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

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. 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. 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. 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.