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Improving Effective Access to Nutrition Services in Comprehensive Health Service Centers in Iran: Implementation Gaps and Policy Options
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F Shafiei    , E Mohamadi , A Haghighian-Roudsari * , F Zayeri |
| , ahaghighian@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (5 Views) |
Background and Objectives: Nutrition services have been integrated into Iran’s primary health care system over the past decade; however, the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases and the persistence of nutritional problems indicate that simply establishing these services has not necessarily translated into effective, continuous, high- quality and trusted access to nutrition services by the population. This policy brief aimed to identify key access gaps in nutrition services at comprehensive health service centers and propose feasible policy options to improve their effective use.
Methods: This policy brief was developed through a review of documents, national nutrition programs, and international experiences, complemented by content analysis of semi-structured interviews with policymakers, managers, nutrition experts, and service users. The evidence was synthesized across three levels: policymaking, service delivery, and service use.
Results: Key gaps included insufficient and unevenly distributed nutrition workforce, weak referral and follow-up systems, inadequate performance monitoring, limited counselling facilities and equipment, low public awareness and trust, economic barriers to implementing nutrition advice, and inequities across population groups and geographic areas. Four policy options were proposed: redesigning referral and monitoring systems, strengthening the nutrition workforce, improving service quality and acceptability, and promoting equitable access and feasibility of following nutrition recommendations.
Conclusion: Realizing the full potential of nutrition services in Iran’s comprehensive health service centers requires implementation of the policy options suggested in the findings of this policy brief. Investment in nutrition services at the primary health care level can be a preventive and cost-effective intervention to reduce treatment costs and promote health equity.
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| Keywords: Effective access, Nutrition services, Primary health care, Comprehensive health service centers, Health policy, Iran. |
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Full-Text [PDF 580 kb]
(1 Downloads)
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Article type: Brief Policy |
Subject:
nutrition
Received: 2026/06/2 | Accepted: 2026/07/21
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