Designing a national plan for improving sexual health in Iran: An experience of an Islamic country

Background: Prevalence of sexual dysfunction varies from 20% to 40% in men and women in different studies in Iran. Despite its high prevalence, it seems that this issue has been neglected, particularly in Islamic countries. The aim of this study was to assess sexual health in Iran. This was a mixed method study. Methods: Data were collected through evaluating country’s sexual health programs and literature review. Sexual health status was drafted and formed following a sound analysis by stakeholders. After conducting interviews and focus group discussions, the main points of the meetings, influencing factors of the present status and oncoming strategies were obtained upon experts’ opinions. Results: Review of general policies and the literature showed that although there is adequate support for improving sexual health status in the country, sexual health status has been decreased in the last decade. Based on Iranian sexual health indicators and experts’ opinions, the focus points could be divided into the following groups: Structural and functional –political, legal-behavior, and cultural. Conclusion: Breaking the taboo of sexual health issues would require attention from the policy makers especially in Islamic nations to facilitate the steps on the road to sexual health. In this regard, clarified vision, strategic goals and interventional policies are proposed. An inter-sectional cooperation is needed to implement interventions to promote sexual health status.