Sexual Health Beliefs among Newly Married Couples: A Health Belief Model Approach

Background & aim: Sexual health beliefs significantly influence newly married couples’ behaviors and marital satisfaction, impacting overall relationship quality. In this regard, dentifying misconceptions and inaccurate beliefs is vital. This study assessed these beliefs and misconceptions in newly married couples using the Health Belief Model (HBM).Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, ۲۱۰ newly married individuals (۱۱۵ women and ۹۵ men) referred to the pre-marriage counseling center in Esfarayen, Iran, in ۲۰۲۲ were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnairethrough closed interviews. For data analysis, SPSS version ۲۲ was used. Descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistical tests including independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, were applied for data analysis. Results: The mean scores (range) were as follows: awareness, ۱۳.۸±۵.۰۶ (۲–۲۰); perceived susceptibility, ۲۲.۱۸±۶.۵ (۹–۳۵); perceived severity, ۲۳.۱۶±۴.۵ (۱۰–۳۵); perceived benefits, ۱۵.۲۱±۲.۴ (۸–۲۰); and perceived barriers, ۷.۷۷±۲.۹ (۲–۲۰). Significant associations were observed between health belief model constructs and demographic variables includingage, education, employment, ethnicity and place of residence (p<۰.۰۵). The most common sources of sexual health information were the Internetinternet and friends, and nearly half of the participants cited cultural taboos as a major barrier.Conclusion: The findings indicate that although newly married couples demonstrated moderate awareness and favorable beliefs about sexual health, cultural barriers remain a key challenge. Expanding access to valid information sources and addressing social taboos are crucial for improving sexual health behaviors in this population.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sexual Health beliefs ، Health belief model ، Newly Married couples ، Marital satisfaction