Concepts of sexuality and health among Iranian women in Australia.
BACKGROUND
Like other immigrants, Iranians face difficulties using sexual and reproductive health services in Australia. Expectations may be affected by experiences of population control services in Iran.


METHODS
Fifty-one Iranian women in Sydney (New South Wales) participated in individual interviews and focus groups in 2003-2004. Recorded interviews were transcribed and translated into English and subjected to thematic and narrative analysis.


RESULTS
Concepts of sexual health among respondents centred on reproductive gynaecology: pregnancy, contraception and menopause. Issues around relationships or sexual pleasure or pain were not thought of as being issues of 'sexual health'.


CONCLUSIONS
Communication with sexual health caregivers is hampered by the euphemistic, vague and symbolically loaded terminology used by the women in their own language, and their lack of knowledge of English and medical terms. They are reluctant to use interpreters and lack faith in their right to confidentiality. Practical suggestions for providing appropriate clinical care include the use of communication aids, approaching the topic obliquely and interviewing the woman's husband where appropriate.
Merghaty Khoei
Effat
E
School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran.
Richters
Juliet
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007492:Iran / Q000208:ethnology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D019529:Sexuality / Q000208:ethnology*; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*