Needs and Concerns of Sexual and Reproductive Health of NeverMarried Women Over 35

Abstract

All individuals, whether single or married, have needs, but such fundamental and individual needs appear to be somewhat overlooked in single people. This is particularly true in countries where religion and cultural expectations are salient in everyday life, cultural and religious norms and expectations may influence the needs and behavior of single women. The present study investigated the sexual and reproductive health needs and concerns of Iranian never-married women aged 35 and older. This qualitative study involved a conventional content analysis. Interviews were done with 18 and focus group discussions were done with 5 never-married women aged 36-64 years in Iran. A total of 627 codes, 15 subcategories, 6 categories, and 2 themes were extracted from the interviews. The 2 themes were: 1. unmet needs; categories were socio-cultural needs, sexual needs, emotional needs, and economic needs; 2. concerns of living with singlehood; categories were living with disabilities and uncertain future. The results of the analysis indicate that the needs and concerns of never-married women over the age of 35 years in Iran remain unmet. This suggests that policymakers and health planners should take into consideration the growing number of never-married women as a societal reality deserving of attention.