International Journal of Sexual Health最新文献

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of sexual intercourse among adolescents in post-communist Albania.

Methods: The data used in this study was the Albanian Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey conducted in 2022. The current analysis included 1839 schoolchildren aged 15 years who reported on sexual intercourse (about 55% girls). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, family and peer support, behavioral factors, health complaints, and child maltreatment were also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of lifetime sexual intercourse with correlates.

Results: The prevalence of lifetime sexual intercourse was approximately18%. It was around 34% in boys vs. about 4% in girls. Also, sexual intercourse was more prevalent among: adolescents residing in urban areas, those from more affluent families, adolescents who reported lifetime smoking, alcohol consumption and particularly drunkenness, those without a high family support, adolescents who reported witnessing of family violence and especially those who reported lifetime sexual abuse. In gender-pooled models where all variables were adjusted for each other, positive independent correlates of lifetime sexual intercourse included: being boy (OR = 12.6, 95%CI = 8.4-19.1), family affluence (OR = 1.4, 95%CI = 1.0-2.0), lifetime smoking (OR = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.3-2.7), lifetime drunkenness (OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.6-3.3) and lifetime sexual abuse (OR = 8.1, 95%CI = 3.9-16.9). Sexual abuse and smoking were consistent correlates (in both genders), in addition to family affluence and drunkenness (in boys only), and adequate exercise and witnessed family violence (in girls only).

Conclusion: There is a significant gender difference in the prevalence and correlates of lifetime sexual intercourse among Albanian adolescents. Targeted interventions should promote healthy behaviors and enhance sexual health education in Albania and similar transitional countries, where youths may face unique challenges in adopting healthy sexual behaviors.

Objectives: This study examines the perceptions and acceptability of daily doxycycline-based prophylaxis (Doxy-PrEP) for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among populations at heightened risk of STIs and healthcare providers in Queensland, Australia. It explores factors influencing willingness to use or prescribe this intervention, including potential ethical and clinical concerns.

Methods: Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted in 2024 - one targeting consumers at higher risk for STIs, including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, sex workers, young adults, culturally diverse people as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Indigenous Australians). The other survey targeted healthcare providers with prescribing rights. Recruitment was conducted via social media, community organizations and professional networks. Statistical analyses assessed demographic, behavioral and experiential predictors of Doxy-PrEP acceptability.

Results: Consumer perceptions of Doxy-PrEP were shaped by prior biomedical prevention use, particularly HIV PrEP, as well as age, with older participants expressing greater acceptance. Perceived STI risk and previous antibiotic use were also associated with willingness to use Doxy-PrEP. Ethical concerns focused on antibiotic resistance, reduced condom use, and healthcare burden. Among providers, awareness of Doxy-PEP was high, with most viewing it as an evidence-based practice. Support for Doxy-PrEP was more "conditional", with concerns about long-term antibiotic resistance and adherence.

Conclusions: Findings highlight complex social and clinical considerations in the potential implementation of Doxy-PrEP. While consumer interest suggests a role for this intervention in STI prevention, ethical concerns and provider hesitancy require clear guidelines, education, and regulatory oversight. Future research should examine long-term implications for antimicrobial resistance and STI prevention strategies.

Objective: This study aimed to examine sexual desire among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Czech Republic using the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2) and to identify differences based on sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics.

Methods: Data were collected via an online survey between 2021 and 2022. The SDI-2 was administered to 410 MSM aged 18 to 60 (M = 29.7) and recruited through social media and community outreach. The questionnaire included dyadic and solitary sexual desire subscales, as well as sociodemographic and behavioral variables (e.g., sexual preference, HIV status, education level, and frequency of sexual activity). Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and effect size calculations (η²).

Results: MSM reporting sexual attraction to both men and women had the highest total SDI-2 scores, followed by those attracted exclusively to men. Respondents attracted solely to women scored significantly lower. Dyadic sexual desire was positively associated with being in a relationship and a higher frequency of sexual activity, while solitary sexual desire correlated with younger age and more frequent masturbation. HIV-positive participants reported significantly lower scores across both subscales. Education level showed a significant effect, with the highest sexual desire found among those with incomplete primary education.

Conclusions: A combination of behavioral and sociodemographic variables influences sexual desire in MSM. These findings provide new insight into sexual motivation among Czech MSM and underscore the importance of inclusive sexual health interventions. Further cross-cultural studies using the SDI-2 are encouraged.

Objectives: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) persons are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infection (STI) inequities. Research predominantly focuses on HIV disparities among transfeminine persons, whereas non-HIV STIs (e.g., chlamydia) and transmasculine and nonbinary persons are overlooked. Thus, we examined barriers and facilitators to uptake of non-HIV STI testing among TGD persons, inclusive of transmasculine, transfeminine, and nonbinary persons.

