A comprehensive interventional program for promoting sexual function in postmenopausal women: Protocol for a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a natural event in women's life that leads to physical, psychological, and social consequences. A fundamental health concern in postmenopausal women is problems with their sexual function. This study aims to design an interventional program to promote sexual function in postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods: This sequential exploratory mixed methods study will be conducted in three phases. The first phase will be a qualitative study with a content analysis approach. The participants will be selected using a purposive sampling in Isfahan, Iran. The data will be collected through in-depth interviews and field notes and analyzed using conventional content analysis. In the second phase, the intervention will be designed and finalized to promote sexual function in postmenopausal women using the results of qualitative study and literature review, asking experts' opinions, and holding specialized panels. In the third phase, the intervention will be implemented (in the form of a quasi-experimental study) and the effect of the intervention will be determined. In this phase, the data will be collected using the female sexual function index. Finally, an appropriate interventional program will be presented.

Conclusion: It is hoped to promote sexual function in postmenopausal women by conducting this study and implementing an appropriate interventional program that is culturally sensitive. If it is proved that the intervention is effective, a basis for health policy-making to promote sexual health in postmenopausal women can be provided by presenting evidence and increasing the knowledge in this field of health.

Keywords: Iran; menopause; mixed methods study; postmenopause; sexual function; women.

Figure 1

Study visual diagram