Qualitative needs assessment: Iranian parents' perspectives in sexuality education of their children

Context: Parental education in sexuality plays a vital role in children’s lives. 

Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore Iranian parents’ perspectives about the needs of children sexuality education. 

Setting and Design: This qualitative study was done in 2016. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative inquiry, seven sessions of community group interview and focus group discussions were conducted with the parents of Ghaemshahr, Iran, using purposive sampling (n = 39, 27 mothers and 12 fathers). 

Statistical Analysis Used: We employed thematic analysis method to extract our findings. 

Results: The findings were categorized into three essential needs: (1) parents’ preparedness, (2) efficacious parental management, and (3) supportive environments. The sub-theme describing the theme 1 includes “the need for adequate knowledge to answer the sexual questions and the child’s sexual curiosity” and “the need for awareness about the time of beginning an appropriate sexuality education for children.” Moreover, the sub-theme describing theme 2 includes “the need for sufficient skills to begin proper and intimate communication,” “the need for effective monitoring and care,” and “the need for capability in managing the child sexual behavior.” Moreover, the sub-theme describing theme 3 includes “the need to receive training from sexual health professionals,” “the need for authorized sexuality education programs,” “the need for national-wide policy-making and strategy planning in sexuality education,” and “the need for a comprehensive and complete educational resource.” 

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that to address the goals in sexuality education for children, parents’ need to be prepared in knowledge, and gaining positive attitude and practical skills. To achieve these goals, supportive environments must be provided by policy-makers and health providers with culturally appropriate strategy planning.