Sexual health education priorities: Perspective from engaged couples in Rasht

Background and aims: Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being of individuals, couples and families, and sexual health promotion, like other dimensions of health needs to complete and continuous access, learning opportunities for achieving better health. The present study aimed to determine the sexual health education priorities. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study that conducted on 420 engaged male and female for marriage in 2015. Sampling was done through a continuous method with pre-marriage couples were referred to a health care center No 8 in Rasht city to get premarital education services. In this study, the data collection tool was “sexual health need of education” questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS and descriptive and inferential methods. The statistical significance level was P<0.05. Results: The first priority of education from the perspective of contributors was to "qualified educators" with an average of 76.91 %. Other priorities respectively includes: Appropriate educational features (75.68%), suitable educational technologies (74.37%) and educational content (72.47%). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the most important priority for engaged couples in the sexual health education is qualified educator. Therefore, health policy makers should pay more attention to this issue. Determining the most important priority of engaged couples in the "educator" dimension will also be a guide for health educators, especially premarital education

A qualitative study of sexual health education among Iranian engaged couples

Background: Sexual health education for Iranian engaged couples is always ignored in the premarital education program.Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the necessity of sexual health education for Iranian engaged couples.Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Rasht, Iran. The studied sample consisted of 38 engaged men and women; and also 9 health experts and policymakers. We used interview guides to collect data. The data was analyzed through content analysis method.Results: Analyzing participants’ perspectives revealed six themes including: (1) socio-cultural changes, (2) emerging social pathologies, (3) inadequate sexual knowledge; (4) challenges in providing sexual health services, (5) individual consequences and (6) social consequences.Conclusion: Most participants emphasized the necessity of sexual health education not only because of medical concerns, but also from the perspective of social issues. Providing these services should be considered a priority.Keywords: Sexual health, health education, qualitative study, Ira

A qualitative study of sexual health education among Iranian engaged couples.

Background: Sexual health education for Iranian engaged couples is always ignored in the premarital education program. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the necessity of sexual health education for Iranian engaged couples. Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Rasht, Iran. The studied sample consisted of 38 engaged men and women; and also 9 health experts and policymakers. We used interview guides to collect data. The data was analyzed through content analysis method. Results: Analyzing participants\u2019 perspectives revealed six themes including: (1) socio-cultural changes, (2) emerging social pathologies, (3) inadequate sexual knowledge; (4) challenges in providing sexual health services, (5) individual consequences and (6) social consequences. Conclusion: Most participants emphasized the necessity of sexual health education not only because of medical concerns, but also from the perspective of social issues. Providing these services should be considered a priority

An Explanation of Empowerment-based Sexual Health Education Strategies: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Empowerment-based sexual health education is the best way to ensure the learning, implement safe and healthy sexual behavior, and confine the unhealthy sexual behavior. This study aimed to explore strategies for empowerment-based sexual health education. Method: Conventional content analysis approach was recruited in this qualitative study. Participants were selected purposefully. Data were collected through 38 in-depth interviews with engaged and married men and women and 9 key informants. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using content analysis method and using qualitative data analysis MAXQDA software. Results: Code extraction revealed strategies for empowerment-based sexual health education in two main themes including use all capacities to educate (with two subthemes of formal and non-formal education), and structure of optimal education (with four subthemes of education for all, educational objectives, education on pillars, and commensurate with the characteristics of the target group). Conclusion: The ultimate goal of educational development and sexual health promotion in the country is individuals and community empowerment. To achieve this goal, using all capacities to take advantage and rearrangement of sexual health education structure is essential. The results of this project would allow us to design sexual health education programs with the aim empowerment of individuals, especially youth. Keywords: Education, Sexual health, Empowermen

Explaining sexual health education needs of pre-marriage couples: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Knowledge about sexual health is one of the basic needs of young couples. Knowledge of sexual health is effective on the individual's health and family stability. However, a comprehensive sexual health education program does not exist in the health care system. The present study aimed to explore the sexual health education needs of engaged couples. Method: This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis. Subjects were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews and 1 focus group discussion, with 38 individuals and 9 interviews with the key informants. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using content analysis method and the MAXQDA software. Results: Through extraction of main codes, the couples’ needs were classified in 4 main categories of bio-psychological, social-moral, religious-moral, and educational-cultural. The main categories also included several subcategories that were explained with the statements of participants. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that engaged couples require particular knowledge and skills in bio-psychological, social-moral, religious-moral, and educational-cultural dimensions that are ignored in the current premarital educational programs. Therefore, presentation of this study results to health authorities for the implementation of need-based educational programs can increase the effectiveness of premarital education. Keywords: Sexual health, Qualitative study, Needs assessmen

Association of depression with sexual function in women with history of recurrent pregnancy Loss:descriptive-correlational study in Tehran, Iran

