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Bond JC, Ford JV. A call for sex-positive epidemiology. Am J Epidemiol 2024; 193:1205-1210. [PMID: 38634632 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwae054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization specifies that sexual health requires the potential for pleasurable and safe sexual experiences. Yet epidemiologic research into sexual pleasure and other positive sexual outcomes has been scant. In this commentary, we aim to support the development and adoption of sex-positive epidemiology, which we define as epidemiology that incorporates the study of pleasure and other positive features alongside sexually transmitted infections and other familiar negative outcomes. We first call epidemiologists' attention to the potential role that stigma plays in the suppression of sex-positive research. We further describe existing measures of sex-positive constructs that may be useful in epidemiologic research. Finally, the study of sex-positive constructs is vulnerable to biases that are well-known to epidemiologists, especially selection bias, information bias, and confounding. We outline how these biases influence existing research and identify opportunities for future research. Epidemiologists have the potential to contribute a great deal to the study of sexuality by bringing their considerable methodological expertise to long-standing challenges in the field. We hope to encourage epidemiologists to broaden their sexual health research to encompass positive outcomes and pleasure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Bond
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Jessie V Ford
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
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Castleton P, Meherali S, Memon Z, Lassi ZS. Understanding the contents and gaps in sexual and reproductive health toolkits designed for adolescence and young adults: a scoping review. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:387-400. [PMID: 38736215 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescence is a crucial stage of physical and sexual maturation and development and a period in which understanding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is important. SRH interventions and toolkits provide a range of valuable resources and information to young people, educators, and members of the community on numerous topics, including contraception and puberty. OBJECTIVES The usefulness and reliability of these available toolkits have not been previously studied, thus limiting our understanding of their appropriateness and contents. Hence, this scoping review aimed to synthesize the available toolkits aimed at the SRH of adolescents and young adults to understand the contents, design, and information gaps. METHODS A systematic search was conducted of 6 medical databases and 12 gray literature sites. Sixteen toolkits published globally before May 2023 were included in our review. RESULTS The majority of toolkits (n = 12) contained information related to general SRH knowledge and contraception, whereas only 3 contained information on teenage pregnancy. We found that aiming the toolkits toward educators and health care workers was a favorable design over targeting adolescents and young adults directly and that vulnerable youth-including LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, asexual or allied, intersex, and additional identities) and youth from humanitarian settings-were not well represented. CONCLUSION We identified key gaps in the inclusion of information in a range of SRH topics, such as LGBTQI+ sexuality, teenage pregnancy, and safe abortion, in the currently available SRH toolkits and their lack of applicability in a global context. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for areas of improvement to encourage adolescents' agency in their SRH education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience Castleton
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Salima Meherali
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Zahid Memon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
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Rodrigues DL, Carvalho AC, Prada M, Garrido MV, Balzarini RN, de Visser RO, Lopes D. Condom Use Beliefs Differ According to Regulatory Focus: A Mixed-Methods Study in Portugal and Spain. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:709-726. [PMID: 36877803 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2181305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Reports worldwide have been showing increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and condomless sex in recent years. Research has identified several individual and situational variables that can determine the decision to use condoms or forgo their use. We argue that such a decision can also be shaped by motives related to pleasure and safety (i.e., regulatory focus in sexuality). Using open ended questions, we asked 742 Portuguese and Spanish adults to indicate situations and reasons that could inform the decision making process with casual partners and the functions/attributes related to condoms. Using thematic analyses, we coded the drivers of condomless sex and condom use into themes and subthemes, and computed their frequencies. Using quantitative measures, we also asked participants to indicate their condom use expectancies and perceived barriers. Comparing participants according to regulatory focus revealed some differences. Pleasure promotion participants were more likely to consider that condom use decision making is driven by unexpectedness, pleasure, and intimacy pursuit, attached more pleasure reduction functions to condoms, expected more negative outcomes in condom use, and endorsed more sensation and partner barriers in condom use. In contrast, disease prevention participants were more likely to consider that condom use decision making is driven by adequate sexual education, responsibility, and behavioral control, and attached more health protective functions to condoms. These differences can inform the development of tailored intervention and awareness campaigns aimed at helping people to use condoms more consistently with casual partners and to avoid behaviors that put them at risk of STI transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Rodrigues
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Marília Prada
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Rhonda N Balzarini
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Richard O de Visser
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK
| | - Diniz Lopes
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
