Assessing the relationship between sexual health literacy and sexual self-care in women: a cross-sectional study in Iran.

Background: Sexual self-care behaviors in women play a crucial role in promoting their sexual health, ultimately enhancing family and societal well-being. Adequate knowledge and the ability to apply such information are key factors influencing sexual self-care. Aim: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between sexual health literacy and sexual self-care among women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 women of reproductive age attending healthcare centers affiliated with Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iran, during 2024-2025. Data were collected using validated questionnaires on sexual self-care and the Iranian Adult Sexual Health Literacy scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22, employing logistic regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression models. Outcomes: Determined the relationship between sexual health literacy and sexual self-care in young women. Results: The results revealed a statistically significant direct association between sexual self-care and sexual health literacy (P = .000). Women demonstrating higher sexual health literacy scores reported higher sexual self-care scores. Sexual self-care was associated with total sexual health literacy scores, as well as with the dimensions of information access skills and information application skills. Clinical Implications: The results provide a rationale for policymakers to implement targeted sexual health literacy programs, which can subsequently enhance self-care practices. Strengths and Limitations: The strengths of this study include the use of robust statistical methods and a large, representative sample size. However, limitations should be noted, such as the dependence on self-reported data, which may introduce bias, and the restricted generalizability of findings due to the single-region, cross-sectional study design. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that improved sexual health literacy enhances sexual self-care scores in women. These results highlight the crucial need to enhance women's sexual health literacy.