International Journal of Sexual Health最新文献

Background: Sexuality is influenced by a combination of psychological, emotional, and physiological factors, where sexual satisfaction is a key component. Progressive muscle relaxation exercises are commonly used to reduce anxiety and improve physical relaxation, but their impact on sexual satisfaction and function, particularly for individuals with low sexual satisfaction, has not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises applied to women with low sexual satisfaction on the sexual satisfaction and function of both the women and their partners.

Methods: This single-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted from April 2023 to January 2024. The study sample consisted of 120 couples, randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Women in the intervention group performed progressive muscle relaxation exercises three times a week for four weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The outcomes measured were sexual satisfaction and sexual function, using the Sexual Satisfaction Scale and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), for both the women and their partners.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in the sexual satisfaction scores of both women and their partners in the intervention group, with a statistically significant difference between the groups. In the intervention group, there was a significant increase in sexual satisfaction scores (from 33.12 ± 9.22 to 73.93 ± 6.31) and a marked decrease in ASEX scores (from 14.61 ± 4.51 to 2.71 ± 1.64). In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in either sexual satisfaction (from 30.17 ± 11.11 to 33.12 ± 9.22) or ASEX scores (from 14.88 ± 3.29 to 12.88 ± 3.11).

Conclusion: The results suggest that progressive muscle relaxation exercises can significantly improve sexual satisfaction and function in women with low sexual satisfaction and their partners, providing a potential intervention for sexual dysfunction.

Objectives: Young people in the university period, known as the transition phase from adolescence to adulthood, are at serious risk in terms of risky sexual behaviors (first sexual intercourse, use of contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, maternal mortality, sexual violence). The fact that young people actively use social media and have not received adequate sexual and reproductive health education until the university period is an indication that they are a risky group in terms of sexual and reproductive health when they enter university. It is difficult to access accurate, complete and effective information through digital means, both on social media and other platforms. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of sexual and reproductive health education methods given to university students.

Method: A randomized controlled study was conducted with 165 students at a state university in Istanbul between May and July 2022. In the implementation phase of the study, the students were divided into three different groups: 55 students received QR code-supported face-to-face training (intervention group 1), 55 students received face-to-face training (intervention group 2), and 55 students received on-line training (control group).

Results: The mean age of the students was 21.6 ± 1.87 and 66.7% of them were female. When the effect of education in the groups was examined, it was determined that there was a significant difference between the pretest and post-test of the sexual health knowledge test, QR code supported face-to-face, on-line and face-to-face groups. The level of participation in the statements related to education also differed significantly according to the groups (p < .05).

Conclusions: The post-test mean of the Sexual Health Knowledge test was significantly higher than the pretest mean. There was no significant difference in the pre-training and post-training means of the Reproductive Health Scale. The level of participation of the QR code-supported face-to-face group and the face-to-face group to the statements related to education is significantly higher than the on-line group. In our study, it was concluded that students were more interactive and more comfortable in the face-to-face education model.

Objectives: The Indonesian Ministry of Health reports a significant three-fold increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases among women aged 15 and above, rising from 12,537 cases in 2015 to 35,415 in 2024. Over the past decade, the largest group of new HIV cases in Indonesia has been among women of reproductive age (15-49 years). This trend is largely driven by the widely held and fallacious belief that heterosexual, married women are not at risk of HIV. In this study we aim to challenge this misconception and investigate the complexity of HIV transmission, with a focus on HIV susceptibility among married women in Indonesia.

Methods: Feminist Participatory Action Research was conducted with 24 women living with HIV (WLWH) in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Interviews and focus group discussions were employed to assess the impact of the actions of women and men who partake in high-risk behaviors that could result in them passing HIV onto their spouses.

Results: The study shows that among 24 women living with HIV, 14 contracted HIV from male partners who engaged in unsafe sexual behavior, and who often knowingly transmitted HIV. Those male partners may have had extra-marital affairs with women, women sex workers, or with other men or been involved in polygamous marriages. This article provides insight into the vulnerability of married women getting HIV from their spouse and highlights that healthy marital sexual relationships depend on respect, trust, and clear communication.

Conclusions: We argue that improving HIV health literacy in Indonesia, along with open discussions about sexual practices, are crucial. While these conversations may challenge deeply ingrained social, cultural and religious norms regarding sexuality, marriage and ideal gender relations, they are critical for halting the spread of HIV in Indonesia.

