ARTICLE INFO

Article Type

Original Research

Authors

Barati   M. (1)
Soltanian   A. (2)
Emdadi   Sh. (3*)
Zahiri   B. (3)
Barzeghar   N. (3)






(1) Social Determinists of Health Research Center and Department of Public Health, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
(2) Modeling of Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center and Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
(3*) Department of Public Health, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

Correspondence


Article History

Received:   November  26, 2013
Accepted:   April 14, 2014
ePublished:   June 12, 2014

ABSTRACT

Aims Sexual health is the integrity between mind, emotions, and body, and any disorder leading to discoordination, can be associated with sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the beliefs of couples attending marriage counseling centers toward sexual health based on the health belief model.
Materials & Methods This cross sectional descriptive study was performed on 400 couples referring to marriage counseling centers of Hamadan recruited with a random sampling method. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire including demographic characteristics, knowledge and health belief model constructs. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-16 software, by Pearson’s coefficient correlation, independent T-test, and one-way ANOVA.
Findings Couples had a moderate knowledge of sexual health. In addition, perceived susceptibility and severity of the consequences of unsafe sexual behavior among couples were not satisfactory; however, perceived benefits and barriers were reported in a relatively good level. Internet and friends were the most important sources for sexual health information.
Conclusion Promoting knowledge and beliefs toward sexual health by preparing training packages based on the needs of couples and removing obstacles to have normal sexual behavior are necessary.


CITATION LINKS

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