Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Reproductive Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences,
2 Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
3 Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Medicine Faculty, Medical Sciences University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Securing a healthy sexual relationship during middle‑agedness would cause new
needs and expectations in women, considering the special changes of this period. Therefore, the
present study was conducted to determine the sexual needs of middle‑aged women.
METHODS: The present study was a qualitative study with content analysis approach. Participants
were 15 middle‑aged women; their expectations and needs about sexual relationship were gathered
using in‑depth semi‑structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman
inductive content analysis.
RESULTS: The main themes that were appeared in the present study included “the need
for information” with subcategories of “the need for information about physiologic changes”
and “information about psychological changes;” “the need for sympathy” with subcategories of “the
need for receiving appropriate feedback” and “appropriate space for expressing the emotions;”
“the need for changing social norms” with subcategories of “accepting middle‑agedness by the society”
and “the need for changing the concept of femininity;” and finally “the need for repairing the sexual
relationship” with subcategories of “solutions for solving sexual problems” and “paying attention to
the new aspects of sexual relationship.”
CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that middle‑aged women have various sexual needs and
expectations and paying attention to these needs and expectations could affect the improvement of
the sexual and mental health of middle‑aged women and their families.
Keywords
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