Volume 21, Issue 2 (Summer 2026)
Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing 2026, 21(2): 202-217 |
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Ebrahiminajad M, HaghGoshayie E, Mohebbiyan Z, Lotfian bonab Y, Saedi A, Raoofi S. Challenges of Older Adults in Accessing Healthcare Services in Iran: A Qualitative Study. Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing 2026; 21 (2) :202-217
URL: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2995-en.html
URL: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2995-en.html
Mozhgan Ebrahiminajad1 
, Elaheh HaghGoshayie2 , Zahra Mohebbiyan1 , Yalda Lotfian bonab1 , Arman Saedi1 , Samira Raoofi *3
, Elaheh HaghGoshayie2 , Zahra Mohebbiyan1 , Yalda Lotfian bonab1 , Arman Saedi1 , Samira Raoofi *3
1- Student Research Committee, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.
2- Research Center for Evidence-Based Health Management, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.
3- Research Center for Evidence-Based Health Management, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran. ,samira.raoofi@gmail.com
2- Research Center for Evidence-Based Health Management, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.
3- Research Center for Evidence-Based Health Management, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran. ,
Abstract: (4160 Views)
Objectives The elderly, due to physiological problems, chronic diseases, and greater dependence on healthcare, require comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality services. However, multiple challenges have limited the provision of appropriate services to this group in Iran. This study aims to analyze the existing challenges of older adults in Iran in accessing healthcare services.
Methods & Materials This qualitative study, utilizing a conventional content analysis approach, was conducted in 2024 in healthcare centers affiliated with Maragheh University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 35 participants: 20 older adults who had visited the comprehensive health centers in Maragheh County and 15 key informants, including healthcare providers, health administrators, and experts in geriatric health, selected via purposive sampling. The collected data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method in MAXQDA software, version 10.
Results The analysis yielded four main themes and 11 sub-themes. The main themes included: policy-related challenges, structural/administrative challenges, human resource challenges, and environmental/social challenges.
Conclusion The study demonstrated the challenges of Iranian older adults in accessing healthcare services. To overcome these challenges, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, increasing specialized human resources, expanding digital health services, and providing financial support for the elderly and their families are essential. Additionally, enhancing accessibility by expanding healthcare centers, establishing dedicated transportation systems, and encouraging private-sector participation can significantly improve the health and well-being of the elderly in Iran.
Methods & Materials This qualitative study, utilizing a conventional content analysis approach, was conducted in 2024 in healthcare centers affiliated with Maragheh University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 35 participants: 20 older adults who had visited the comprehensive health centers in Maragheh County and 15 key informants, including healthcare providers, health administrators, and experts in geriatric health, selected via purposive sampling. The collected data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method in MAXQDA software, version 10.
Results The analysis yielded four main themes and 11 sub-themes. The main themes included: policy-related challenges, structural/administrative challenges, human resource challenges, and environmental/social challenges.
Conclusion The study demonstrated the challenges of Iranian older adults in accessing healthcare services. To overcome these challenges, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, increasing specialized human resources, expanding digital health services, and providing financial support for the elderly and their families are essential. Additionally, enhancing accessibility by expanding healthcare centers, establishing dedicated transportation systems, and encouraging private-sector participation can significantly improve the health and well-being of the elderly in Iran.
Keywords: Elderly, Challenges, Healthcare services, Qualitative content analysis, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
gerontology
Received: 2025/01/01 | Accepted: 2025/05/14 | Published: 2026/07/01
Received: 2025/01/01 | Accepted: 2025/05/14 | Published: 2026/07/01
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