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. 2025 Nov 10;25(1):3875.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25242-2.

What are the vulnerabilities and solutions of noncommunicable diseases in rural areas? A descriptive qualitative study in Iranian villages

Samira Taghizadeh  1 , Mostafa Amini-Rarani  2 , Golrokh Atighechian  3
Affiliations

What are the vulnerabilities and solutions of noncommunicable diseases in rural areas? A descriptive qualitative study in Iranian villages

Samira Taghizadeh et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide is a major global health challenge. Each year, more than 15 million people between the ages of 30 and 69 die prematurely from NCDs. While the prevalence of NCDs is greater in urban areas, there are significant structural changes in rural areas, and certain socioeconomic factors increase the likelihood of developing NCDs. This study aimed to explore vulnerabilities in rural areas of Natanz County to address NCDs and provide solutions.

Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in Natanz County, Iran, in 2024, focusing on 17 villages with varying prevalence rates of NCDs. The study design involved identifying the 5 villages with the highest prevalence rates of NCDs for in-depth analysis. The study population comprised residents from these selected villages, and a total sample size of 22 residents was purposefully chosen to participate in the study. Data were collected using focused group discussions, which facilitated rich, qualitative insights. The transcribed data were analyzed through Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, allowing for the extraction of codes, subthemes, and themes. The data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020.

Results: Vulnerabilities were categorized into 6 themes and 18 subthemes, and in the area of proposed solutions, 7 themes and 20 subthemes were recognized. The identified vulnerabilities included social factors, lifestyle changes, political factors, economic factors, individual factors, environmental factors, and comprehensive health services. The proposed solutions can be categorized into social factors, lifestyle changes, political factors, economic factors, individual factors, environmental factors, comprehensive health services, and research factors.

Conclusion: Diabetes and hypertension are prevalent in the studied villages and are driven by unhealthy lifestyle choices and a lack of trust in healthcare services. To address these issues, targeted interventions focusing on education, health promotion, and rebuilding trust in healthcare are essential for promoting healthier lifestyles and improving treatment strategies.

Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-25242-2.

Keywords: Community health centers; Noncommunicable diseases; Rural health; Socioeconomic factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study received the required ethics approval from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee (No. IR.MUI.RESEARCH.REC.1400.391) Isfahan, Iran. The “informed consent” to participate was obtained from all of the participants in the study. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart of the steps of the focus group discussion in 5 vilages
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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