Sexual and Reproductive Health and Associated Challenges in Iranian Men: A Qualitative Study

Men, like women, experience a wide range of serious health issues, including sexual and reproductive health concerns, which must be addressed alongside women's health issues to improve the health of societies. This study aimed to explore Iranian men's perceptions of sexual and reproductive health as well as associated challenges. This qualitative study was designed through the conventional content analysis approach. Purposive sampling with maximum variation was employed to select 26 participants, and data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using the conventional qualitative content analysis method proposed by Zhang and Wildemuth. Analysis of the interview transcripts revealed that men's perceptions of sexual and reproductive health and relevant challenges were classified into two categories and five subcategories. These included "socio-economic security and unmet needs" (consisting of three subcategories, i.e., "mental health," "lifestyle," and "sexual health") and "cultural-religious factors and unmet needs" (consisting of two subcategories, i.e., "Seeking for health and its barriers" and "religious norms"). According to the research findings, numerous sexual and reproductive health concerns and challenges are perceived by Iranian men. Exploring these concerns and challenges can help provide an in-depth insight into their needs for optimal care, empower them through education, and obtain support from family and society. This can improve men's reproductive health.