How Iranian men perceive sexual and reproductive health? A qualitative study

Background Despite the effective role of men in promoting their sexual and reproductive health, they have been often been overlooked for cultural and social issues and limited data are available in this context. In developing countries, the majority of men have limited knowledge and ability in terms of reproductive and sexual health. Hence, this study aimed to investigate male perceptions of sexual and reproductive health concepts.Materials and methods Using the conventional content analysis approach, a qualitative study was conducted on data retrieved through semi-structured interviews with 19 adult males aged 18 to 59 years, purposefully selected from among populations of health centers in the province of Alborz, Iran.Results Three main concepts and 9 categories emerged from the conventional content analysis: 1) Needs including “access to sexual and reproductive health services”, “awareness”, and “high-quality and safe sex”; 2) Responsibilities including “health- seeking behaviors”, “sexual skills”, “childbearing responsibilities” and “ethical commitment”; and 3) Social norms including “gender role attitudes”, and “changing marriage rules”.Conclusion This study showed that structural factors along with cultural and social norms affect sexual and reproductive health in men, who are men not adequately taken care and many of their sexual and reproductive health needs have not yet been addressed. Participants believed that men are responsible for their sexual reproductive health, although they have often difficulties fulfilling their responsibilities because of inadequate knowledge on the subject and the lack of access to sexual/ reproductive health services. Hence, along with socioeconomic changes, the health care system should be prepared to meet these needs and responsibilities using preventive strategies and programs.