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Wehrli FSV, Bodenmann GJ, Clemen J, Weitkamp K. Exploring the Role of Masturbation as a Coping Strategy in Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2024; 36:237-256. [PMID: 39148919 PMCID: PMC11323945 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2024.2344812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Recent findings suggest that individuals tend to engage in masturbation more frequently when experiencing elevated levels of psychological stress, and there appears to be distinguishable effects on stress response based on clitoral and vaginal stimulation. In this concurrent mixed-method study, we aimed to investigate this association in more detail using a convenience sample of 370 women. Methods Quantitative data were used to examine whether higher psychological distress was associated with higher levels of masturbation frequency depending on the mode of stimulation, while qualitative data gave further insight into this association. Results In regression analysis, higher levels of general and subscale-specific psychological distress were significantly associated with higher clitoral, but not combined clitoral and vaginal masturbation frequency. Qualitative content analysis showed that masturbation was used as a reliable coping strategy and self-care strategy which induced positive affective states, such as happiness and relaxation. Very few women reported negative feelings associated with masturbation. Mixed-method analysis revealed that women who indicated to use of masturbation for coping or self-care or who reported negative feelings did not differ in their level of psychological distress from women who did not report using it. The positive effects of masturbation were not related to the mode of stimulation. Conclusions Results showed the complexity of how psychological distress is related to sexual activity and point to the potential benefits of masturbation for dealing with psychological distress and for enhancing general well-being. Our results have various implications for researchers, clinicians, and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne S. V. Wehrli
- Clinical Psychology for Childern/Adolescents and Couples/Families, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Guy J. Bodenmann
- Clinical Psychology for Childern/Adolescents and Couples/Families, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joëlle Clemen
- Clinical Psychology for Childern/Adolescents and Couples/Families, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Weitkamp
- Clinical Psychology for Childern/Adolescents and Couples/Families, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Borgmann M, Brandner LM, D'Urso D, Gonin-Spahni S, Znoj HJ, Werner MA. A Psychometric Study of a Trait and State Assessment of Sexual Pleasure - The Amsterdam Sexual Pleasure Inventory. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023:1-27. [PMID: 37971277 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2261439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
We studied the Amsterdam Sexual Pleasure Inventory's (1.0) psychometric properties. The ASPI, a revised self-report battery designed to measure domains of state and trait sexual pleasure in diverse gender, sex, and relationship populations, is based on a recently proposed conceptual framework of sexual pleasure. We collected quantitative (n = 1371) and qualitative data (n = 637) using a cross-sectional multi-method design targeting the general (German-speaking) population. After pre-processing, we conducted analyses on a sample of n = 706 participants. The theory-based 5-factor exploratory structural equation model and the principal component analyses of the two general exploratory index-scales showed good and acceptable structural validity evidence respectively. Measurement invariance was confirmed separately for male and female participants and for those with sexually functional-scoring and dysfunctional-scoring levels. Coefficient omega indicated that all scales, except those of one facet, showed acceptable to very good internal consistency. The ASPI's convergent and discriminant associations with sexological and psychological constructs demonstrated good overall construct validity. Participants understood the items as intended and felt that the ASPI covered relevant facets of sexual pleasure. The ASPI might help understand how individuals differ in experiencing sexual pleasure and how different contexts enable some people to experience pleasure while disadvantaging others.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Borgmann
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, University of Bern
| | - L M Brandner
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, University of Bern
| | - D D'Urso
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University
| | - S Gonin-Spahni
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, University of Bern
| | - H J Znoj
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, University of Bern
| | - M A Werner
- Department of Sexology and Psychosomatic Gynaecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
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Cárdenas-Castro M, Salinero-Rates S. The continuum of violence against women: Gynecological violence within the Medical Model in Chile. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2023; 37:100891. [PMID: 37480836 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the presence of gynecological violence within the health system in Chile, quantify the magnitude of this problem, define its general contours, and shed light on a phenomenon that has long been silenced. Additionally, we are interested in detecting differences between public and private health services, as well as exploring the role played by variables such as sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, and educational level in contributing to the prevalence of gynecological violence. METHODS This study employed a cross-sectional and not probabilistic sampling approach. It included a sample of 1503 women from all regions of Chile, who were of legal age and who had attended gynecological services. A questionnaire was applied between January 2021 and April 2022 using the online platform SurveyMonkey®. Data were collected through the second national survey on obstetric and gynecological violence (GinObs 2021). The study adheres to activist research methodologies and was conducted in collaboration with activists and academic researchers. RESULTS 57.9% of the women participants reported having experienced violence. Such violence appears to occur most frequently in the public health system, although not exclusively, and the victims are often people who belong to native ethnic groups, who identify as of African descent, whose sexual orientation is lesbian, who are elderly, and who have a lower level of education. CONCLUSION Gynecological violence is an integral part of the continuum of violence against women and is consistently reported in both public and private health services. This form of violence has serious consequences for women's health and constitutes a significant public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stella Salinero-Rates
