Sexual and reproductive healthcare needs of Iranian men: A cross-sectional study

Background: The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of men have receivedlittle attention in Iran’s healthcare system. Developing appropriate strategies to meetmen’s needs requires careful assessment and recognition of their health needs.Objective: The objective of this study is to assess men’s SRH needs and satisfactionwith received services.Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with1068 adult men aged between 20 and 60 years in Ahvaz in 2014. For obtaining the SRHservices needs of men, in addition to the self-reported felt needs, expressed needsand unmet needs, a need assessment was also done using a questionnaire that wasdeveloped for the research; its validity and reliability were assessed.Results: The men’s perceived, expressed and unmet needs for SRH services were,priority-wise, screening and diagnosis of male genital cancers (63.3%), receivingcontraceptive methods (36%), diagnosis, and treatment of male sexual dysfunction(86.9%), respectively. Preventing sexually transmitted disease/AIDS (72.1%), usingcontraceptives correctly (39.5%), and resisting peer pressure (86.6%) were, respectively,the first felt, expressed, and unmet skills men needed. The results of multivariatelogistical regression showed that there was a significant statistical correlation betweenmen’s SRH needs and their socio-demographic factors (age, marital/educational status,income).Conclusion: Iranian men have many unmet SRH needs. Felt and expressed SRH needswere different. Educational and counseling services are as important as clinical services.

Keywords:

Reproductive health , Needs assessment , Men