Journal of Foresight and Public Health

The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying athletic talent using the adaptive method of core indicators in professional athletes. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of nature and method, utilizing a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). The statistical population in the qualitative section included selected scientific articles from domestic and international databases, as well as academic experts and elite athletes. Sampling was conducted purposively, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative section, the statistical population consisted of 36 professional and elite athletes selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using a one-sample t-test. The results indicated that athletic talent identification through the adaptive method of core indicators includes seven main dimensions (genetic, physiological, anthropometric, psychological, biological, living environment, and lifestyle) and 53 indicators. Of these, 46 indicators were in a favorable condition, while 7 indicators (having athlete parents, sitting height, lower limb length, pelvic width, thoracic circumference, abdominal circumference, and the use of university-educated professionals in talent identification centers) were in an unfavorable condition. The highest means were related to the indicators of intrinsic interest in competitive sports (4.47), physical health (4.42), and mental toughness (4.39). Athletic talent identification is a complex and multidimensional process that requires attention to a range of genetic, physiological, anthropometric, psychological, biological, and environmental indicators. To succeed in this process, a comprehensive and scientific talent identification system must be designed and implemented with the participation of academic experts and by considering all these indicators. Furthermore, special attention should be given to the indicators that are in an unfavorable condition, and appropriate plans should be developed to improve them.

Health tourism is a dynamic global phenomenon; however, notable knowledge gaps remain concerning its development in emerging nations characterized by unique geopolitical and economic contexts. This research investigates the development of health tourism in Iran through a qualitative methodology, employing semi-structured interviews with 23 experts, comprising 9 healthcare providers, 8 tourism facilitators, and 6 representatives from regulatory bodies. We employed Braun and Clarke's six-step framework for thematic analysis. The findings revealed three primary themes derived from the 45 codes: (1) strategic positioning considerations, which include healthcare service excellence, cost advantage, and destination appeal; (2) operational challenges and solutions, addressing regulatory barriers, service delivery gaps, and marketing and reputation management; and (3) imperatives of innovation and sustainability, including technology integration, ecosystem development, and quality and sustainability frameworks. Iran exhibits considerable potential due to its specialized medical expertise and competitive pricing, notwithstanding the challenges posed by international sanctions and prevailing perception issues. The integrated framework of the study demonstrates the interrelationships among these dimensions, enhancing both theoretical comprehension of emerging destination development and practical implementation strategies. Future research should integrate quantitative methods, undertake longitudinal studies to assess the impacts of technological innovation, conduct comparative analyses with regional competitors, and explore outcomes that prioritize patients from the perspectives of international health tourists. This analysis examines the interplay between geopolitical constraints and healthcare service delivery, providing insights for stakeholders in healthcare, tourism, and regulatory sectors.

This study explores the ethical, social, and policy implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in public health. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 32 experts in AI research, public health policy, bioethics, and healthcare administration. Participants were recruited through online announcements and professional platforms, ensuring a diverse representation of viewpoints. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software through thematic analysis, following an inductive coding approach to identify key ethical, social, and policy concerns. The analysis revealed three main themes: ethical scenarios, social scenarios, and policy scenarios. Ethical concerns included bias in AI models, privacy and data security risks, and trust in AI-driven healthcare, with participants emphasizing the need for bias mitigation strategies and transparent AI governance. Socially, the findings highlighted AI’s impact on the healthcare workforce, disparities in AI accessibility, and the evolving patient-doctor relationship, raising concerns about public trust and the digital divide. Policy challenges centered on the lack of standardized AI regulations, unclear accountability mechanisms, and the need for global collaboration in AI governance, with participants advocating for clearer compliance frameworks and cross-border AI policy alignment. While AI holds transformative potential in public health, its successful integration requires ethical safeguards, inclusive social adaptation, and comprehensive policy frameworks. Addressing algorithmic bias, strengthening data security, fostering public trust, and establishing robust governance structures are essential for ensuring that AI-driven public health interventions align with ethical principles, social equity, and regulatory standards.

This study explores future scenarios of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews with 19 participants, including experts in public health, epidemiology, healthcare policy, and AMR research. Participants were recruited through online announcements and professional platforms. Theoretical saturation was used to determine the sample size. Data were collected through virtual interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo software. A grounded theory approach was applied, with open and axial coding used to identify key themes related to AMR governance, public health preparedness, technological developments, and societal factors. The study identified four major themes influencing AMR’s future trajectory: policy and governance challenges, public health preparedness gaps, technological and scientific barriers, and societal and behavioral factors. Policy inconsistencies, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate surveillance systems were key governance issues. Public health preparedness remained insufficient, with limited healthcare capacity, delayed policy responses, and inadequate community engagement in AMR mitigation. Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and antimicrobial alternatives, were seen as promising but hindered by regulatory and financial constraints. Societal drivers of AMR included antibiotic misuse, pharmaceutical marketing influence, and public misconceptions. Participants emphasized the need for coordinated policy interventions, improved surveillance, and increased investment in research and innovation. Addressing AMR requires a globally coordinated response that integrates governance reforms, enhanced public health preparedness, technological advancements, and behavior change strategies. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, increasing funding for AMR initiatives, and promoting international collaboration are essential for mitigating future risks.

This study explores the challenges in implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This qualitative research employed an exploratory design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 26 participants, including policymakers, healthcare administrators, public health professionals, and frontline providers. Participants were recruited through online announcements and platforms, and interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software to identify key challenges in UHC implementation. The results revealed four major challenges in UHC implementation. Financial barriers were a significant concern, with high out-of-pocket expenditures, insufficient funding, and inefficient resource allocation limiting healthcare accessibility. Infrastructure and service delivery challenges included a shortage of healthcare professionals, unequal distribution of facilities, and inconsistencies in care quality. Policy and governance issues such as weak regulatory frameworks, political instability, and fragmented implementation strategies were identified as key impediments to UHC progress. Socio-cultural and behavioral factors, including public mistrust in health systems, low health literacy, and cultural barriers, further restricted healthcare utilization. These findings highlight the multidimensional nature of UHC challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy interventions. Achieving UHC requires overcoming financial, infrastructural, policy, and socio-cultural challenges through strategic reforms. Sustainable healthcare financing, enhanced infrastructure investment, governance improvements, and culturally sensitive public health strategies are essential for ensuring equitable healthcare access. Future research should focus on evaluating financing models, digital health solutions, and governance frameworks to enhance UHC implementation globally.

This study aims to explore how public health professionals perceive and adapt to emerging health threats. This study employed a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with 24 public health professionals recruited through online announcements and professional platforms. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were conducted virtually, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software. Open coding, axial coding, and selective coding were applied to identify key themes related to professionals' perceptions, adaptive strategies, and barriers in responding to health threats. The results revealed three primary themes: perception of emerging health threats, adaptation strategies, and challenges in crisis response. Participants reported that their perception of threats was influenced by past experiences, institutional preparedness, and exposure to misinformation. Adaptation strategies included institutional policy adjustments, professional training, technological integration, and community engagement. However, participants also faced significant challenges, including policy and governance limitations, resource shortages, public resistance, and ethical dilemmas. The findings suggest that while public health professionals demonstrate strong adaptive capacities, systemic barriers continue to hinder their ability to implement effective responses. Understanding public health professionals' perceptions and adaptation mechanisms is crucial for improving crisis preparedness and response strategies. Strengthening institutional support, enhancing professional training, and addressing misinformation can contribute to more effective public health interventions. Future research should explore long-term workforce resilience and the role of emerging technologies in supporting adaptation.