Perceptions about Iranian-Kurds' ethnic-inequality in health.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows ethnic-inequality is a very effective variable in the Community and individual health associated outcomes. This study focused on gaining a deeper understanding of people's perception on inequality of health in Iranian-Kurds and its determinants.

METHODS: The study was conducted in the three cities of Marivan, Sanandaj (capital of Kurdistan province in Iran) and Tehran (capital of the country). The study was conducted through 34 in-depth interviews and ten focus group discussions with health services users, academic graduates and health delivery service personnel.

RESULTS: Consensus on social, mental and physical health inequality did not exist within the study participants. However, there were concerns about differences in healthcare access and utilization. Several participants believed that access to health services and socio-cultural differences of Kurds affected the healthcare utilization.

CONCLUSIONS: Since, people perceived ethnic-inequality in healthcare access and utilization, ethnicity must be considered as a mandatory stratifier in monitoring health status and a concern during planning health interventions. People's awareness, resources management and allocation are factors requiring more consideration when choosing policy options.