From Taboo to Dialogue
Cultural Considerations in Adolescent Sexual Health Education in Iran—A Qualitative Content Analysis
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24032786 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sedigheh Gohari (Gonabad University of Medical Sciences), Yegane Lagzian (Torbat Heydarieh University of Medical Sciences), Ali Delshad (0000-0002-8081-2150, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences), Tahereh Tavasoli (Gonabad University of Medical Sciences), Fariba Askari (0000-0003-0551-8346, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-17 |
| Publication date | 2026-08-16 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Sexual Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1931-7611 • E-ISSN: 1931-762X |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/19317611.2026.2718307 |
| OpenAlex | W7203582321 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 28 |
Objectives Sexual health education is one of the key challenges in adolescent upbringing, particularly in Islamic societies. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of key social groups regarding sexual health education for Iranian adolescents.Methods This qualitative study was conducted using conventional inductive content analysis based on the Graneheim and Lundman approach, from April 2023 to August 2024 in Gonabad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. Participants included 30 adolescent girls and boys aged 16 to 18, and 30 key adults (parents, teachers, school principals) aged 33 to 62, selected through purposive sampling with maximum cultural and social variation. Data was collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA 2010 software.Results A total of 76 initial codes, 17 sub-subcategories, 8 subcategories, 3 main categories, and one Theme were extracted. The main categories were: (1) Commitment to cultural values, norms, and principles in sexual health education, (2) The role of educational and Socialization structures in adolescent sexual health education, and (3) Contemporary requirements in sexual health Education for Iranian Adolescents. These encompassed issues such as social norms and religious values, the role of home and school, digital literacy and communication skills, intersectoral collaboration, and the development of culturally appropriate educational content.Conclusions The findings suggest that the main challenge of adolescent sexual health education in Iran lies in balancing adolescents’ informational needs with prevailing sociocultural expectations. By highlighting differences between adolescent and adult perspectives, the study underscores the need for culturally responsive, dialogue-based approaches that engage adolescents as active participants while remaining sensitive to the local context.
Content analysis · Human sexuality · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Reproductive health · Sex education · Taboo · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Cultural Competency in Health Care · School Health and Nursing Education
Three Decades of Research
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| Highly cited | No |
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