Theory of Planned Behavior including self-stigma and perceived barriers explain help-seeking behavior for sexual problems in Iranian women suffering from epilepsy.
To apply the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the two additional concepts self-stigma and perceived barriers to the help-seeking behavior for sexual problems in women with epilepsy.



In this 18-month follow-up study, TPB elements, including attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention along with self-stigma and perceived barriers in seeking help for sexual problems were assessed in n=818 women with epilepsy (94.0% aged ≤40years). The basic TPB model (model 1) and the TPB model additionally including self-stigma and perceived barriers (Model 2) were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).



Both SEM models showed satisfactory model fits. According to model, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention explained 63.1% of the variance in help-seeking behavior. Variance was slightly higher (64.5%) when including self-stigma and perceived barriers (model 2). In addition, the fit indices of the models were better highlighting the importance of self-stigma and perceived barriers in help-seeking behavior for sexual problems.



Theory of Planned Behavior is useful in explaining help-seeking behavior for sexual problems in women with epilepsy. Self-stigma and perceived barriers are additional factors that should be considered in future interventions aiming to adopt TPB to improve help-seeking behavior for sexual problems.
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
Chung-Ying
CY
Lin
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Bahonar Blvd, Qazvin 3419759811, Iran.
Sonia
S
Oveisi
Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand; Waitemata Pain Service, Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, North Shore Hospital, New Zealand.
Andrea
A
Burri
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Bahonar Blvd, Qazvin 3419759811, Iran; Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden. Electronic address: Pakpour_Amir@yahoo.com.
Amir H
AH
Pakpour
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D000066505:Help-Seeking Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D057545:Social Stigma; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women; D055815:Young Adult
Epilepsy; Help-seeking behavior; Self-stigma; Structural equation modeling; Theory of Planned Behavior