“The Experiences of Iranian Women Facing HPV”

Introduction: The rapid evolution of attitudes and values has created challenges in maintaining and enhancing women’s sexual health, particularly regarding HPV. These challenges stem from limited awareness, insufficient sexual health education, and socio-cultural and policy shortcomings. This study examines the experiences of women diagnosed with or suspected of having HPV and their access to preventive and therapeutic care within Iran’s healthcare system. Method: Using a descriptive paradigm with a qualitative methodological approach based on induction. It includes semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 sexually active women from different regions in Iran, who have been diagnosed with or suspected of having HPV and have consulted a gynecologist. Snowball sampling was used to select participants, and thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Findings: The data revealed three main themes and seven sub-themes. “Encountering the Virus,” which includes three sub-themes: “Emotional and Psychological Reactions”, “Managing Emotions”, and “Awaiting Challenges, with two additional sub-themes, “The Role of Cultural Taboos” and “The Reaction of other Significant themes/sunthemes, categorized under “Awaiting Challenges”. The second theme, “Coping with the Medical System,” consists of “The Patient as a Money Bag”, “Inadequate Laws and Policies”, and “Rare Vaccines”, highlighting structural and financial barriers in accessing healthcare. Finally, the third theme, “Encountering the Virtual Space,” explores how patients interact with online resources, discussions, and support networks regarding their health concerns. This thematic framework provides insight into the complex emotional, social, and systemic factors shaping patient experiences. Discussion: Findings highlight that socio-cultural context shape women’s psychological responses and sexual health behaviors. Inadequate formal sexual health education has made virtual media central to shaping women’s experiences and encounters with the virus, intensifying psychological and emotional reactions, and negatively affecting health-seeking, preventive, and therapeutic behaviors.