Abstract

  Introduction: Consultation with the community members and their participants has been emphasized as one of the principles of primary health services. Islamic Councils as a community representatives have a substantial role in health system. The aim of this study was to determine barriers of East Azerbaijan Islamic Council members’ involvement in health system .

  Materials & Methods: This qualitative study was conducted by using content analysis. Study samples were selected purposively. Data were collected by interview with 39 urban and rural Islamic Councils and public health system workers until data saturation. Data collected using semi-structured interviews , simultaneously were analyzed using qualitative content analysis .

  Findings: Result of interview analysis were categorized in 764 codes, 65 subcategory in 7 main category including: lack of education, lack of existing a procedure for participation, legislation problems, executive problems related to existing legislatives, coordination problems, financial and social issues.

  Conclusion: Islamic Councils can participate in all health related areas, but, at time of involvement with the health system they should consider many issues. Therefore, involvement in health care systems and resolving problems with practical solutions is suggested.