Perception and experience of married women of reproductive age about the importance of sexual health education: A content analysis study

In recent years, the rate of sexually transmitted diseases is increasing particularly among women as vulnerable group. Sexual health status among married women of reproductive age is one of the most important public health issues that its sensitivity has been less studied and researched. This qualitative study was performed with aim to evaluate the importance of sexual health education in married women of reproductive age. This qualitative study was performed using content analysis approach in Rasht at 2014. The participants were selected purposefully. Data were collected through 18 individual's in-depth interviews and 1 focus group discussions with married women of reproductive age and 6 key informants. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and MAXQDA software. In the analysis of the participant’s views and experiences, the main reasons for the importance of the sexual health education among married women of reproductive age were categorized in five themes including: inadequate knowledge about sexual issues, the lack of scientific and reliable sexual health resources, damages related to new techniques, risk factors for sexual health, and the consequences of inadequate sexual health education. The sexual health education for married women of reproductive age is necessary to increase sexual knowledge and prevent of sexual health threatening factors. Therefore, codification of sexual health education in primary health care programs is recommended.