Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share By
Socio-Cultural Challenges to Sexual Health Education for Female Adolescents in Iran



Latifnejad Roudsari R1 ; Javadnoori M2, 3 ; Hasanpour M2 ; Hazavehei SMM4 ; Taghipour A5
Authors

Source: Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine Published:2013

Abstract

Background: Despite clear reasons for necessity of sexual health education for adolescents, it is a contested issue and has faced challenges in most cultures. Providing sexual education for non-married adolescents is culturally unacceptable in most Muslim societies. Objective: This qualitative study addressed socio-cultural challenges to sexual health education for female adolescents in Iran. Materials and Methods: Qualitative data from female adolescents (14-18 yr), mothers, teachers, authorities in health and education organizations, health care providers and clergies were collected in two large cities of Iran including Mashhad and Ahvaz through focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis with MAXqda software. Results: Our results revealed that the main socio-cultural challenges to sexual health education for adolescents in Iran are affected by taboos surrounding sexuality. The emergent categories were: denial of premarital sex, social concern about negative impacts of sexual education, perceived stigma and embarrassment, reluctance to discuss sexual issues in public, sexual discussion as a socio-cultural taboo, lack of advocacy and legal support, intergenerational gap, religious uncertainties, and imitating non-Islamic patterns of education. Conclusion: It seems that cultural resistances are more important than religious prohibitions, and affect more the nature and content of sexual health education. However, despite existence of salient socio-cultural doubtful issues about sexual health education for adolescents, the emerging challenges are manageable to some extent. It is hoped that the acceptability of sexual health education for adolescents could be promoted through overcoming the cultural taboos and barriers as major obstacles.
1. The Necessity of Sexual-Health Education for Iranian Female Adolescents: A Qualitative Study, Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility (2012)
3. Indirect Sexuality Education to Adolescent Girls Through Empowering Their Mothers, International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction (2021)
Experts (# of related papers)
Other Related Docs
7. Inadequate Investment on Management of Diabetes Education, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2012)
12. Challenges of Researchers in Performing Sexual Health Research in Iran: A Qualitative Study, Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (2018)
14. The Role of Mass Media in Iranian Youth’S Premarital Sexual Relationships: A Qualitative Study, International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery (2017)