Implementation Challenges of Iranian First National Mass Screening Program of High Blood Pressure: A Qualitative Study

Background Hypertension is a common and often asymptomatic but treatable disease. Unfortunately, most people with hypertension are unaware of their condition. In Iran, despite the fact that the hypertension prevention program has been implemented in the health system for many years, unfortunately 40%–60% of people with hypertension are not aware of their condition. To address this problem, Iran launched a campaign titled mass screening for hypertension. Given that this was Iran’s first experience in conducting mass screening for hypertension, the present study intends to examine the challenges of this campaign. Method In this qualitative study, data were collected through semistructured in‐depth interviews with target group members, screening center staff, and program design and implementation officials in 2020. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were immediately transcribed and analyzed using MAXQDA18 software using a framework analysis approach to extract challenges. The selection of individuals for the study was purposeful. Walt and Galson’s triangulation framework was also considered in the data analysis. Findings The analysis of the interviews led to the identification of 68 challenges, which were classified into 29 subthemes and 11 main themes and placed in four axes, which were: process (5 main themes: information and awareness, development and formulation, implementation, information management, and monitoring and evaluation), content (2 themes: mission and goals, organization and guidelines), context (3 themes: cultural dynamics, economic situation, and political context), and stakeholder axis (1 theme: individuals and organizations). Conclusion The findings show that the first hypertension screening mobilization in Iran faced many challenges. These challenges made the campaign unsuccessful. Carrying out such campaigns with such a large scope and target group requires careful and comprehensive planning, involving all stakeholders, providing the necessary resources, and anticipating the necessary processes.