Objective: This qualitative study aims to explore the meaning of a sexual well-being framework among LGBTQ+ people in the Netherlands.

Methods: A recently introduced framework of sexual well-being serves as the basis for this study. Interviews were conducted with twenty self-identified LGBTQ+ participants, aged 25 to 35, to collect perceptions and personal experiences regarding sexual well-being.

Results: Participants define sexual well-being as a state in which someone enjoys the aspects of one's sexuality that one considers important. Without compromising the diversity of the unique stories and experiences or their subjectivity, the common denominator when explaining sexual well-being lies within "feeling comfortable and safe with sexuality and accompanying sexual behavior." Other aspects that were considered vital, corresponding with the used framework, were identified: sexual desires and boundaries, sexual freedom and exploration and communication. Moreover, participants repeatedly expressed how sexual pleasure is an important facet of sexual well-being as a whole. Central to the narratives is the influence of cis-heteronormativity on how sexual well-being is shaped and experienced.

Conclusion: What counts as sexual well-being may mean different things to different people; it is individually shaped and individually interpreted. Sexual well-being as a concept is concerned with someone's appraisal and quality of aspects of one's sexuality that one considers important. It must be understood as a reciprocated concept, between the individual and partner(s), where individual autonomy triumphs. We suggest the addition of sexual agency into the framework of sexual well-being, based on the observed influence of cis-heteronormativity on LGBTQ+ sexual well-being. We argue that sexual well-being could be an important principle to consider when developing interventions in the domain of public health in relation to sexuality, as it represents reality by embracing individuality.

Objective: Sexuality is a significant aspect of well-being throughout life. Unfortunately, numerous barriers hinder sexual quality of life (SQOL) of elderly residents in long-term care facilities. The goal of this review was to explore current knowledge on seniors' SQOL (issues and interventions), as well as existing practices aimed at supporting the intimacy and sexuality of elderly residents. Our first objective was to scope and synthesize current knowledge on barriers to SQOL, existing supporting interventions or strategies, and clinical practices pertaining to SQOL in long-term care facilities. Our second objective was to identify the most promising interventions that could be applied in a Québec context.

Methods: Four databases were explored to gather scientific literature on the topic over the last 20 years, along with grey literature, and a consultation with relevant stakeholders was conducted during a forum involving 26 participants (seniors, caregivers, clinicians, managers, researchers, and ethics counselors) held in June 2022.

Results: Sixty studies were identified, indicating limited evidence supporting best practices to improve the sexuality of elderly individuals. The forum highlighted promising interventions. Identified barriers include sociocultural stereotypes, lack of clear guidelines, and organizational constraints. Recommended interventions include promoting a culture open to residents' sexuality, community education, and creating suitable private spaces.

Conclusions: Continued research would help to better support teams working in residential facilities who must assist elderly individuals with reduced autonomy, with the aim of enhancing intimacy and sexuality among this vulnerable population.

Background: Adolescents, comprising about 16% of the global population, experience unique challenges during their transition to adulthood, which can be marked by substance use and risky sexual behaviors. Two key gaps exist in previous studies investigating substance use and sexual behaviors among adolescents including: (1) lack of stratified analysis based on sex; and (2) the use of broader or composite term/variable 'substance use'. This study sought to address these gaps by investigating the association between specific substances, including alcohol, cigarette, and cannabis and risky sexual behavior for adolescent boys and girls in 35 countries across Europe and North America.

Methods: Data were obtained from the 2017/2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, involving 10,060 adolescents aged 15 years, stratified by gender 5574 boys and 4486 girls, from 35 countries. Clustered binary logit models using the Generalized Estimating Equation approach were employed to assess the association between the use of alcohol, cigarette, and cannabis and adolescent risky sexual behavior status.

Results: Our results showed that alcohol use was statistically significantly associated with higher odds of risky sexual behavior for boys (AOR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.16, 1.47) and not for girls (AOR = 1.07; 95% CI = 0.92,1.24). Cigarette smoking, however, was statistically significantly associated with higher odds of risky sexual behavior for girls (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.26,1.97) and not for boys (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI = 0.86, 1.84). Cannabis was not significantly associated with risky sexual behavior for both boys and girls.

Conclusion: Findings from this study underscore the complex link between substance use and risky sexual behavior among adolescents. The results highlight the importance of understanding gender-specific differences in risk-taking behaviors, especially concerning substance use and its influence on risky sexual behaviors. These insights are crucial for designing effective interventions and promoting healthier behaviors among adolescents.

