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Perception of Iranian Patients with Cancer Regarding Sexual Health: A Content Analysis Study

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Abstract

Sexual health is one of element of general health that has great impact on the health of people with cancer. It has been expressed as a strategy to achieve the millennium development goals. In a review of literature, it was found that there are not qualitative researches on sexual health of individuals with cancer in the background of Iranian culture. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of Iranian patients with cancer regarding sexual health. The study took a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were held with 27 patients with cancer in Iran. Transcripts of the interviews underwent conventional content analysis, and categories emerged. The findings came under 4 major categories: physical health, psychological health, informational health, and socio-cultural health. The major categories also included several subcategories that were explained with the statements of patients. Findings of the current study have the potential to identify sexual health of individuals with cancer in the context of Iranian culture. Our results recommend that all health care providers should work to remain sensitive to sexual health of people with cancer.

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Acknowledgements

The researchers are thankful to all of the participants who participated in present study. Without their help and collaboration, this research could not have been performed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Marjan Mardani-Hamooleh

  2. Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Modeling in Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 3813346714, Rahmatieh, Shahrekord, Iran

    Haydeh Heidari

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  1. Marjan Mardani-Hamooleh
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  2. Haydeh Heidari
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Correspondence to Haydeh Heidari.

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Mardani-Hamooleh, M., Heidari, H. Perception of Iranian Patients with Cancer Regarding Sexual Health: A Content Analysis Study. Sex Disabil 35, 119–129 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-016-9467-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-016-9467-3

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