How the Lack of Social Support Affects Young Women's Risky Sexual Behaviors? A Qualitative Study

Risky sexual behavior is a great threat for youth's health. Youth are at risk of sexually transmitted diseases more than any other groups. This study was designed to explore the role of lack of social support on young women's risky sexual behaviors.
In this qualitative inquiry, we recruited 72 young women aged 18 to 35 years. Data were collected using focus group discussions (7) and individual interviews (12) during 2012. Content analysis (Graneheim and Lundman's approach) was applied to analyze the data. Multiple data collection methods, maximum variation sampling, and external check were used to enhance the dependability and credibility of the data.
Four main themes were emerged from analyzing the data including "emotional umbrella", "support services", "social adherence", and "informational support". Informational support had two subclasses as "dysfunctional sexual education" and "lack of sexual education". Emotional umbrella included two subclass, "boyfriends love" and "absence of family emotion". Participants believed that their boyfriend's emotional support and lack of familial support were important emotional factors in their involvement in risky sexual behaviors. They reported they did not have access to sexual health services and education. In addition, provided limited sexuality education did not have a good quality.
Participants believed that different types of social support affect their involvement in risky sexual behavior. The results can be helpful to design some centers in order to support young women and provide sexual health consult.