Objectives: Orgasms have become a symbol of successful sex in modern society. It is common knowledge that women's orgasms can be elusive in heterosexual partnered sex. To ascertain the impact of this disparity and to better understand women's sexuality for clinical applications, this study explores the relationship between women's orgasms and their relationship satisfaction in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilises data from an online questionnaire. A stepwise logistic regression model building exercise was run on select orgasm variables (consistency, pleasure, and difficulty) and covariates (age, frequency of sex, and self-rated importance of sex) to determine which variables best predicted sexual relationship satisfaction.

Results: Notably, more consistent orgasms and more frequent sex were the strongest predictors of sexual relationship satisfaction. The relationship between orgasmic variables and sexual relationship satisfaction was curvilinear, with satisfaction increasing only up to a certain point.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate an association between women's orgasms and their relationship satisfaction. Consistent with research in other Western populations, sex and relationship therapists working with women aiming to improve their sexual relationship satisfaction might achieve better outcomes by focusing on interventions that increase the frequency of sex and/or improve orgasm consistency. Nevertheless, reaching orgasm every time is neither necessary nor necessarily better for a woman's satisfaction, information that might help couples manage distress when orgasm does not occur and reduce a goal-oriented mindset that might hinder both orgasm and sexual pleasure.

Objective: To systematically identify and critically examine trauma-informed sexual health education interventions developed for adolescents and young adults and describe how they integrate key principles of a trauma-informed approach.

Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) principles, and Khan et al.'s review methodology, we reviewed sexual health intervention studies described as trauma-informed published between 2014 and 2023 within the United States and Canada.

Results: The review found three interventions integrated five to six aspects of a trauma-informed approach relative to Kahn's definition and SAMHSA's principles.

Conclusions: Based on the limited number of trauma-informed interventions being identified, this highlights a continuation of the gap in trauma-informed sexual health interventions.

Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the effect of sexuality education during pregnancy on female sexual function. Although sexual dysfunction in pregnancy is a common problem, it is often overshadowed by other outcomes, such as pregnancy risks or birth complications. Therefore, understanding the impact of educational interventions on women's sexual health is crucial to improving their overall well-being during this period.

Method: Studies were searched on the electronic databases Google Scholar, Web of Science, Journal Park, the Cochrane Library, EBSCO Medline, Pubmed, and Scopus without imposing any restrictions on the publication year. This meta-analysis used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analysis statement guidelines. Findings were analyzed using fixed- or random-effects models based on 95% confidence intervals, p values, and heterogeneity testing.

Results: This systematic review included 4 studies with 337 (training: 169 and control: 168) participants due to the limited number of studies on this topic. Interventions in the four studies using the Female Sexual Function Index showed that sexuality education provided to intervention groups had a statistically significant positive effect on the total female sexual function score compared to control groups (p < .001, range: 0.552-0.995).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides insights into the implementation of educational interventions considering their positive impact on female sexual function during pregnancy. Despite the limited number of studies (only 4 studies), the findings suggest that sex education leads to significant improvements in many aspects, such as sexual pleasure, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction. Furthermore, pregnancy provides an ideal opportunity to normalize and integrate this education into pregnancy care, as it is a time when women often attend antenatal checkups or childbirth classes.

Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between HIV/AIDS-related online health information seeking (OHIS) and cyberchondria among Chinese men who have engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors. It proposes a moderated mediation model to explore the role of query escalation as a mediator and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) as a moderator in this relationship.

Method: A survey was conducted with 227 men from an online community focused on HIV/AIDS-related fear in China. Participants reported their frequency of OHIS, levels of query escalation and IU, and experiences of cyberchondria. The study employed the PROCESS macro to examine the proposed moderated mediation model.

Results: The findings indicated that frequent OHIS significantly predicts cyberchondria, with query escalation mediating this relationship. Additionally, IU moderates the mediation pathway, weakening the effect of query escalation on cyberchondria when IU is high. This suggests that individuals with high IU are less likely to experience escalating health inquiries and, consequently, cyberchondria.

Conclusions: The study highlights the complex interaction between OHIS, query escalation, and IU in predicting cyberchondria among high-risk groups. These insights are crucial for designing effective interventions to mitigate cyberchondria by addressing the escalation of health information seeking and managing uncertainty intolerance in this population.