Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41094437›Full record

ArticleReproductive health2025

Exploring barriers and solutions in sexual health services: a qualitative study from Iran.

Zeinab Hamzehgardeshi, Marzieh Azizi, Jila Ganji, Maryam Farmahini Farahani, Keshvar Samadaee Gelehkolaee

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Reproductive health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Zeinab HamzehgardeshiDepartment of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Marzieh AziziDepartment of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Jila GanjiDepartment of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Maryam Farmahini FarahaniDepartment of Midwifery, TeMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Keshvar Samadaee GelehkolaeeDepartment of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. k-samadaee@alumnus.tums.ac.ir.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSexual health and access barriers have become increasingly important, especially given the rising divorce rates and marital dissatisfaction linked to sexual health literacy. This qualitative study aims to explore the barriers and solutions affecting service provision in sexual health clinics (SHCs) in Sari, Iran, from the perspectives of key stakeholders.

methodsThis qualitative study was conducted from July to October 2024 using a conventional content analysis approach. It involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with a diverse group of participants. Data saturation was achieved after engaging with four policymakers, four specialists, 26 clients, and 120 health providers.

resultsThe findings reveal three main categories: Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions. Under Challenges, structural, socio-cultural, professional and organizational, and service-related challenges were identified. Opportunities highlighted university capacities, alignment with national policies, autonomy, and effective leadership strategies. Proposed solutions included resource development, the implementation of evidence-based practices, and de-labeling efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding sexual health.

conclusionThe study emphasizes the need to enhance sexual health literacy and improve access to sexual health centers in Iran through infrastructure development, educational initiatives, and open dialogue to reduce stigma. Addressing these challenges can better meet the population's sexual health needs and improve overall health.

Indexed as

Health Services AccessibilityReproductive Health ServicesSexual HealthAdultFemaleFocus GroupsHealth LiteracyHealth PersonnelHumansIranMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchSocial StigmaBarriersHealthcare servicesQualitative researchSexual healthSolutionsStakeholder

Identifiers

PMID41094437
PMCPMC12522467

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LicenceCC BY
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.