Background

Health education is one of the main cores of primary health care (PHC). However, there is limited evidence on the difficulties of implementing health education programs. This study explored the barriers of implementing health education programs in Iranian rural communities.

Objectives

A qualitative study with conventional content analysis approach was conducted. Applying purposeful sampling, 34 rural folks and health care providers were employed to participate in the study. Data were collected through individually, semi-structured interviews. Data analysis continued until data saturation, when no new theme or idea emerged.

Material and methods

A qualitative study with conventional content analysis approach was conducted. Applying purposeful sampling, 34 rural folks and health care providers were employed to participate in the study. Data were collected through individually, semi-structured interviews. Data analysis continued until data saturation, when no new theme or idea emerged.

Results

Four themes, including “Ineffective teaching and learning processes”, “Lack of health educators’ motivation”, “Communication gaps”, and “Lack of resources and facilities for teaching and learning” emerged as the barriers of implementing health education programs in rural communities.

Conclusions

Several executive and communicational problems were identified as the local-level obstacles of implementing health education programs in rural areas. Better understanding on the extensive range of health education barriers in rural areas may be helpful for rural health workers and stakeholders in designing and/or revisiting health education programs in rural communities.