Methods: This community-based explanatory sequential mixed-methods study utilized secondary quantitative data collected 2018-2019 from the Michigan Trans Health Survey (n = 528) analyzed utilizing logistic regression to test associations between social ecological hypothesized factors and non-HIV STI testing. Primary qualitative focus group data collected 2022 (n = 36 TGD participants) were analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach.

Results: In multivariable analyses adjusting for age and race, reporting a very/somewhat inclusive primary care provider and ever experiencing sexual violence were statistically significantly positively associated with testing. Five themes were identified that illustrated the complexity of the testing process: 1) The "why" motivating testing; 2) "I've been vocal": The impact of individual agency on TGD peoples' testing practices; 3) "It's a big ordeal": Running the gauntlet of testing; 4) "Doesn't give me a hassle": Gratitude for bare minimum dignity when accessing care; and, 5) "Open, honest, and transparent": Increased testing access due to collaborative, judgment-free, and trustworthy patient-provider relationships.

Conclusions: Findings inform future interventions to increase STI testing among TGD populations, such as enhanced trauma-informed, intersectional, and gender-affirming STI testing, across urgent care, sexual and reproductive healthcare, and primary care. Findings call for systems-level change to promote such care to increase STI testing and advance health equity among TGD populations.

Objective: Research on use of geosocial networking (GSN) applications (e.g. Grindr, Tinder) by sexual minorities has primarily focused on risky behavior and negative health outcomes (e.g. sexually transmitted infections/HIV, drugs, alcohol, violence) among men who have sex with men. Taking a sex-positive approach, this study aimed to understand how sexual minority GSN app users in the UK and USA perceive impacts on their health and how they manage potential risks. Differences between countries and genders are explored.

Design and methods: Qualitative, cross-cultural study in Merseyside (UK) and Connecticut (USA). Photo-elicitation (fake dating profiles) was used in semi-structured interviews conducted with app users seeking same gender partners (n = 31; 15 women, and 16 men) in 2018-2019. Participants were recruited through local LGBTQ+ organizations, social media and from a previous survey, within a quota sampling framework. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Perceived positive health impacts included social and romantic/sexual connections, boosts to self-esteem, and pleasurable sexual experiences. Some negative outcomes were reported, mainly by men, including rejection and low self-esteem, and racism and discrimination. Participants of all genders used strategies to reduce risks to health. Women were particularly cautious of men on apps. No differences between UK and the USA were noted.

Conclusions: GSN apps can enable positive sexual experiences and have the potential to increase social cohesion and improve mental wellbeing for stigmatized sexual minorities. All participants took measures to protect both their physical safety and mental wellbeing. Using a sex-positive health promotion approach could empower app users to build on their personal strengths and resources. Although GSN app companies may need to do more to tackle discrimination, apps show a promising opportunity for reducing isolation and health inequities. The similarity of the findings in both areas suggests evidence from the USA may be applicable in the UK.

Objectives: Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) has recently been recognized as a possible disorder (CSBD) by the World Health Organization (ICD-11) and may affect a significant portion of adolescents. Yet the relationship between CSB, religious values, and sexual shame remains underexplored in this population. This study investigated how CSB, moral disapproval, and sexual shame intersect among Orthodox Jewish adolescents.

Methods: Drawing on a sample of 1,050 adolescents (63% boys and 37% girls, M_age = 17.39, SD = 1.36), the study examined the role of moral disapproval, which arises when sexual behaviors conflict with religious beliefs, in amplifying sexual shame.

Results: CSB was positively correlated with moral disapproval (particularly of masturbation, pornography, and non-pornographic sexual content) and with sexual shame, suggesting a potential reinforcing cycle between religious guilt and compulsive sexual behaviors. Network analysis revealed that more religious adolescents experienced distinct clusters of moral disapproval, with masturbation emerging as a central concern.

Conclusions: Findings suggested that adolescents in religious communities might face heightened sexual shame due to the internal conflict between their sexual behaviors and religious ideals, emphasizing the importance of addressing both moral disapproval and CSB in therapeutic and educational settings. By fostering open dialogue around these topics, interventions can help mitigate shame and promote healthier sexual development within religious contexts.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to understand social representations of the Portuguese population regarding sexual assistance services for people with physical disabilities.

Methods: A questionnaire collected sociodemographic information and attitudes concerning sexual assistance from 167 Portuguese participants over 18 years of age.

Results: Results suggest most participants agree with legal recognition of sexual assistance services, expressing their agreement that it should require training, be remunerated, be aided by the availability of a list of professionals who provide these services, and attribution of public funds to make access possible to anyone. Contact with sex workers and perception of people with physical disabilities' interest in sexual assistance are associated with higher acceptance of these services.

