Impacts of Sanandaj Urban Traffic and Transport on Social Determinants of Health from the Perspective of Key Informants: A Qualitative Study

Traffic and transport, as a political and social phenomenon, play an important role in the quality and socio-economic structure of a society. This phenomenon is one of the foundations for modern urban life and the social needs of populations. The aim of this study was to identify the viewpoints of urban residents and key informants in Sanandaj on the impacts of urban traffic and transport on the social determinates of health (SDH). It was a qualitative study with conventional content analysis approach. The method of sampling was purposeful. Data collection were conducted through 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) (including 22 residents) and 8 In-depth Interviews. MAXQDA10 was applied for the purpose of data management. The SDHs that we found to be negatively impacted by Sanandaj urban traffic and transport included socio-cultural factors (recreation and free times, daily work trends, the safety of within-city commuting, tobacco use, and education) and environmental factors (vegetation, antiquities, soil, food and water status, noise pollution, urban aesthetic status, and total environment). Urban traffic/transport stakeholders and health policy-makers as well as health professionals in Iran should pay much more attention to the impacts of urban traffic/transport plans on health and its determinants. Comprehensive health impact assessment of the urban traffic/transport in Iran seems to be necessary.