Volume 25, Issue 1 (11-2026)
Toloo-e behdasht 2026, 25(1): 20-41 |
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Research code: شماره11611
Ethics code: IR.ZAUMS.REC.1403.389
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zanganeh baygi M, peyvand M, bakhtiyari A, peyvand F. Patients' Lived Experiences of Barriers and Challenges along the Treatment Pathway for Malaria: A Qualitative Study in Southeastern Iran. Toloo-e behdasht 2026; 25 (1) :20-41
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3885-en.html
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3885-en.html
Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , mp.peyvand@yahoo.com
Abstract: (17 Views)
Introduction: Malaria is an infectious disease endemic to tropical regions, particularly the border areas of Sistan and Baluchestan, and is influenced by climatic, social, and economic factors. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of affected patients and identify the therapeutic, cultural, and economic challenges they face in order to propose strategies for improvement.
Methods: This qualitative study, employing a case-study approach with an applied objective, was conducted in 2025 in southeastern Iran. The target population comprised malaria patients under the coverage of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews lasting 30 to 60 minutes each. Data analysis was performed using conventional content analysis through a systematic process involving coding, categorization, and theme extraction.
Results: Among the 35 malaria patients, 28 were male and 7 were female; the largest age group was 20–39 years, and Plasmodium vivax was the most prevalent species. The qualitative findings were classified into five themes—therapeutic challenges, infrastructural and service-related challenges, cultural and social challenges, economic challenges, and information and educational challenges—comprising 15 categories and 34 subcategories.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that malaria patients in southeastern Iran face numerous challenges, including limited access to medication and treatment services, inadequate infrastructure, cultural and social barriers, border-related and economic difficulties, and weak health information dissemination. These factors act synergistically to hinder effective disease control. To improve this situation, comprehensive and localized health programs, along with strengthened health systems and targeted educational interventions, should be implemented, especially in remote border areas.
Methods: This qualitative study, employing a case-study approach with an applied objective, was conducted in 2025 in southeastern Iran. The target population comprised malaria patients under the coverage of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews lasting 30 to 60 minutes each. Data analysis was performed using conventional content analysis through a systematic process involving coding, categorization, and theme extraction.
Results: Among the 35 malaria patients, 28 were male and 7 were female; the largest age group was 20–39 years, and Plasmodium vivax was the most prevalent species. The qualitative findings were classified into five themes—therapeutic challenges, infrastructural and service-related challenges, cultural and social challenges, economic challenges, and information and educational challenges—comprising 15 categories and 34 subcategories.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that malaria patients in southeastern Iran face numerous challenges, including limited access to medication and treatment services, inadequate infrastructure, cultural and social barriers, border-related and economic difficulties, and weak health information dissemination. These factors act synergistically to hinder effective disease control. To improve this situation, comprehensive and localized health programs, along with strengthened health systems and targeted educational interventions, should be implemented, especially in remote border areas.
Keywords: Malaria, Lived Experience, Qualitative Content Analysis, Access to Health Services, Treatment Barriers
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
managment
Received: 2025/11/5 | Accepted: 2026/03/1 | Published: 2026/11/1
Received: 2025/11/5 | Accepted: 2026/03/1 | Published: 2026/11/1
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