Exploring the Factors That Influence Social Harm Related to Youth Health in The Suburbs of Karaj, Iran: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Marginalization is a global and pervasive issue and the cause of many social problems. This study seeks to explain the causes and underlying factors of social harm related to youth health in the suburbs of Karaj, Iran. Methods This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis in 2020 in the suburbs of Karaj, Iran. The research population consisted of 16 young people living in the region and four experts in socials harm and health. Purposeful sampling was performed with maximum variation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually and according to participants’ experiences and were then analyzed in MAXQDA-20 software. Results The data analysis led to the extraction of four categories, eight subcategories, and 52 codes. The research categories included environmental factors, family factors, cultural factors, and physical and psychological factors aggravating social harm. Conclusion The results of this study showed the high prevalence of the severity of social harm in the marginalized suburbs of Karaj, which was caused by social instability, peer influence, child abandonment, family breakdown, cultural deprivation, and severe traditionalism, which have led to many health problems and personal breakdown for this marginalized population. Therefore, plans should be devised to solve the problems of marginalized adolescents and to empower them so as to reduce social harms and improve their health.