Identifying the health problems of slum residents using social determinants of health: Kerman, Iran

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although slum emerged in industrialized countries, today, all cities in the world are somehow facing this phenomenon. Slums create many problems in different areas, especially health for residents. Therefore, this research was conducted with the aim of identifying the health problems of the slum residents of Kerman city by using the social determinant of health approach. METHOD: The present study is an applied study that was carried out qualitatively using semistructured interviews. Samples were selected using purposeful and snowball sampling methods. Data were analyzed using the Colaizy method. RESULTS: In this study, the health problems of residents of slums in the city of Kerman were identified by interviews. In total, seven main themes and 32 sub-themes were extracted. The main concepts extracted include the economic and social class, the early childhood development, social exclusion and social support, employment and unemployment, addiction, food, transport, and traffic. CONCLUSION: The problems of slums people are very widespread, and almost all of the problems affect the health of slums people. The place of living, job, income, the early childhood development and nutritional status are determinants that affect people's health.