¹ Center for Community based Participatory Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ² Center for Community based Participatory Research, Center for Academic

  and Health Policy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ³ Center for Community based Participatory Research, School of Public Health,

  Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  Received: 7 Jan 2011, Accepted: 23 Jun 2011

  Abstract

  Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a previously conducted needs assessment on West Abouzar neighborhood changes after three years.

  Methods: This was a cross sectional study in two qualitative and quantitative parts. In the qualitative phase, we conducted semi-structured interviews to determine the types of interventions and selection criteria, and their effects on the approaches of the local headquarters. Based on the qualitative results, a questionnaire was designed in order to use in the quantitative part of the study. A total of 352 individuals selected through random cluster sampling were recruited to the study. Data were gathered by local trained individuals and were analyzed using appropriate methods.

  Results: The results revealed that for all identified problems, except for drug abuse and unemployment, at least one intervention was performed. Majority of interventions were constructive, while in social issues limited interventions were conducted. It was shown that 29.5% of the interventions were good in quality, 47% were moderate and 23.5% were weak. More than half of the participants (51%) stated that interventions were effective regarding their quality of life however, they expected more influential interventions. A total of 21.1% of respondents believed that the interventions were relatively effective 11.1% reported that the interventions were very effective and 17% stated that the interventions had no effect on their lives.

  Conclusion: Participatory needs assessment and conducting interventions based on the local needs are effective approaches to resolve health-related problems.

  Key words: n eeds assessment, participatory research, neighborhood change

  Please cite this article as follows:

  Shahandeh Kh, Rajabi F, Jamshidi E, Majdzadeh R, Aghajani M, Majdzadeh B, et al. A Cross Sectional Study on the Results of Participatory Needs Assessment in Zone 17 of Tehran: Three Years after Intervention. Hakim Research Journal 2012 14(4): 219- 226.

  * Corresponding Author: Center for community based participatory research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Flat 9, 7th Floor, Gol Building, No 1547, North Kargar Ave, Next to Keshavarz Blv. Tel: +98- 21- 88995879-80,
Fax: +98- 21- 88995880, E-mail: e_jamshidi@razi.tums.ac.ir

  Shahandeh Kh¹ (MSc), Rajabi F² (PhD), Jamshidi E¹ * (MSc), Majdzadeh R³ (PhD), Aghajani M¹ (Bsc), Majdzadeh B¹ (Bsc), Akbari F¹ (Bsc)