approach, using the conventional content analysis, was employed to analyze the
collected data.
RESULTS: Four main categories that appear to explain the preparedness challenges of the health
system for DSS include the risk assessment, knowledge management, organizational elements, as
well as monitoring and evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative that policymakers of the country pay special attention to the hazard
risk understanding and managing the various aspects of the beliefs and attitudes associated with
DSS. The development of early warning system, regular drills and exercises, as well as public and
specialized health promotion training related to this phenomenon are suggested.

Keywords

Air pollution
climate change
health promotion
public health
qualitative research
readiness
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 9, Issue 6
June 2019
Pages 1-9

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