Background: A review of the literature in both national and international databases revealed that no studies have been published in Iran on the challenges associated with sexual dysfunction courses. A qualitative examination of individuals’ experiences could provide a more authentic and in-depth understanding of the challenges related to these courses. This study aims to explore midwifery students’ experiences regarding the sexual dysfunction course.
Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, a combination of Hsieh and Shannon’s methods was employed to analyze the data. Fourteen junior and senior midwifery students were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in person. MAXQDA software version 10 was utilized for data analysis.
Results: After conducting 14 interviews with midwifery students, 834 primary codes were initially extracted from the interviews. Similar codes were then merged, and through this inductive process, 13 codes emerged as five subcategories, three categories, and one main theme: "Inadequacy of Formal Curricula for Sexual Education and Cultural Inadequacies." Based on the participants’ experiences, the following three categories were identified: "Problems in the Theoretical and Clinical Plans of Sexual Education and Its Implementation," "Necessity of Empowering Professors," and "Improper Cultural Context for Sexual Education."
Conclusion: The present findings indicate that the curricula for the sexual dysfunction course do not meet the educational needs of learners, and the course syllabi should be reviewed and modified. According to the participants, universities lack the necessary human resources to teach sexual dysfunction courses, and a suitable cultural context must be established for sexual education.