Volume 36, Issue 255 (3-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 36(255): 30-45 |
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Abstract: (421 Views)
Background and purpose: Universities, as knowledge-generating institutions, play a key role in improving quality of life, promoting social justice, and responding to societal needs. In this context, the social responsibility of medical universities is recognized as a fundamental component for advancing public health and reducing health inequalities. Considering the necessity of contextualizing this concept within the country’s health higher education system, this qualitative study aimed to identify and elucidate the components of university social responsibility in Iran from stakeholders’ perspectives.
Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2024 through semi-structured interviews with 18 experts from Planning Region One. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling followed by snowball sampling until data saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and qualitative content analysis was used to extract meaning units, generate codes, organize categories, and develop themes based on similarities and patterns.
Results: Analysis identified eight main themes and 40 subthemes in the domain of university social responsibility. These themes included responsible and accountable governance, responsible education, problem-oriented and applied research, community engagement and interaction, environmental management and sustainable development, support for health and well-being, development of organizational capacity for social responsibility, and culturally grounded and context-specific components. Collectively, these themes illustrate the multidimensional nature of academic social responsibility.
Conclusion: The social responsibility of medical universities extends beyond theoretical commitments and requires participatory governance, problem-oriented education, applied research, and a deep understanding of the country’s cultural and social context. These findings can provide a basis for developing models and informing national policies to strengthen the role of universities in Iran’s health system.
Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2024 through semi-structured interviews with 18 experts from Planning Region One. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling followed by snowball sampling until data saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and qualitative content analysis was used to extract meaning units, generate codes, organize categories, and develop themes based on similarities and patterns.
Results: Analysis identified eight main themes and 40 subthemes in the domain of university social responsibility. These themes included responsible and accountable governance, responsible education, problem-oriented and applied research, community engagement and interaction, environmental management and sustainable development, support for health and well-being, development of organizational capacity for social responsibility, and culturally grounded and context-specific components. Collectively, these themes illustrate the multidimensional nature of academic social responsibility.
Conclusion: The social responsibility of medical universities extends beyond theoretical commitments and requires participatory governance, problem-oriented education, applied research, and a deep understanding of the country’s cultural and social context. These findings can provide a basis for developing models and informing national policies to strengthen the role of universities in Iran’s health system.
Type of Study: Qualitative Research |
Subject:
Health Services Management
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