[ cross sectional study on the results of participatory needs assessment in zone 17 of Tehran: three years after intervention]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a previously conducted needs assessment on West Abouzar neighborhood changes after three years

Methods: This was a cross sectional study in two qualitative and quantitative parts. In the qualitative phase, we conducted semi-structured interviews to determine the types of interventions and selection criteria, and their effects on the approaches of the local headquarters. Based on the qualitative results, a questionnaire was designed in order to use in the quantitative part of the study. A total of 352 individuals selected through random cluster sampling were recruited to the study. Data were gathered by local trained individuals and were analyzed using appropriate methods

Results: The results revealed that for all identified problems, except for drug abuse and unemployment, at least one intervention was performed. Majority of interventions were constructive, while in social issues limited interventions were conducted. It was shown that 29.5% of the interventions were good in quality, 47% were moderate and 23.5% were weak. More than half of the participants [51%] stated that interventions were effective regarding their quality of life; however, they expected more influential interventions. A total of 21.1% of respondents believed that the interventions were relatively effective; 11.1% reported that the interventions were very effective; and 17% stated that the interventions had no effect on their lives

Conclusion: Participatory needs assessment and conducting interventions based on the local needs are effective approaches to resolve health-related problems

[Analysis of demographic and socioeconomic determinants of 17th zone Tehran: Tehran population lab region]

Introduction: the human being is part of its surrounding socio-economic framework. He is affected by the environment and actively affects it. Ignoring the socio-economic dimensions of health leads to the failure of health promotion programs and widens the inequity in the health status of different groups in the society. The aim of this study is to identify the socio-economic and demographic status of the inhabitants in 17th zone of Tehran

Methods: a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches was used in this study. A crosssectional descriptive study was carried out in population research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences [TUMS] with a sample containing 1121 households. They were chosen by random cluster sampling. Data was gathered using the World Health Survey questionnaire of WHO. Construct validity, and test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaires were already approved. The SEAGA tools, which are classified as Rapid Appraisal [RA] methods were used to complete the community profile .Techniques such as direct observation, Semi-structured interview with key informants, field notes, social map, and trend line were devised to identify community profile. The method of triangulation was used to validate the data

Results: data analysis showed means of age was 27/9 years. The average size of the household was 4.23. 47.5% of the respondents were unmarried. The Majority of participants [30/7%] have been qualified at high school level. The dominant ethnic group was Azari [57/8%]. All of them were Moslems. The majority are self-employed [11/9%]. The qualitative studies showed that district one is the economic core of the area. Economical heterogeneity in three districts of 17th zone was evident. Social problems were reported as unemployment, drug abuse, violence and aggressive behavior and so on

Conclusion: the variety of socio-economic problems among inhabitants in 17th zone of Tehran represents this area as a problematic community. Capacity building and providing proper background for community participation in solving its own health problems can be an effective approach towards sustainable development. Total reliance on the health sector to solve the numerous problems of this area will not be successful as inter-sectoral collaboration and community participation are mandatory requirements of this process

[Evaluation of the household expenses per capita and the inequity in people's economic status and healthcare services]

Introduction: the success of a health system depends on the accessibility and the quality of health services it provides. One major indicator of service quality is peoples satisfaction from the service. In this article, healthcare availability and satisfaction of people in 17th zone of Tehran is investigated

Methods: population Research Center has performed a survey in 17th zone of Tehran to investigate people s access to health services and healthcare costs. This face- to-face survey is based on the standard questionnaire of World Health Survey. 1121 households were chosen through cluster sampling. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire are confirmed in previous studies

Results: the average size of the households is 4.23 and its ratio to the number of rooms in the households is 1.98. Expenses per capita and the insurance coverage and quality have no significant difference in large and small households. The share of health expenditures is significantly smaller in households with a female guardian than those with male guardians. People s overall satisfaction from health services is mediocre, little or very little in 62% of the cases

Conclusion: although the level of inequity in coverage and quality of health services is small over the area, the overall health care quality is not enough for customer s satisfaction. Initiatives to improve the quality of health services seem mandatory