Profile of Occupational Health Services in Iran: A Mixed-Methods Study Focusing on Service Coverage and Interventions

Narmin  Hassanzadeh-Rangi; Bayan  Hosseini; Yeganeh  Akhtari; Ehsan Farvaresh; Yahya  Khosravi

doi:10.18502/jhsw.v15i1.21362

Narmin Hassanzadeh-Rangi Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
Bayan Hosseini Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, Franc
Yeganeh Akhtari Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
Ehsan Farvaresh Occupational and Environmental Health Center, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
Yahya Khosravi Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jhsw.v15i1.21362

Keywords: Occupational health services, Health policy, Health services coverage, Public health

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to profile Iran’s occupational health services and identify the challengesand implementation strategies, focusing on the coverage of these services and interventions.

Material and Methods: This mixed-method research utilized a triangulation approach to generatequalitative data through document reviews from international organizations such as the WHO andILO, examinations of national occupational health systems, laws and regulations, previous studies, andinterviews. Quantitative data were collected from a national portal using a standard inspection checklistand secondary data from the National Statistics Center. Qualitative data were analyzed using both inductiveand deductive content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The occupational health services profile for Iran comprised 45 indicators across 9 areas and6 types. The coverage of inspection services for identified workplaces and workers was 93% and 92%,respectively. However, the estimated coverage of inspection services for all existing workplaces andworkers was only 39% and 15%. Among the included workplaces, access to full health facilities was at48%, while occupational exposure control was at 18%. For the covered workers, the coverage rates foroccupational medical examinations, occupational health training, and utilization of personal protectiveequipment were 58%, 63%, and 66%, respectively.

Conclusion: The key intervention for improving service coverage and stability—aside from inspections,which are governed—lies in outsourcing services to various providers. This approach involves removingexisting barriers and enhancing service provision for small workshops. Additionally, redesigning occupationalhealth services should focus on modifying educational curricula, research, and implementation programs,emphasizing the economic aspects of controls, and prioritizing low-cost and effective measures, especiallyin small workplaces.