Introduction

In Saudi Arabia, sexual and reproductive health education is not offered in any formal setting, and there is a significant lack of knowledge amongst Saudi women. This study aimed to explore barriers to Saudi women’s sexual and reproductive wellbeing.

Methods

The study employed qualitative methods using semi-structured interviews with women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2019. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty-eight women were interviewed. Sexual and reproductive wellbeing is a complex matter affected by personal, familial, environmental, socio-cultural, religious, and institutional factors. Being unmarried is a significant barrier to accessing sexual and reproductive information and services, with ignorance signifying modesty and purity. Parental control acted as a barrier to acquiring knowledge and accessing essential healthcare services. Schools contribute to lack of awareness, with teachers omitting sexual and reproductive health-related subjects and evading answering questions.

Conclusions

There are multiple factors that restrict Saudi women’s access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, impacting their overall wellbeing. Research and policy efforts should be directed towards overcoming the complex barriers to Saudi women’s sexual and reproductive wellbeing. Public health initiatives are needed to improve youth, parents, and teacher’s knowledge, and improve public perceptions towards sexual and reproductive health education.

中文翻译：

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沙特妇女性和生殖健康的障碍：一项定性研究

介绍

在沙特阿拉伯，任何正式场合都不提供性健康和生殖健康教育，沙特妇女严重缺乏知识。本研究旨在探索影响沙特妇女性和生殖健康的障碍。

方法

该研究采用定性方法，对 2019 年沙特阿拉伯利雅得的女性进行半结构化访谈。使用主题分析对数据进行分析。

结果

二十八名女性接受了采访。性健康和生殖健康是一个复杂的问题，受个人、家庭、环境、社会文化、宗教和制度因素的影响。未婚是获取性和生殖信息和服务的重大障碍，无知意味着谦虚和纯洁。家长控制是获取知识和获得基本医疗保健服务的障碍。学校导致缺乏意识，教师会忽略与性健康和生殖健康相关的科目并回避回答问题。

结论

有多种因素限制沙特妇女获得性健康和生殖健康信息和服务，影响她们的整体福祉。研究和政策努力应致力于克服影响沙特妇女性和生殖健康的复杂障碍。需要采取公共卫生举措来提高青年、父母和教师的知识，并提高公众对性和生殖健康教育的认识。