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between depression and sexual function in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Methods: In a cross-sectional correlational study, 130 consecutive patients with history of recurrent pregnancy loss were included who referred to Avicenna Fertility Center in Tehran, Iran during November 2018-February 2019. The outcomes were sexual dysfunction (Assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index) and depression (Evaluated with the Beck's Depression Inventory). The study data were analyzed by using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The study findings revealed that 40.8% of the participants suffered from some degrees of depression. The data analysis revealed that depression had a significant inverse correlation with sexual function and its domains (r = - 0.392, p &lt; 0.001, R2= 0.15). The spouse' education level and economic status demonstrated a significant relationship with women's sexual function (p = 0.01, p = 0.033). A significant relationship was also detected between women's depression and economic status (p = 0.028). Conclusions: The study findings showed that women with RPL who had severe depression indicated lower score of sexual function. Since psychological and sexual problems are not reported to health care providers due to giving priority to fertility issues or considering such issues as taboos, the assessment of sexual and mental health needs to be part of the consultation in women with history of RPL, whether the patient seeks help for depression and sexual dysfunction or not

REACHING CONSENSUS: A SCOPING REVIEW ON SCHOOL-BASED COMPREHENSIVE SEXUALITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS (CSE)

La educación sexual en las escuelas es un tema candente en parte porque está estrechamente entrelazado con las interpretaciones sociales y parentales de lo correcto y lo incorrecto. Este estudio es una revisión de alcance que se realizó en seis pasos: (1) identificación de la pregunta de investigación, (2) identificación de estudios relevantes, (3) selección de estudios, (4) extracción de datos, (5) resumen e informe resultados, y (6) consulta con las partes interesadas. Los currículos se evaluaron mediante la Herramienta de evaluación curricular (SIECUS) y las directrices se evaluaron mediante la evaluación de las directrices para la herramienta de investigación y evaluación (AGREE II). Después de revisar 24 programas extraídos de 50 estudios, la mayoría de los cuales (90%) fueron diseñados y utilizados en países en desarrollo, se respondieron 5 preguntas. Finalmente, se recomendaron con modificaciones las pautas de “Pautas para el componente de educación en salud sexual de la educación integral en salud” y los planes de estudio “FLEHI, WSWM, Tuko Pamoja”. Esta revisión muestra que los programas de CSE no son solo intervenciones rentables, sino también parte de los derechos sexuales de los adolescentes. Al comienzo del programa, puede haber muchas barreras sociales y culturales en los países en desarrollo, pero una vez que se diseña un programa riguroso de base cultural, se pueden lograr resultados exitosos. Por lo tanto, se recomienda encarecidamente diseñar tales programas basados en la cultura iraní.A educação sexual nas escolas é um tema quente em parte porque está intimamente entrelaçada com interpretações sociais e parentais do certo e do errado. Este estudo é uma revisão de escopo que foi conduzida em seis etapas: (1) identificação da questão de pesquisa, (2) identificação de estudos relevantes, (3) seleção de estudos, (4) extração de dados, (5) resumo e relatório da (6) consulta com as partes interessadas. Os currículos foram avaliados pela Ferramenta de Avaliação de Currículo (SIECUS) e as diretrizes foram avaliadas pela avaliação das diretrizes para a ferramenta de pesquisa e avaliação (AGREE II). Após a revisão de 24 programas extraídos de 50 estudos, a maioria dos quais (90%) foram projetados e utilizados em países em desenvolvimento, cinco perguntas foram respondidas. Finalmente, as diretrizes “Diretrizes para o componente de educação em saúde sexual da Educação Integral em Saúde” e os currículos “FLEHI, WSWM, Tuko Pamoja” foram recomendados com modificações. Esta análise mostra que os programas de CSE não são apenas intervenções de baixo custo, mas também fazem parte dos direitos sexuais dos adolescentes. No início do programa, pode haver muitas barreiras sociais e culturais nos países em desenvolvimento, mas uma vez que um programa cultural rigoroso é projetado, resultados bem-sucedidos podem ser alcançados. Portanto, é altamente recomendável projetar esses programas com base na cultura iraniana.Sexuality education in schools is a hot topic in part because it is closely intertwined with social and parental interpretations of right and wrong. This study is a scoping review that was conducted in six steps: (1) identification of the research question, (2) identification of relevant studies, (3) selection of studies, (4) data extraction, (5) summarizing and reporting the results, and (6) consultation with stakeholders. Curricula were assessed by the Curriculum Evaluation Tool (SIECUS) and guidelines were evaluated by the appraisal of guidelines for research &amp; evaluation (AGREE II) tool. After reviewing 24 programs extracted from 50 studies, the majority of which (90%) were designed and utilized in developing countries, 5 questions were answered. Finally, the “Guidelines for the Sexual Health education component of Comprehensive Health Education” guideline, and the “FLEHI, WSWM, Tuko Pamoja” curricula were recommended with modifications. This review shows that CSE programs are not only cost-effective interventions, but also part of adolescents’ sexual rights. At the beginning of the program, there may be many social and cultural barriers in developing&nbsp;&nbsp;countries, but once a rigorous culturally based program is designed successful results can be achieved. Therefore, designing such programs based on the Iranian culture is strongly recommended

