Identifying the Position of Social Determinants of Health in Higher Medical Sciences Education System

Abstract

Background: The higher medical education system’s mission is to maintain and improve the health in society. Furthermore, the roles of social determinants of health in health situation of society have been emphasized, and require in-depth and expansive studies. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify the position of social determinants of health in higher medical sciences education system. Methods: This study was conducted using qualitative approach with 20 experts in focus group discussion, and 8 experts in semi-structured interviews. The gathered information was reported using qualitative content analysis approach using codes, subcategories, and main categories. Findings: The findings of focus group discussion and semi-structured interviews with experts resulted in 500 codes, 17 subcategories, and 4 main categories of education, policymaking, legislation, and implementation, participation and accountability in public and private sectors, and weakness in areas related to social determinants of health. Conclusion: The findings of this study play a strategic role in medical education system for identification and expansion of social determinants of health. These findings can be used by policymakers, planners, and executives of education system to apply the teachings provided in medical education system, and create a more focused and productive system in the area of social determinants of health.

Keywords

• social determinants of health
• education
• qualitative research