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An Indigenized Definition of Sexual Health:An Approach to Promote Sexual Health in Iran
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Mohammad Bagher Saberizafarghandi   , Seyed Kazem Foroutan , Akram Ghorbali , Bahman Matinpoor |
| Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (11 Views) |
Background: Sexual health, as a key dimension of overall health, is influenced by cultural, social, and religious factors and plays an important role in quality of life. The foreign definitions of sexual health, often emphasizing individualism and pleasure, which are not fully compatible with Iranian-Islamic values, especially the central role of the family institution. This study aimed to develop an indigenized and scientific definition of sexual health appropriate to the cultural, social, and religious contexts of Iran.
Method: This study was conducted using a mixed approach of literature review and expert survey. Initially, definitions of sexual health were collected and analyzed from credible foreign and domestic sources. Subsequently, the Iranian Family Health Scientific Association, based on the World Health Organization’s (2006) definition, developed an initial draft which was presented to the Academy of Medical Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This definition was reviewed and reached consensus by a working group composed of specialists from relevant disciplines and religious experts. Finally, the lack of conflict with Sharia rulings was also confirmed by the Center for Subject Identification of Jurisprudential Rulings in Qom.
Results: The foreign definitions often emphasized individualistic pleasure and contained ambiguities in some concepts that were incompatible with Iranian-Islamic values. Domestic definitions also lacked the necessary efficiency due to their lack of comprehensiveness and credible institutional support.
Conclusion: Sexual health is a complex and multidimensional concept for which a universal definition is impossible. Therefore, planning, policymaking, and interventions in the field of sexual health should be based on indigenized definitions tailored to the cultural, social, and religious contexts of each society to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. |
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| Keywords: Cultural Characteristics, Family, Iran, Religion, Sexual Health |
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Full-Text [PDF 677 kb]
(3 Downloads)
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Letter: Review Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/10/8 | Accepted: 2025/09/22 | ePublished ahead of print: 2025/10/8
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