Exploring the reproductive health needs of men in the preconception period: A qualitative study
نویسندگان
1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Sexual Health and Fertility Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
2 Department of Biostatistics, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
3 Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
4 Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
5 Department of Community Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
6 Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
doi
چکیده
BACKGROUND: Male reproductive health is a necessary pillar of childbearing. If a reproductive healthassessment is conducted in the preconception period, the chance of a healthy pregnancy can increase.This qualitative study aimed to explore men’s reproductive health needs before conception in Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was a qualitative study conducted in Bushehr city, Iranto explore men’s reproductive health needs from April 2021 to November 2021. 30 semistructuredinterviews were conducted with married men, women, healthcare providers, and specialists individuallyin the health centers. The sampling method used in this study was purpose‑based with maximumvariety. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim in Persian and analyzedusing directional content analysis. MAXQDA software version 12 was used to facilitate data analysis.RESULTS: From the data analysis, 2 themes, 15 categories, and 38 subcategories emerged. Thethemes included evaluation and health promotion recommendations. It consisted of 10 categories:reproductive life plan evaluation, medical history evaluation, family and genetic history evaluation,social history evaluation, sexual health evaluation, medication evaluation, laboratory evaluation,physical examination, lifestyle evaluation, and mental health evaluation. Health promotionrecommendations included five categories: nutritional recommendations, stress management,avoiding harmful behaviors, protective measures against harmful exposure, and need for education.CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that men need a comprehensive evaluation of reproductivehealth and recommendations to improve their health in the preconception period. Our study findingscan inform healthcare providers to increase men’s participation in reproductive health.
