Table 6.

Strategies for restrictive social norms: Q.5. How could social norms be better to improve the active participation of WHVs?

Consensus status	Theme	Possible solutions
Consensus	Implementing problem-based approaches	• Receiving suggestions and experiences from WHVs about how to overcome the problems and to share their ideas and experiences • Receiving suggestions from communities’ key informants about removing or reducing barriers
	Allocating proper resources	• The use of educational posters and banners • Engaging people who have more social acceptability as WHVs
	Rationalizing WHVs/trainers/people	Holding Q & A sessions about barriers to the active participation of WHVs with the participation of influential people
	Reforming policy	• Providing clear guidelines and regulations for WHVs’ activities regarding social norms • Engaging male health volunteers in order to educate male individuals
	Mobilizing the community	• Appointing appropriate persons in order to create the suitable conditions for solving cultural problems and expressing issues • Improving peoples’ awareness about the role of health volunteers in the health system and the community • Describing the activities of WHVs to their spouses and getting their consent
No consensus	Mobilizing the community	Conducting some meetings with the participation of local community members to express their problems in the presence of other people
	Rationalizing WHVs/trainers/people	Educating influential people with a focus on reducing barriers and supporting them

Abbreviations: Q, question; Q & A, question and answer; WHV, women health volunteer.