Social Inequality in the Economic, Social, Cultural, Health and Medical Fields of the Western Provinces of the Country (Kermanshah, Kurdistan and Ilam): A Qualitative Study

Abstract Introduction: Inequality and its various dimensions are specific signs of underdevelopment. Differences and social inequalities pose a serious threat to countries because they make it difficult to achieve national unity. The purpose of this study was to explain the social inequality in the economic, social, cultural, health and medical fields of the western provinces (Kermanshah, Kurdistan and Ilam) in a qualitative method in 2020.  Methods: The method of the present study is a qualitative approach to content analysis and the method of data collection was interview. The statistical population of this study included households living in Kermanshah, Kurdistan and Ilam provinces. The number of research samples included 20 university lecturers and educators living and working in Kermanshah, Kurdistan and Ilam provinces, which continued until information saturation. Research data were analyzed by conventional content analysis method.   Results: Interview data included 8 main themes and 25 sub-themes. The main themes include: social inequality (4 sub-themes), social isolation (4 sub-themes), inflation (4 sub-themes), death (2 sub-themes), social support (3 sub-themes), poverty (2 sub-themes), social class (3 sub-themes) and marginalization (3 sub-themes). Conclusions: Findings showed a deep understanding of social inequality in the economic, social, cultural, health and medical fields of the western provinces of the country (Kermanshah, Kurdistan and Ilam) in 8 main themes and 25 sub-themes. It is suggested to use the findings of the present study to develop the social inequality of the western provinces of the country.