Determining and Investigating the Factors Affecting Community Participation in Provision of Primary Health Care

Background and Objectives: The role of community participation in health care has been confirmed in order to achieve fair and equitable results. The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting community participation in primary health care delivery. Material and Methods: This study was carried out in combination (quantitative and qualitative). At first, 25 experts were selected and 200 clients from networks and health centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences participated in this study, and were selected by using available sampling method and analyzed using SPSS software and LISREL software version 7.8. Results: Factors affecting community participation in providing health care, including "exchanging information between health care organizations and people", "encouraging and preparing people", "reviewing and transforming health centers and homes", "direct role and the effectiveness of the people and informing them "," the equal relation of people and authorities, and the participation of the people in all stages of decision-making " and " timely informing the clients about the opportunity to decide on their participation "and, finally," trust and the reliance of the clients on the system of health and accountability and the promotion of their efficiency "and" development of social capital ". Conclusion: The present study, with regard to the specific context of the social and political environment in Iran, identified the factors influencing community participation in primary health care. This study provides a practical guide for policymakers and primary health care managers to participate in decisions that affect their lives, which ultimately lead to improved quality of service and patient and community satisfaction.