Young Iranian Women’s Sexual Health Challenges: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Studies

Introduction: Young women worldwide face multiple sexual health challenges, which in Iran are intensified by cultural norms. This qualitative scoping review explored individual and contextual factors influencing these challenges in sexual health education and services, guided by the Ecological Systems Theory. Methods: In this scoping review, searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, as well as the Scientific Information Database and Magiran. The quality of the literature was assessed using CASP checklists. Eligible studies were conducted in Iran, included female adolescents or youth, and were published between 2010 and 2024. Studies reporting views of adolescents, youth, teachers, and healthcare professionals were included. Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. At the individual level, inadequate ageappropriate sexual information and perceptions of adolescence as a risky period were highlighted. Interpersonal challenges included ignorance about premarital sex, weak parent–child communication, and peer-related risks. Organizational barriers included an unresponsive education system and limited access to resources. Social and cultural factors encompassed taboos around sexual discussions, transitional societal norms, and media-related threats. Policy-level obstacles included low prioritization of sexual health and lack of legal support. Discussion: Findings indicate that young Iranian women face intertwined personal, cultural, and systemic barriers limiting access to sexual health education and services. Multi-level interventions are needed to improve awareness and address structural and policy barriers. Conclusion: Despite growing demand for sexual health education and services, systemic and policy barriers remain the key challenge. Addressing these gaps is crucial for future research and effective interventions.