Exploring the conceptual framework of a health-promotion faculty from the perspective of members: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: Understanding the concepts and structures of health promotion in the faculty from the perspective of its members. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTINGS: Faculties of Medical Sciences University. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of four main groups in the faculty (students, faculty members, staff and managers) were purposively sampled for demographic characteristics and their views on the concepts of health promotion. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study using thematic analysis of content was conducted. Data were obtained using semistructured interviews and then analysed thematically. MAXQDA V.10 software was used to organise and code the imported interview transcripts. RESULTS: Three main categories of management policy, environmental structure and executive strategies were identified as health-promotion structures in the faculty based on the views of the interviewees. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of a health-promotion approach in university policies requires administrators’ commitment to health promotion and the participation of all members and partners inside and outside the faculty to identify health needs and engagement in programmes.