Prioritizing the health problems of slum residents using social determinants of health: A case study in a developing country

Abstract

Introduction: Today, countries are faced with the fact that despite unlimited human needs, resources are limited. The health sector has the same limitations as other sectors. Therefore, this study aimed to prioritize the health problems of the Kerman residents slums by using the social determinants of health.

Methods: The present study was carried out using a hierarchical analysis. The study population included experts of the deputy of social affairs, experts of the research center for SDH, experts of deputy of health, experts of social welfare in governing board of Kerman, and community health practitioners. Sixteen of these experts were selected using purposeful and snowball sampling methods. Expert Choice software was used to analyze the information.

Results: In this study, the health problems were prioritized. The highest priority among the main themes and subtheme was related to early childhood development and child labor, respectively.

Conclusion: The early years of life are the most important years of life, and the experiences of these years will be the foundation of the future life of every human being. Therefore, if their needs and developmental areas are not answered properly during this period, their health will be compromised.

Keywords: Health problems; Kerman city; priority; slums; social determinants health.