Challenges of researchers in performing sexual health research in Iran: a qualitative study

Background: Assessment of ethical issues in sexual health research around the world shows that published studies are scattered and limited and cannot be used as reliable sources for other studies. Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to explore the challenging experiences of sexual health researchers in Iran. Methods: This study was conducted using a conventional qualitative content analysis method. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews. The interviews were written and coded through conventional content analysis to form the initial categories. Results: Based on the data analysis, three main categories, seven subcategories, and 14 second subcategories were extracted. The main categories included: 1- challenges related to biomedical research ethics committees, 2- challenges of sexual health researchers, and 3- challenges related to sexual health topics. Conclusions: This study was carried out to provide a better understanding of the challenges of sexual health researchers in their studies. The importance of detecting these challenges empowered researchers to cope with the challenges during their study.