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Barriers to Utilization of Urban Health Post Services in Taybad, Iran: A Qualitative Study
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Ali Soufi1    , Reza Zynali *2 |
1- taybad & M.Sc. in Epidemiology, Communicable Diseases Officer, Taybad County Health Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Taybad, Iran.
2- taybad & M.D, Taybad County Health Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Taybad, Iran. , zeynalir3@mums.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (96 Views) |
Background: Equitable access to primary health care services is a cornerstone of population health promotion. Urban health posts play a key role in achieving this goal. However, in some regions, utilization of these services remains lower than expected. This study aimed to explore and explain the barriers to using urban health post services from the perspectives of residents of Taybad, Iran.
methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a thematic analysis approach between November and March 2024 in urban health posts of Taybad County, located in northeastern Iran. Participants included 43 individuals aged 18 years and older who were eligible to receive primary health care services but had not attended urban health posts during the study period. Participants were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed through open coding, categorization, and theme development. Credibility of the findings was enhanced through member checking and peer review.
Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) structural and organizational barriers (e.g., inadequate infrastructure, crowding, workforce instability, lack of privacy); (2) service limitations (e.g., limited specialized care, insufficient quality, need for home-based care); (3) individual attitudes and behaviors (e.g., low priority of preventive care, lack of motivation, time constraints, personal reasons); and (4) Barriers related to follow-up and service preferences (lack of active follow-up by health posts and preference for other health care providers). These factors influenced access to services, their quality, and acceptance by the population.
Conclusion: Underutilization of urban health post services results from an interaction of structural barriers, service limitations, and individual-level factors. Improving service utilization requires strengthening infrastructure, stabilizing the health workforce, expanding service packages, and enhancing community-oriented health education. The findings provide context-specific evidence that can inform the redesign of urban primary health care services based on the real needs and experiences of the population |
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| Keywords: Primary healthcare, Non-utilization, Access to healthcare, Qualitative research, Health centers, Taybad |
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Full-Text [PDF 885 kb]
(33 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/11/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/21 | Published: 2026/03/21
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Research code: 4030748 Ethics code: IR.MUMS.REC.1403.247 Clinical trials code: IR.MUMS.REC.1403.247
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