Preserving sexual health of older couples: a protocol for a strategic plan

Abstract

Implementing a plan to enhance the sexual health of older couples is essential, considering their increasing population. Consequently, devising a strategic plan is preferable to any other approach owing to the fact that sexual health societal attitudes more influence older adults than other age groups. Moreover, older adults tend to engross their vulnerability more, due to their negative perception of themselves. This study aims to devise a protocol for a strategic plan in order to improve the sexual health of older couples. This mixed-methods research with a conceptual approach will be implemented in three stages. The first stage incorporates a qualitative study with the purpose of identifying the needs of sexual health. The participants in this stage include two groups of older couples and sexual health actors. The second stage will be a structured literature review to find the needs of sexual health. In the third stage, a focus group discussion will be used to integrate the needs of the qualitative stage and the literature review to develop a plan. Following that, goals, mission, and vision will be established. In this stage, the strategies will be devised based on needs after focusing on the internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) and the balance between them. The stakeholders will eventually select and prioritize these strategies during focused group discussion sessions using matrix tables. Finally, the plan will be devised and evaluated by the stakeholders using the modified Delphi technique. The strategic sexual health plan in the present study will consider the sexual experiences of older couples and healthcare providers; therefore, it will be based on cultural and social factors. This plan can be utilized in centers that provide health services to older adults.