Health-Care Professionals' Assessments of, and Recommendations for, Sexual-Health Education and Service Provision for Young People in Tehran

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.