Lived sexual experience of health workers on the Iranian frontline of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative content analysis

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic may affect individuals' sexual lives and probably their sexual function. The present study aimed to explain the sexual lived experiences of health workers on the Iranian frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was qualitative research using the conventional qualitative content analysis method. It was conducted in the city of Ramsar, Iran, in 2022. The data were collected using 12 in-depth personal interviews and a purposive sampling method. Lundman and Granheim's method was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The analysis of the data in the first phase of the research led to 60 initial codes, 7 subcategories, 3 main categories (concerns about health risks, sexual dissatisfaction, and sexual facilitators and barriers), and one theme (unhealthy lifestyle due to sexual dissatisfaction). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed new and different dimensions of the sexual experiences of health workers on the frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic [concerns about health risks, sexual dissatisfaction, sexual facilitators, and sexual inhibitors]; these dimensions are based on the Iranian context and culture that can be considered to enhance sexual pleasure and the physical and mental health of health professionals that have an impact on improving patients' and people's health status in society.