ARE MALES WILLING TO DISCUSS THEIR SEXUAL HEALTH: A FEASIBILITY STUDY FROM BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN
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Keywords
Male Sexual Health, Social Stigma, Sociodemographic Factors, Confidentiality
Abstract
Background: Male sexual health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions. In conservative and underdeveloped regions, societal stigma and cultural taboos often prevent open discussions, leading many men to suffer in silence.
Objective: To assess the willingness of married males to discuss their sexual health concerns.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Teaching Hospital Turbat from June to August 2022, involving 108 married males aged 18–40 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS Version 23. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify associations between sociodemographic variables and willingness to share sexual history, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Among 108 participants, 79 (73.1%) were willing to share their sexual history. Rural residents (49.4%) were significantly more willing than urban residents (24.1%; p = 0.01). Participants with less education (70.9%) were more likely to provide a sexual history compared to those with higher education (48.3%; p = 0.03). Higher-income individuals were less forthcoming (p = 0.02). No significant associations were observed for smoking or employment status.
Conclusion: Societal stigma rather than intrinsic reluctance deters men from discussing sexual health. Creating supportive, confidential, and culturally sensitive environments can significantly enhance openness. Public health campaigns, male-focused clinics, and telemedicine options are vital in normalizing sexual health discussions and reducing stigma
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Noman Sadiq
PhD Scholar, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan.
Jamshed Warsi
Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro
Yasmeen Gul
Associate Professor, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Mekran Medical College, Turbat.
Zafar Abdul Nabi
Head, Department of Medicine, Mekran Medical College, Turbat.
Fauzia Perveen
Assistant Professor, Biochemistry, Mekran Medical College, Turbat
Shabeer Ahmed
Assistant Professor, Physiology, Mekran Medical College, Turbat