Transition into the sexual and reproductive role: a qualitative exploration of Iranian married adolescent girls’ needs and experiences

Abstract

Plain English summary Married adolescent girls have unique sexual and reproductive health needs; however, the appropriate services have not always been provided. This was a qualitative study conducted in Iran to explore married adolescent girls’ reproductive and sexual needs. We found that married adolescent girls were not prepared for marriage and had limited awareness and decision-making power on sexual and reproductive issues. There is a need to develop adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive services. It is essential to give tailored pregnancy and childbirth services and prepare adolescents for motherhood. Adolescents step into marital life without the required life skills and physical and mental preparedness. They do not have the proper knowledge and ability to decide on sexuality and reproductive issues. Therefore, families, education, and health system should prepare the necessary foundation to support and empower these adolescents, and provide tailored and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.

Keywords

• Adolescent marriage
• Reproductive health
• Sexual issues
• Qualitative study