Sexual Health Self-Care: A Theory-Based Intervention

Sexual health is one component of reproductive health that is a global challenge and this challenge is more highlighted among adolescents. Global statistics show that 111 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur in adolescents annually. In addition, there are reports of 40% of AIDS new infections annually in this group (1,2). According to a study, 50% of street women referred to rehabilitation centers were between the ages of 15 and 19 years. Unwanted pregnancies are another sexual concern in adolescents (3). According to culture and religion, Iranians consider marriage to be the only way to meet the sexual needs; cultural changes have led to an increase in unsafe sex in adolescents (4). Sexual and reproductive needs of adolescents are often underestimated for reasons such as social stigma, knowledge and misunderstandings, and the laws governing society (5). Proper sex education is one of the basic human rights and has a positive effect on the quality of sexual intercourse. According to the literature review, the sex education not only has no negative sexual effects but also delays inappropriate sexual intercourse and reduces the number of sexual partners (6). Protection motivation theory is widely used in behavior change programs (7,8). The protection motivation theory-based educational intervention has been shown to significantly improve sexual health self-care behaviors (7). This theory is based on the assumption that acceptance of protective risk-taking behavior is derived from individual beliefs (9). This is a theory-based interventional study aimed to promote self-care behaviors regarding sexual and reproductive health in adolescents (girls) in Karaj.

Author(s): MarjanHavaei, Sara Esmaelzadeh-Saeieh and LeiliSaleh

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