Women's Perceptions and Experiences of the Concept of Postpartum Sexual Function: A Directed Qualitative Content Analysis
نویسندگان
1 Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 a) Associate Professor, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran b) Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 PhD Student in Reproductive Health, Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
4 Associate Professor, Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
5 Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
doi
10.22038/jmrh.2022.62917.1797چکیده
Background & aim: There is sufficient information about female sexual function, but few studies have investigated postpartum female sexual function. Postpartum women’s sexual function may be dramatically affected by childbirth. This study aimed to explore women's perceptions and experiences of the concept of postpartum sexual function.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a directed content analysis approach based on Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) between 2018 and 2019. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 women referred to the health centers of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran and were selected, purposively. The data were analyzed manually using directed content analysis adopted by Hsieh and Shannon (2005).Results: Overall, eleven categories emerged from the analysis. The six emerged categories were related to the predetermined components, namely sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, pain, orgasm, and satisfaction. The remaining five newly emerging categories included changes in the frequency of sexual intercourse, disturbed situation, changes in intimacy and relationship, physical (anatomical) changes, and psychological consequences.Conclusion: The results showed some new categories, in addition to the components of FSFI, which could be added to the concept of sexual function in postpartum period. Therefore, health service providers should consider these new additional concepts in the assessment, care, and treatment of female sexual dysfunction in postpartum women.
