Strengths and limitations
In previous studies, the reproductive concerns of HPV-positive people
had been discussed as a part of emotional and psychological responses to
HPV diagnosis. Our findings are noteworthy because as far as we are
aware, this is the only qualitative study in which reproductive concerns
of HPV-positive women have received particular attention. Furthermore,
women with diversity in HPV genotypes (both high-risk and low-risk) were
interviewed. As queries about sexual health were part of the interview
content, they will be discussed in another manuscript entitled ”Sexual
life of HPV-positive women.” One of the limitations is that the study
was conducted among women attending one colposcopy clinic. However, this
referral clinic is likely to reflect other clinics in Iran since it
covers a varied population. Possibly women who were interested in the
topic decided to participate, and it applies to all qualitative
research. Moreover, the relative weight or importance of themes and
categories is not always apparent. The credibility of the process is
demonstrated in the sentiments stated in the data set, suggesting that
the extracted concerns may be transferrable to other settings. An
additional strength is that this paper complies with the COREQ checklist
designed for the reporting of qualitative studies
(19).