Vestibular Stimulation and Auditory Perception in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objectives: Rehabilitation strategies play a pivotal role in reliving the inappropriate behaviors and improving children&apos;s performance during school. Concentration and visual and auditory comprehension in children are crucial to effective learning and have drawn interest from researchers and clinicians. Vestibular function deficits usually cause high level of alertness and vigilance, and problems in maintaining focus, paying selective attention, and altering in precision and attention to the stimulus. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between vestibular stimulation and auditory perception in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methods: Totally 30 children aged from 7 to 12 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder participated in this study. They were assessed based on the criteria of diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. After obtaining guardian and parental consent, they were enrolled and randomly matched on age to two groups of intervention and control. Integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test was carried out as a pre-test. Those in the intervention group received vestibular stimulation during the therapy sessions, twice a week for 10 weeks. At the end the test was done to both groups as post-test. Results: The pre-and post-test scores were measured and compared the differences between means for two subject groups. Statistical analyses found a significant difference for the mean differences regarding auditory comprehension improvement. Discussion: The findings suggest that vestibular training is a reliable and powerful option treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder especially along with other trainings, meaning that stimulating the sense of balance highlights the importance of interaction between inhabitation and cognition

Psychological distress among Bam earthquake survivors in Iran: a population-based study

BACKGROUND: An earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck the city of Bam in Iran on the 26th of December 2003 at 5.26 A.M. It was devastating, and left over 40,000 dead and around 30,000 injured. The profound tragedy of thousands killed has caused emotional and psychological trauma for tens of thousands of people who have survived. A study was carried out to assess psychological distress among Bam earthquake survivors and factors associated with severe mental health in those who survived the tragedy. METHODS: This was a population-based study measuring psychological distress among the survivors of Bam earthquake in Iran. Using a multi-stage stratified sampling method a random sample of individuals aged 15 years and over living in Bam were interviewed. Psychological distress was measured using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). RESULTS: In all 916 survivors were interviewed. The mean age of the respondents was 32.9 years (SD = 12.4), mostly were males (53%), married (66%) and had secondary school education (50%). Forty-one percent reported they lost 3 to 5 members of their family in the earthquake. In addition the findings showed that 58% of the respondents suffered from severe mental health as measured by the GHQ-12 and this was three times higher than reported psychological distress among the general population. There were significant differences between sub-groups of the study sample with regard to their psychological distress. The results of the logistic regression analysis also indicated that female gender; lower education, unemployment, and loss of family members were associated with severe psychological distress among earthquake victims. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicated that the amount of psychological distress among earthquake survivors was high and there is an urgent need to deliver mental health care to disaster victims in local medical settings and to reduce negative health impacts of the earthquake adequate psychological counseling is needed for those who survived the tragedy

Prevalence and predictors of low back pain among the Iranian population: Results from the Persian cohort study

Background and objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is a common health condition in populations. Limited large-scale population-based studies evaluated the prevalence and predictors of LBP in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with LBP among the Iranian population. Methods: We used baseline information from the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN), including individuals from 16 provinces of Iran. LBP was defined as the history of back pain interfering with daily activities for more than one week during an individual's lifetime. Various factors hypothesized to affect LBP, such as age, sex, marital status, educational status, ethnicity, living area, employment status, history of smoking, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, sleep duration, wealth score, history of joint pain, and history of morning stiffness in the joints were evaluated. Results: In total, 163770 Iranians with a mean age of 49.37 (SD = 9.15) were included in this study, 44.8% of whom were male. The prevalence of LBP was 25.2% among participants. After adjusting for confounders, the female gender [OR:1.244(1.02-1.50)], middle and older ages [OR:1.23(1.10-1.33) and OR:1.13(1.07-1.42), respectively], being overweight or obese [OR:1.13(1.07-1.19) and OR:1.21(1.16-1.27), respectively], former and current smokers (OR:1.25(1.16-1.36) and OR:1.28(1.17-1.39), respectively], low physical activity [OR:1.07 (1.01-1.14)], and short sleep duration [OR: 1.09(1.02-1.17)] were significantly associated with LBP. Conclusion: In this large-scale study, we found the lifetime prevalence of LBP to be lower among the Iranian population in comparison to the global prevalence of LBP; further studies are warranted to evaluate the causality of risk factors on LBP