The majority of modifiable health outcomes are attributable to factors that are outside the direct reach of the health systems and can only be reached through intersectoral actions. In recent years, Iran implemented a series of reforms in the health sector called Health Transformation Plan (HTP). This paper aimed to review health-related intersectoral actions in Iran that have focused on interventions conducted after HTP implementation and to compare the interventions against the recommendations by World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Findings showed that intersectoral governance interventions are the strongest points and have the most compatibility with the recommendations, while intersectoral environmental interventions are the weakest points. Also, many of the interventions have not yet been completely implemented. Moreover, continuity and sustainability of the policies and programs are still a concern.
Background:
The prevalence of mental diseases is 23.6% in Iran. Taking intersectoral measures is said to be effective in promoting mental health and reducing the burden of the diseases caused by social determinants. The aim of this study was to determine the role of national organizations in promoting mental health in Iran.
Methods:
An applied descriptive qualitative method was used. The data were collected by reviewing the literature, interviewing with experts, and holding focus group discussions. To identify the roles of organization, a two-dimensional matrix was drawn.
Results:
The roles of 31 national organizations in five groups were determined. Then, the intersectoral organizational expectations in two key areas were extracted. The key roles determined were mostly related to the Ministry of Education, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
Conclusions:
Due to the growing burden of mental disorders in the country, informing national organizations and attracting their active participation based on intersectoral expectations and developing interaction mechanisms among them can be an effective step in promoting mental health and reducing the environmental factors threatening mental health.
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