Conclusions: These findings showed positive social representations toward sexual assistance, emphasizing a need for further debate between people with disabilities, sex workers, academia and policymakers regarding training for providers of sexual assistance, creation of a list of sexual assistants, public funding to make these services accessible, and legal recognition of sexual services, to ensure the rights of people with disabilities and sex workers.

Implications: The findings underscore the importance of advancing public discourse on key issues related to sexual assistance, including the development of specialized training programs for sexual assistance, the establishment of a list of qualified sexual assistants, the provision of public funding to enhance service accessibility, and the legal recognition of sexual assistance. These measures are essential to safeguarding the rights of both people with disabilities and sex workers.

Introduction: Healthy relationships rely on emotional, physical, and sexual connections, but genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) can render intimacy difficult for affected couples. This condition also affects the psychological and sexual well-being of male partners, which frequently leads to feelings of rejection and frustration that can further strain relationships. To effectively support couples, understanding how male partners are impacted by and cope with their partner's GPPPD, the focus of this study, is crucial.

Methods: This study conducted a systematic review of the literature published up to 2024 across nine databases to identify studies on male sexual dysfunction related to female partners with GPPPD. Studies that focused on male responses to GPPPD, excluding reviews and theoretical articles, were considered eligible. Data were extracted and assessed using PRISMA guidelines and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies (ROBINS-E) tool, focusing on outcomes such as sexual dysfunction, mental health, relationship satisfaction, and effort to seek solutions among male partners.

Results: Conducted between 2008 and 2020 in several countries, primarily from the Middle East, these studies involved approximately 2,485 couples. The results highlighted that male partners of women with GPPPD frequently experience significant sexual dissatisfaction and dysfunction, including issues such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and hypoactive sexual desire. These challenges typically lead biological, psychological, and social impacts. We also observed no significant differentiation across cultures, social values, or generations.

Conclusion: The review identified three major responses and effects of GPPPD among men, including personal and relational tension that contribute to mental and sexual disorders; however, men frequently actively seek help and adopt coping strategies instead of passively accepting the situation.

Objectives: Sexual expression is important to many older adults, but this population may be overlooked by sexual health campaigns and services. This study sought to understand the sexual health information-seeking behaviors and preferences of older adults, including whether and where they seek this information, the characteristics associated with seeking it, as well as satisfaction, preferences, and reasons for not seeking it.

Methods: The data were gathered in 2021 via a cross-sectional online survey of Australians aged 60 and over. There were seven quantitative outcomes and one set of free-text comments. Quantitative outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi² test, and logistic regression. The free-text comments were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results: The survey sample was comprised of 1,470 respondents with an equal balance of men (49.9%) and women (49.7%) and a median age of 69 years (range of 60-92 years). Findings showed that 41.2% (602/1,461; 95%CI 38.7-43.7) had sought information, and 63.6% were satisfied with the information found. Being male, STI testing, online dating, age 70-79, and urban-living were associated with information-seeking. Healthcare providers were the most utilized and trusted information source, and many respondents were willing to look online. One in five did not seek information when they needed it, outlining various barriers preventing them from doing so.

Conclusions: Many older adults seek sexual health information, and with some experiencing access barriers and one-third unsatisfied, there is room for improvement. Relevant, accessible information should be provided by healthcare professionals and credible websites.

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a widespread cultural practice that has significant implications for women's sexual health and well-being. Despite its prevalence, research on the effects of FGM/C on sexual satisfaction remains limited and often contradictory. This study aimed to compare the sexual satisfaction of circumcised and uncircumcised women in the Kurdish population of Iran.

Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted in 2024 involving 300 circumcised and 300 uncircumcised married women visiting health centers in Mahabad, Iran. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSSW), which assesses various components of sexual satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent t-tests and chi-square tests.

Results: The findings revealed that circumcised women had significantly lower sexual satisfaction scores (mean score: 111.99 ± 25.02) compared to uncircumcised women (mean score: 120.96 ± 23.63), with significant differences across all components of the sexual satisfaction scale. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that, among circumcised women, age (β = -0.25, p = 0.002), spouse's age (β = -0.22, p = 0.005), duration of marriage (β = -0.21, p = 0.006), and number of children (β = -0.14, p = 0.042) were significant negative predictors of sexual satisfaction. In contrast, among uncircumcised women, none of the demographic predictors reached statistical significance.

Conclusion: This study highlights the adverse effects of FGM/C on women's sexual satisfaction, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and intervention strategies to address this public health issue. Further research is essential to explore the broader implications of FGM/C on women's health and relationships.