Volume 28, Issue 3 (12-2025)
jha 2025, 28(3): 60-87 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Alizadeh N, Gerivani H, Bazrafshan A, Sajadi H S. Barriers to accessing services for people with disabilities in Iran: insights from a scoping review and stakeholder dialogue. jha 2025; 28 (3) :60-87
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4687-en.html
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4687-en.html
1- Center for Academic and Health Policy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
4- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, University Research and Development Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,hsajjadi@tums.ac.ir
2- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
4- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, University Research and Development Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (23 Views)
Introduction: People with disabilities (PWD) face various barriers to accessing services. Identifying and addressing these obstacles is essential to ensure equitable service use and should be a priority for policymakers. This study synthesizes existing evidence on these challenges in Iran and suggests potential solutions.
Methods: The research was conducted in two consecutive phases. In the first phase, a scoping review was conducted using selected keywords to search five English and two Persian databases. One researcher conducted the search, screening, and data extraction according to the inclusion and exlusion criteria. Of 7,985 studies identified, 82 were included in the review, with data analyzed narratively. In the second phase, a stakeholder dialogue session was held with 14 purposively selected informants to complement the review findings. A neutral facilitator managed the two-hour session, during which the findings were presented and discussed. With participants' consent, the session was recorded, notes were taken, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results: Of the included studies, 71 (86%) were published in English, and 44 (53%) were conducted after 2021. The primary objective of 67 studies was to identify barriers to access and propose solutions. Based on the review findings and stakeholder dialogue, seven main categories of barriers and solutions were identified: individual, cultural, communicational, financial, physical, institutional, and legal barriers.
Conclusion: To improve access to services for PWD, policymakers should prioritize the development of physical and infrastructural facilities, support employment and economic improvement, empower professionals, enhance public awareness, and strengthen legal protections.
Methods: The research was conducted in two consecutive phases. In the first phase, a scoping review was conducted using selected keywords to search five English and two Persian databases. One researcher conducted the search, screening, and data extraction according to the inclusion and exlusion criteria. Of 7,985 studies identified, 82 were included in the review, with data analyzed narratively. In the second phase, a stakeholder dialogue session was held with 14 purposively selected informants to complement the review findings. A neutral facilitator managed the two-hour session, during which the findings were presented and discussed. With participants' consent, the session was recorded, notes were taken, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results: Of the included studies, 71 (86%) were published in English, and 44 (53%) were conducted after 2021. The primary objective of 67 studies was to identify barriers to access and propose solutions. Based on the review findings and stakeholder dialogue, seven main categories of barriers and solutions were identified: individual, cultural, communicational, financial, physical, institutional, and legal barriers.
Conclusion: To improve access to services for PWD, policymakers should prioritize the development of physical and infrastructural facilities, support employment and economic improvement, empower professionals, enhance public awareness, and strengthen legal protections.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Health Services Management
Received: 2025/08/29 | Accepted: 2025/12/7 | Published: 2025/12/19
Received: 2025/08/29 | Accepted: 2025/12/7 | Published: 2025/12/19
Supplement [PDF 175 KB] (2 Download)
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
Site Keywords
Health, Administration, Scientific Article, Iran University of Medical Sciences,
