Evaluation of sexual health status and counseling needs of pregnant women registered at Çukurova University Training Family Health Center

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the sexual health status and the need for sexual counseling among pregnant women receiving primary care services. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included pregnant women registered in four units of the Çukurova University Training Family Health Center (N=183). Between September 1 and December 31, 2024, data were collected from 130 pregnant women who visited the center for any reason and agreed to participate. A questionnaire including sociodemographic and pregnancy-related characteristics and the Attitude Scale Toward Sexuality in Pregnant Women (ASTSPW) was administered. Results: The average age of pregnant women was 29,02±5,08 (19-51) years. 6.2% of them experienced sexual health problems before becoming pregnant, while 15.4% experienced such problems during pregnancy. 39.2% had been asked questions and given advice about their sex lives by their family doctor or obstetrician during their current pregnancy; 17.5% had been prohibited from having sexual intercourse during pregnancy due to risk factors; 50.8% had a moderate level of knowledge about sex during pregnancy, and 32% had obtained this information from their obstetrician. It was found that 75.4% of participants had a positive attitude towards sexuality, and 46.2% wanted to receive education/counselling on sexual life during pregnancy from their family doctor or nurse. It was found that the total scores of pregnant women with a bachelor's/master's degree were higher than those of primary and high school graduates (p<0.001). A weak positive correlation was found between age at marriage and total (r=0.182) and approval (r=0.225) scores, and between age at first pregnancy and approval (r=0.215) subscale scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: When conducting pregnancy monitoring, family doctors and nurses should take into account the findings identified in this study (pregnant women with low educational levels, young age at first pregnancy, and young age at marriage having a more negative attitude towards sexuality during pregnancy). They should evaluate opportunities by utilising discipline-specific principles and take appropriate action.