Strategies for Improving Migrant Health in Iran: A Realist Review Publisher Pubmed



K Ghiasi KANISHKA ; Am Mosadeghrad Ali MOHAMMAD ; H Dargahi HOSSEIN ; Ep Jaafaripooyan Ebrahim P ; M Abbasi MAHDI
Source: Globalization and Health Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Migration is a growing global phenomenon and a recognized social determinant of health, contributing to significant health inequities between migrant and host populations. Iran, hosting an estimated 4.5 million migrants—including undocumented individuals—faces persistent challenges in ensuring equitable access to healthcare. This study identifies strategies to inform context-specific interventions within Iran’s health system to improve migrant health. Methods: We conducted a realist review, searching PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and grey literature from 2010 to 2024. Using the Intervention-Context-Mechanism-Outcome (ICMO) framework, we analyzed 67 studies to identify effective strategies for enhancing migrant health in Iran. Ritchie and Spencer’s five-stage framework method was applied to analyse the data. Results: Twenty-seven strategies were identified. Mechanisms underpinning successful interventions included trust-building through intersectoral governance, reduction of financial barriers via inclusive insurance schemes, increased accessibility through cultural competency training, and improved service reach using digital health and community-based outreach. Iran-specific implications included the potential for piloting migrant-inclusive insurance for vulnerable groups and expanding culturally tailored services through community health workers. Conclusion: Contextual adaptation of global strategies can address systemic barriers and improve health equity for migrants in Iran. The findings offer evidence-based, actionable insights for policymakers seeking to localize global best practices within Iran’s healthcare infrastructure. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.