Research Priority Setting by Health Research Center regarding Effective Social Determinants on the Health

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the limited number of studies and resources, confusion in selecting a topic and the impracticality of many research activities, this study was conducted to determine the research priorities of the Health Research Center in Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences regarding social determinants based on the COHRED model. Methods: This was an exploratory qualitative research conducted with the participation of 11 members of specialists inside and outside the medical sciences university. At first, research topics were identified through the formation of a strategic committee and the holding 3 focus group discussion sessions; then, the analysis of existing situation, ,determination of needs, and prioritization was done based on the four criteria of the COHRED model. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and the ranking of the extracted fields was done based on comparing the mean score. Results: In this study, 50 research priorities were identified in five areas related to the social determinants of Health Research Center in Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. The domains, in order of priority, included psycho-behavioral factors, social health, lifestyle, environmental factors, and capacity building. Conclusion: In this study, the research priorities regarding social determinants of Health Research Center in Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences were determined based on the COHRED model. The first priority was assigned to the behavioral and psychological factors, through which the importance of the concept of a healthy family as the most fundamental social nucleus can be understood. It is suggested that in order to conduct applied research and specialize the activities of the research center in line with the set goals and vision, the extracted priorities be taken into consideration by researchers and graduate students.