Preventive Community-Based Strategies of Cardiovascular Diseases in Iran: A Multi-Method Study

Community-based strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, are of great importance.

This study aimed to formulate a policy brief to identify and prioritize community-based strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease in Iran.

This multi-method study was conducted over three phases. In the first phase, rapid review, community-based strategies which mentioned to people's participation had been identified. PubMed and Scopus had been searched. In the second phase, a focus group discussion (FGD) was held by the participation of 15 experts from different disciplines to have been summarized and finalized the community-based strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease as policy options. Content analysis method was used. In the third phase, policy options were prioritized. In addition, the points of interest and the appropriate budget were suggested for each policy option by using the Delphi method with the participation of 15 experts.

Community-based approach includes six strategies: engagement of non-governmental and charitable organizations, use of health marketing strategies, activating the role of community health workers, implementing of mobile health programs, social prescribing, and peripheral medicine.‌‌‌ Utilizing Community health workers, using mobile health and engaging NGOs and charities were ported in higher levels. In all policy options, public-private partnership as the best investment as well as the Ministry of Health as the best focal point were proposed.

Implementing multiple prevention strategies in the form of public engagement, incorporating prevention programs delivered by community health workers and increasing public-private partnership financial support may be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease.