The solutions to increase the participation of men in sexual and reproductive health of women in Iran: an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis

Abstract

Ever since the Cairo Declaration in 1994, women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) has become a priority and substantial efforts have been made to improve it. Men’s contribution to promote the SRH of women is essential. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the best solutions to increase the men’s participation in the SRH of women in Iran, using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 married men in Iran. The data was collected using a questionnaire. To determine the best solutions to improve the men’s participation in women’s SRH, the opinions of an expert group from academia, Ministry of Health (MOH) were employed and the best solution were selected based on the scores, applying analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.20 and Expert Choice software. In the final analysis ‘Well-oriented sex education focused on men’s involvement’, ‘Well-trained professional employment’ and ‘Sex education in society, schools, and universities’ were the solutions with highest coefficients, respectively.

Impact statement

• What is already known on this subject? SRH of women, is a major part of primary efforts regarding the increase of SRH’s quality; among which, the role and place of men is of utmost importance. Struggling to participate men in issues related to the health of women can not only promote inter family relationships, but also can affect the quality of relationship between man and woman in the society.

• What do the results of this study add? According to results of the study, one of the main obstacles of men participation was educational and information barriers, regarding which, having adjusted and improved educational systems, opportunity could be prepared for men participation. Current centres for educating those who are already getting married are the first and main places where men can be educated to meet their educational needs in their marriage life such as SRH. Through integrating three selected approaches in the experts’ meetings in the educational program of before marriage, men participation can be increased in SRH.

• What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? The findings could inform and guide the policies in formulating effective solutions to improve the men’s participation in SRH in Iran.

Keywords:

• Solutions to men’s participation
• sexual and reproductive health
• analytic hierarchy process

Acknowledgements

We would like to appreciate the effort and extend our greatest regards to all valued colleagues and collaborative bodies in Tehran Medical University and Ministry of Health (MOH) of Iran.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences [Grant No.: 9221151004].