Sexual Health Beliefs among Married Couples: A Health Belief Model Approach

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran

2 PhD, Department of Healthcare Services Management, School of Health Management & Information Sciences Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/jmrh.2024.72335.2116

Abstract

Background and aim: This study utilized the Health Belief Model to examine beliefs regarding sexual health among couples who are about to get married.
Methods: This descriptive and analytical study included 210 individuals who were referred to the pre-marriage counseling center in Esfarayen, Iran, in 2022, using the availability sampling method. Data were gathered through a valid and reliable questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significant level of 0.05.
Results: The average awareness score was 13.8±5.06, the average perceived susceptibility score was 22.18±6.5, the average perceived severity score was 23.16±4.5, the average perceived benefits score was 15.21±2.4, and the average perceived barriers score was 7.77±2.9. The internet and friends were the most important sources on sexual health.
Conclusion: The couples demonstrated relatively favorable awareness and perceived susceptibility, moderate perceived severity, and favorable perceived benefits. The most significant barriers perceived by couples were the taboos and confidentiality surrounding sexual health information. The internet and friends were identified as the most important sources of sexual information for couples. Therefore, promotional interventions with gradual culturalization are suggested to remove taboos and negative attitudes in society, as along with suitable educational interventions based on the web and peer groups.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 May 2024

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics