Investigating Expert Views on the Dimensions of Community Participation to Control the Epidemic of Coronary Artery Diseases: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: One of the most important types of conscious and active participation of people in the management, planning and control of the epidemic of non-communicable diseases, such as coronary artery diseases, is one of the current concerns of the community due to its high prevalence. Therefore, this research was conducted with the aim of determining the views of experts on the dimensions of participation of people in controlling coronary artery diseases. Methods: This research was conducted with qualitative approach and content analysis method. 17 interviews with specialist’s experts and managers in the field of community participation in the cardiology section of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, NGOs and charitable organizations through a targeted sampling method in 2018. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and then analyzed by content analysis method. Results: In this study, five main themes were drawn from participant experiences that included "policy", "planning," "organizing," "coordination," and "financing". Conclusions: Countering the epidemic of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors requires extensive, effective and active interventions for all relevant organizations and ministries within and outside the health sector. Comprehensive community-based programs are an important part of the strategy for solving this global dilemma. Therefore, identifying risk factors, policy-making on how to deal with and eventually decrease their increasing trend can have a significant effect on the reduction of coronary artery disease.