title: Policy makers' viewpoints on implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Iran: A qualitative investigation of program facilitators.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The epidemic of smoking is a great concern of health systems. Moreover, the number of smokers is increasing worldwide and this has led to an escalating trend of morbidity, mortality, and burden of smoking-related diseases. Therefore, monitoring the implementation of tobacco control laws in different countries is of extreme importance. This study aimed to describe policy makers' experiences and perceptions of the facilitating factors of the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in Iran.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a qualitative research in which data were collected through individual interviews. The participants included policy makers who were members of the national assembly for tobacco control. In this study, 13 unstructured interviews of about 45 to 60 minutes duration were conducted in an extrapolative manner. The qualitative content analysis method was applied until extrapolation of basic themes was complete.
  
  
  RESULTS
  As a result of the analysis, the themes of performance through training, through research, through intersectoral collaboration, and through setting priorities emerged. The emerged themes connote some critical points that have key roles in promoting the effective implementation of the WHO FCTC. Furthermore, the main role of the health sector becomes predominant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study findings suggested the managed and coordinated work as one of the main facilitating factors of the implementation of the WHO FCTC at a national level.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Nizal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sarrafzadegan
authors.affiliation: PhD Candidate, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Katayoun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rabiei
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Mousa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alavi
authors.affiliation: Professor, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Roya
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kelishadi
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Manzouri
authors.affiliation: Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch (Isfahan), Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Heidarali
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Abedi
authors.affiliation: National Tobacco Control Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Khadijeh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fereydoun-Mohaseli
authors.affiliation: General Practitioner, Social Security Organization, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Hasan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Azaripour-Masooleh
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Hamidreza
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Roohafza
authors.affiliation: Tobacco Prevention and Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Gholamreza
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heidari
keywords: FCTC; Iran; Policy Makers; Qualitative; Tobacco; WHO