Challenges and Strategies of Drug Trafficking in the Islamic Republic of Iran: A Qualitative Study Based on Analysis of Online News Media

Abstract

Abstract Background: Given the importance of medicine as a strategic commodity in the Iranian health sector, drug trafficking is one of the public health challenges. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify and explain challenges and proper strategies to control drug trafficking in Iran. Method: This study was conducted using a qualitative content analysis based on an analysis of news media. The news was retrieved according to keywords related to drugs, medicine, and trafficking from news sources from March 21, 2017 to March 19, 2020. Special and general online news sites and agencies, including Mehr News Agency, Khabar Online, Khane Mellat News Agency, Islamic republic news agency(IRNA), Iranian students news agency(ISNA), Hamshahri, Donya-e-Eqtesad newspapers, Webda, Sepid newspapers, and Irans’ food and drug administration news agency(IFDANA) were selected by purposeful sampling method with a maximum variation. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis by a data-driven inductive approach. All steps of data coding were done manually in Excel 2016 software. Results: Totally, 139 news met inclusion criteria. In terms of challenges and strategies, four themes were obtained separately. Challenges and strategies included ten and nine sub-themes, respectively. The four themes were economic, regulatory, structural, infrastructure, and cultural, social, and informational issues. The predominant theme in challenges was regulatory issues, and also the predominant theme was economic strategies. Conclusion: To reduce trafficking, it is necessary to review policies. Also, there is a need to focus on capacity building and support for the country's pharmaceutical companies. Also, the use of insurance capacity, e-infrastructure, and culturalization are strategies for reducing drug smuggling that must be accompanied by the full participation of stakeholders inside and outside the health system.