Abstract
Background: Only limited Sexual Health and Relationships Education (SHRE) is
provided in Iranian schools and universities while research has highlighted demand and need for improved SHRE among young adults. We explored health-care professionals’ (HCPs) assessments of, and recommendations for, SHRE and service provision for young people in Tehran.
Design and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 17 HCPs based in Tehran and verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Participants confirmed the need for improved SHRE and service provision for young adults. HCPs described how a lack of reliable educational resources for young adults, taboo and cultural barriers, and a lack of trust and confidentiality prevented young people from accessing information and services. They unanimously supported education and services to be augmented, and provided recommendations on how this could be achieved.
Conclusions: A number of positive suggestions for the improvement of SHRE and
Iranian sexual health services in Iran were identified.
provided in Iranian schools and universities while research has highlighted demand and need for improved SHRE among young adults. We explored health-care professionals’ (HCPs) assessments of, and recommendations for, SHRE and service provision for young people in Tehran.
Design and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 17 HCPs based in Tehran and verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Participants confirmed the need for improved SHRE and service provision for young adults. HCPs described how a lack of reliable educational resources for young adults, taboo and cultural barriers, and a lack of trust and confidentiality prevented young people from accessing information and services. They unanimously supported education and services to be augmented, and provided recommendations on how this could be achieved.
Conclusions: A number of positive suggestions for the improvement of SHRE and
Iranian sexual health services in Iran were identified.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 634795 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Frontiers in Public Health |
| Volume | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Aug 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We would like to thank all healthcare professionals who participated in this study.
Publisher Copyright:
© Copyright © 2021 Sheikhansari, Abraham and Denford.
Keywords
- sexual health
- healthcare professional
- Tehran (Iran)
- young adult
- sexual health education