Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Exploring the reproductive health needs of men in the preconception period: A qualitative study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Zeinab Rabiei 1
. Mohammad Shariati 2
. Naser Mogharabian 3
. Rahim Tahmasebi 4
. Ashraf Ghiasi 5
. Zahra Motaghi 6

1 Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

2 Department of Community Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Clinical Sciences, Sexual Health and Fertility Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

4 Department of Biostatistics, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran

5 Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

6 Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Male reproductive health is a necessary pillar of childbearing. If a reproductive health
assessment is conducted in the preconception period, the chance of a healthy pregnancy can increase.
This qualitative study aimed to explore men’s reproductive health needs before conception in Iran.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was a qualitative study conducted in Bushehr city, Iran
to explore men’s reproductive health needs from April 2021 to November 2021. 30 semistructured
interviews were conducted with married men, women, healthcare providers, and specialists individually
in the health centers. The sampling method used in this study was purpose‑based with maximum
variety. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim in Persian and analyzed
using directional content analysis. MAXQDA software version 12 was used to facilitate data analysis.
RESULTS: From the data analysis, 2 themes, 15 categories, and 38 subcategories emerged. The
themes included evaluation and health promotion recommendations. It consisted of 10 categories:
reproductive life plan evaluation, medical history evaluation, family and genetic history evaluation,
social history evaluation, sexual health evaluation, medication evaluation, laboratory evaluation,
physical examination, lifestyle evaluation, and mental health evaluation. Health promotion
recommendations included five categories: nutritional recommendations, stress management,
avoiding harmful behaviors, protective measures against harmful exposure, and need for education.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that men need a comprehensive evaluation of reproductive
health and recommendations to improve their health in the preconception period. Our study findings
can inform healthcare providers to increase men’s participation in reproductive health.

Keywords

Men
preconception care
qualitative research
reproductive health needs
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 12, Issue 5
June 2022
Pages 1-9

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