Introduction of a Community‑Based Participatory Model for Women’s Mental Health Promotion in Iran: A‑Z

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-7802101020200209Introduction of a Community‑Based Participatory Model for Women’s Mental Health Promotion in Iran: A‑Z21462146ENDepartment of Development and Research Coordination, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Deputy for Research and Technology, TehranSocial Determinant of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, TehranSocial Determinant of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, TehranSocial Determinant of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran & Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USADepartment of Development and Research Coordination, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Deputy for Research and Technology & Social Determinant of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, TehranDepartment of Social Welfare, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, AlborzDepartment of Mental Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimoreurry School of Education, University of Virginia, Virginia20200119Background: To address the disproportionate burden of poor mental health among women, we present a community based participatory research (CBPR) model used to develop a women’s mental health promotion program for Iranian women. Methods: This is a multi‑phase interventional study using a CBPR approach among married women age 18–65 living in Tehran. First, participants described the process of women’s mental health. Subsequent steps involved participatory needs assessment, priority setting, intervention design, and evaluation. Finally, a conceptual model of women’s mental health promotion was developed.Results: “Seeking comfort” emerged as the core process in women’s mental health. To promote mental health, women prioritized training on coping mechanisms to deal with stress. Women receiving this training used more problem‑based coping methods and reported a higher quality of life than the comparison group. Conclusions: The resulting conceptual model illustrates the utility of using a CBPR approach to develop women’s mental health promotion programs. Keywords: Community‑based participatory model, Iran, mental health promotion, womenhttp://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2146http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2146/717718122