Assessing the status and recognizing the performance of various nongovernmental organizations in providing health-oriented services as opportunities in promoting community health

BACKGROUND: nongovernmental organizations (NGOs( are the hidden system of promoting public health and the symbol and mediator of people's participation. The aim of the present research was to assess the status and recognize the performance of various NGOs in providing health-oriented services as opportunities in promoting community health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a descriptive–analytical (cross-sectional) study, which was conducted on the position and function of all NGOs in Kerman from February 2014 to the end of January 2015. A researcher-made checklist was used to collect the data, which was designed based on the statutes of NGOs. The information was collected from a total of 150 NGOs. To analyze the data, in addition to descriptive statistical tests (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation), other tests were also used (Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test). Moreover, all data analysis was done using SPSS (ver. 16). RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between the levels of prevention and field of activity and the objectives and methods of implementation of these objectives (P < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between health prevention levels in the target community of the NGO and initial assets (P = 0.02), licensing organization (P < 0.001), management type in terms of the board of trustees or membership availability (P < 0.001), relevance of members' major with organizational goals (P = 0.02), and activeness or inactiveness of the organization (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The results showed that there was a relationship between NGO's target population in terms of levels of prevention and the studied factors. The relationship between the services of these organizations and the levels of prevention is a very important and effective role in community health promotion.