Abstract
Background: Although preventable, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to pose huge health and economic
burdens on countries worldwide. Some studies have indicated the numerous causes of HAIs, but only a tiny literature
exists on the multifaceted measures that can be used to address the problem. This paper presents stakeholders’ opinions
on measures for controlling HAIs in Iran.
Methods: We used the qualitative research method in studying the phenomenon. Through a purposive sampling
approach, we conducted 24 face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Participants were mainly
key informants, including policy-makers, health professionals, and technical officers across the national and subnational
levels, including the Ministry of Health (MoH), medical universities, and hospitals in Iran. We performed
thematic framework analysis using the software MAXQDA10.
Results: Four main interdisciplinary themes emerged from our study of measures of controlling HAIs: strengthening
governance and stewardship; strengthening human resources policies; appropriate prescription and usage of antibiotics;
and environmental sanitation and personal hygiene.
Conclusion: According to our findings, elimination of HAIs demands multifactorial interventions. While the ultimate
recommendation of policy-makers is to have HAIs among the priorities of the national agenda, financial commitment
and the creation of an enabling work environment in which both patients and healthcare workers can practice personal
hygiene could lead to a significant reduction in HAIs in Iran.