International Journal of Sexual Health最新文献

Sex dolls have evolved over the last decades and are getting more popular. Whether sex doll ownership should be protected as a sexual right that facilitates sexual health or whether its usage might be harmful to women and society is vividly discussed. In this polarized debate, empirical research is scarce and possible differentiations in the psychological functions of sex dolls remain nearly unknown. To further explore sex doll ownership, this study conducted five in-depth interviews with sex doll users and collected 131 written reports on sex doll ownership in an online survey with open and closed questions. In a mixed-methods approach, the data was then analyzed using Mayring's Qualitative Content Analysis and quantitative measures. Although the demographics of sex doll users are homogenous (single heterosexual males), results indicate that the use is divers. Sex dolls are mostly used as masturbatory aid, as substitutes for human partners, and as synthetic partners. We explore the similarities and differences between these kinds of usage and propose that a differentiation of sex doll use can enrich current research on social robotics, anthropomorphism, and misogyny.

Objective: This study investigates how men who have sex exclusively with women (MSEW) differ from men who have sex exclusively with men (MSEM), and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) on selected variables. Methods: A probability-based web sample of 2,181 men was recruited. Results: Most MSEM considered their sexual identity as gay, and most MSMW as heterosexual. The MSEM were the most frequent condom users, while MSMW were the least frequent users and had the highest number of sexual partners. The MSEM and MSMW had a lower likelihood of premature ejaculation than MSEW. Conclusions: MSMW should be targeted in health campaigns.

Objective: Risky sexual behavior (RSB) is associated with increased rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, and unwanted pregnancies among university students. In view of its global impact on public health, the potential association between food insecurity and RSBs among university students requires investigation. This study aimed to determine the association between food security status and the likelihood to engage in RSBs amongst university students in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa (SA). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at four public sector higher educational institutions (HEIs) in KZN. A convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit participants (N = 375). All data were analyzed using STATA version 15 software. Results: Our data shows that food insecurity increased the odds of students engaging in transactional sex for "money" or "to meet basic material needs." Participants who were food insecure were two times more likely to have multiple sexual partners. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate a significant association between food insecurity and RSBs. It is recommended that interventions targeting the alleviation of food insecurity, should be developed and implemented by HEIs to reduce RSB participation.

Objective: This study assesses the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic on the first time Korean adolescents have sex. Methods: The study examines 2017-2021 data from an annual, cross-sectional survey. Results: There is a significant drop in the percentages of male adolescents initiating sexual intercourse in 2020 and noticeable rebounds in 2021. However, the sexual debut among female students shows no significant change. Conclusions: We suggest that strict social distancing measures in 2020 and loosening of them in 2021, different orientations toward having sex by gender, and a strong sexual double standard are responsible for these findings.

The extant literature has explored sexuality education from the perspectives of the adolescents, but the views of parents are largely neglected. The few studies that have examined the views of both parents and adolescents are selective in scope, coverage, and assessment. There is thus, a dearth of data on the type of topics discussed and the frequency of parent-adolescent sexual communication. The present study sought to explore adolescents' lived experiences of sexuality education and its impact on their sexual and reproductive health. To achieve this, a qualitative research design with a semi-structured interview was employed to gather data from thirty parents and adolescents in Ablekuma South Metropolis. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used in analyzing the data with each theme showing divergence categories of experiences of sexuality education although the views of both parents and adolescents on each category were similar. Parent-adolescent sex communication showed frequently discussed topics and the less discussed ones. Perceptions of sexuality education revealed both positive and negative perceptions. Perceived impact of sexuality education also brought to light both positive and negative impacts. It is recommended that stakeholders ought to institutionalize diverse behavior change interventions such as interpersonal communication and skills training aimed at empowering both parents and adolescents to communicate explicitly about sexuality rather than using euphemisms and timing techniques.

Objective: Sexual assertiveness (SA), i.e., the ability to communicate thoughts and desires that may be translated into satisfying sexual activity within an intimate relationship, is important for safe and satisfying sexual behavior. In an attempt to unravel which cultural, relational, and individual variables are related to the development of SA in emerging adults, an exploratory study was conducted in Cuenca, Ecuador. Methods: Five hundred and thirty-eight participants completed scales that measured their levels of SA, endorsement of the sexual double standard, relationship satisfaction, and mental well-being. Results: This study showed a negative effect of the sexual double standard on SA in both men and women and this effect was slightly tempered by the level of education. Women reported higher levels of SA than men. In women, SA was associated with general mental well-being and relationship satisfaction; but not in men. For both women and men, no association was found with relationship status or duration. Conclusions: These findings corroborate evidence highlighting the importance of SA for healthy sexual relationships and emphasize the importance of (sex) education for SA for lower educated women and men. The results are discussed in relation to findings on SA in other contexts.

Objectives: Sexual health includes the state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality. Masturbation is an important sexual activity with many potential benefits which has gained considerable interest in sexuality research in the past twenty years; however, this research is the first of its kind within the Aotearoa/New Zealand context. In this in-depth investigation, we examined frequencies of, reasons for, and activities during masturbation as well as the relationship between masturbation and other factors.

Methods: Participants were 698 New Zealand women at least 18 years of age participating in a 42-item anonymous online survey collecting comprehensive information about sexual practices and related factors.

Results: The results indicated that female masturbation has high prevalence in the New Zealand population.

Conclusion: The pattern of results enabled us to identify the positive effects of masturbation, masturbation practices commonly used by New Zealand women and the differences between New Zealand women who masturbate frequently and less frequently.

Objective: compare and analyze the implications of COVID-19 on the sexual health of Mexican gay and bisexual young and adult men (GBM). Method: an online survey with 1001 GBM participants. Information was collected on sexual desire, use of mobile applications, sexual practices during the pandemic, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from August to October 2020. Young participants were compared with adults. Results: Young GBM reported more challenges to their sexual health in the pandemic. There was an increase in sexual desire, mobile applications, and a decrease in access to STIs prevention supplies. Discussion: Implications for sexual health policies for these groups during health contingencies are discussed.

Objectives: This study aimed to understand how the association between internalized homonegativity (IH) and sexual risk behavior differed in Spain (N = 3,336) and Turkey (N = 550). Methods: We used multigroup structural equation modeling. Results: HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge mediated the relationship between IH and sexual risk behavior among MSM in Spain, but not among men in Turkey. Higher HIV/PrEP knowledge was associated with higher sexual risk behavior among MSM in Spain, while among MSM in Turkey the association was in the opposite direction. Conclusions: The meaning of safe-sex may differ across contexts, and this should be taken into consideration when tailoring HIV prevention programs.

Objective: This research aimed to understand the varying needs of diverse gay and bisexual men (GBM) in relation to online sexual health information-seeking dependent upon differing social sociodemographic variables and geographic location.

Methods: A total of 1802 GBM in Ontario participated in this study. Multivariable regressions were conducted to analyze differences in information-seeking based on ethnicity group, HIV status, recent sexual behavior and regionality (urban and rural location).

Results: There were significant differences in online sexual health information-seeking content based on these demographic variables.

Conclusions: Implications for sexual health outreach and service provision for diverse GBM are discussed as well.