The policy making challenges of cervical cancer prevention in Iran; based on policy triangle model

Widespread use of screening in high-income countries has led to a significant reduction in cervical cancer mortality. Low- and middle-income countries do not have an organized cancer screening program. The aim of this study is to analyze cervical cancer prevention policy in Iran. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. MAXQDA۲۰۲۰ software was also used for better data management. Forty-three participants were interviewed. The mean age of participants was ۳۶.۱۴ ±۱۱.۲۹ years. Eight themes with ۲۴ subtopics were obtained from the analysis of the content of the interviews including: a) conflict of interest, b) weakness of professionalism, c) weakness of executive programs, d) weakness of registration, monitoring and evaluation systems, e) Managerial weakness, f) economic problems, g) weakness of public awareness, and h) weakness of using scientific principles in policy making. The findings of this study showed that a wide range of economic, social, and cultural problems can affect cervical cancer prevention policy. Proposed strategies and solutions to policymakers include allocating enough funding to cancer prevention programs, using structures to maintain prevention programs, and changing the style of medical universities in order to focus on promoting health and empowering students to better acquire self-care skills.

کلیدواژه ها:

“policymaking ، prevention ، cervical cancer ، policy triangle”.