Journal of Menopausal Medicine

The Korean Society of Menopause (대한폐경학회)
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Cultural Barriers Influencing Midwives' Sexual Conversation with Menopausal Women

  • Khadivzadeh, Talat (Evidence-Based Care Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Ghazanfarpour, Masumeh (Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Razi School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Roudsari, Robab Latifnejad (Evidence-Based Care Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences)
  • Received : 2018.03.12
  • Accepted : 2018.09.09
  • Published : 2018.12.31
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Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the barriers influencing the sexual conversation. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 200 midwives were selected through convenience sampling method from private and public clinics in Mashhad, North East of Iran. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect the study data. Results: The mean age of subjects was $39.58{\pm}8.12years$ with $13.49{\pm}7.59years$ of work experience. A number of cultural conditions act as an inhibitory force for the midwives to address sexual issues with menopausal women. Menopausal women visit a doctor at the acute stage when emotional and physical problems make sexual discussion difficult for the midwives (86.5%). Other related causes for not having proper sexual conversation were insufficient knowledge (51.4%), inadequate education provided via public media through health providers (83.5%), midwives or their patient's shame (51.5%), and attempt to get help from traditional healers, friends, relatives and supplicants instead of midwifery staff (78.5%). Also, we found that sexual workshops, communication workshops, and work experiences had a significant influence in changing the views of midwives. Conclusions: Cultural barriers prevent the patients and providers from communicating effectively with each other, thus highlighting the need for sexual and communication workshops for the health care providers.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

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