- Doctorado en Estudios Interdisciplinarios, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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Gómez-Núñez MI, Molla-Esparza C, Gandia Carbonell N, Badenes Ribera L. Prevalence of Intoxicating Substance Use Before or During Sex Among Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2503-2526. [PMID: 36897426 PMCID: PMC10501956 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02572-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Drug use before or during sex is a high-risk sexual behavior associated with adverse health risks and outcomes, such as increasing the likelihood of overdoses and of acquiring sexually-transmitted diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis of three scientific databases examined the prevalence of the use of intoxicating substances, those tending to excite or stupefy the user on a psychoactive level, before or during sex, among young adults (18-29 years old). A total of 55 unique empirical studies met the inclusion criteria (48,145 individuals; 39% males), were assessed for risk of bias using the tools of Hoy et al. (2012), and were analyzed via a generalized linear mixed-effects model. The results produced a global mean prevalence of this sexual risk behavior of 36.98% (95% CI: 28.28%, 46.63%). Nonetheless, significant differences were identified between different intoxicating substances, with the use of alcohol (35.10%; 95% CI: 27.68%, 43.31%), marijuana (27.80%; 95% CI: 18.24%, 39.92%), and ecstasy (20.90%; 95% CI: 14.34%, 29.45%) significantly more prevalent than that of cocaine (4.32%; 95% CI: 3.64%, 5.11%), heroin (.67%; 95% CI: .09%, 4.65%), methamphetamine (7.10%; 95% CI: 4.57%, 10.88%), and GHB (6.55%; 95% CI: 4.21%, 10.05%). Moderator analyses showed that the prevalence of alcohol use before or during sex differed according to geographical sample origin, and increased as the proportion of ethnic whites in samples increased. The remaining demographic (e.g., gender, age, reference population), sexual (e.g., sexual orientation, sexual activity), health (e.g., drug consumption, STI/STD status), methodological (e.g., sampling technique), and measurement (e.g., timeframe) variables that were examined did not moderate prevalence estimates. Implications for sexual development interventions were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Gómez-Núñez
- Department of Research Methods and Diagnostics in Education, International University of La Rioja, UNIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Cristian Molla-Esparza
- Department of Research Methods and Diagnostics in Education, University of Valencia, UVEG, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 30, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Natalia Gandia Carbonell
- Llaurant la Llum Therapeutic Community, Center for the Treatment, Withdrawal and Detoxification of Addictions and Other Associated Disorders, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Health Sciences Methodology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, UAB, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Badenes Ribera
- Department of Methodology of the Behavioural Sciences, University of Valencia, UVEG, Valencia, Spain
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Wainipitapong S, Oon-arom A, Wiwattarangkul T, Vadhanavikkit P, Wiwattanaworaset P, Srifuengfung M, Chiddaycha M. Sexual Behaviors Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Other Sexual and Gender Diverse Medical Students: A National Study of Thai Medical Schools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2023; 35:352-362. [PMID: 38601729 PMCID: PMC10903562 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2214801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objective This study aims to investigate sexual behaviors among gender diverse (LGBT and other sexual/gender minorities) and nongender-diverse medical students. Methods In 2021 academic year, medical students from five Thai medical schools completed questionnaires identifying demographic data, psychosexual factors, sexual experiences, and risks. Results Among 1,322 students, 32.1% were gender-diverse students who had lower age at first sexual intercourse and more experiences in solitary and partnered sexual activity. Conclusions Use of hookup applications was more frequent among gay and bisexual males. Risky sexual behaviors were significantly higher among bisexual females. Gender-diverse medical students showed higher involvement in sexual activities. Future studies should be addressing sexual health in Thai medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorawit Wainipitapong
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Awirut Oon-arom
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Teeravut Wiwattarangkul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Papan Vadhanavikkit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Maytinee Srifuengfung
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mayteewat Chiddaycha
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
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Saab R, Habib PA, Hamdan M, El Hayek R, Daher D, El Hage Hassan M, Doumat G, El Kak F. Assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of graduating medical students towards sexual health in Lebanon. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 161:51-56. [PMID: 36528832 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of graduating medical students in Lebanon regarding sexual health, as well as their readiness to learn about it, and to determine the demographic and educational factors that influence our findings. METHODS Cross-sectional study. A self-designed questionnaire exploring various components of sexual health was sent to 578 graduating medical students in Lebanon. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were computed and analyzed. RESULTS The overall mean knowledge score was relatively low (2.61, range -13 to 10). A statistically significant difference was found in the mean knowledge score across religion (P = 0.028) and religiosity (P < 0.001) categories. The mean practice score also differed significantly across income groups (P = 0.010). No other significant associations were found between gender, sexuality, environment, primary source of sexual health education, or language and the mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. CONCLUSION Additional standardized assessment of medical students' competences in sexual health matters through diverse research models is needed. Re-examination of existing medical curricula and inclusion of more extensive sexual health education is necessary to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Saab
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Paola Abi Habib
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammed Hamdan
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rawad El Hayek
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - George Doumat
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Faysal El Kak
- Women Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut, Lebanon.,Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Brennan DJ, Kesler MA, Davies AWJ, Ablona A, Collict D. Online Sexual Health Information Seeking Patterns Differentiated by Social Location and Physical Location among Gay and Bisexual Men in Ontario, Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2022; 34:627-643. [PMID: 38596392 PMCID: PMC10903633 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2022.2091076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maya A. Kesler
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adam W. J. Davies
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aidan Ablona
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David Collict
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Poulios A, Apostolidou A, Triantafyllidou S, Protopapas K, Tapeinos A, Papadopetrakis G, Papadopoulou M, Antoniadou A, Psichogiou M, Canellopoulos L. Sexualized Drug Use and Chemsex: Their Association with Sexual Health Among Men who have Sex with Men Living in Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2022; 34:450-461. [PMID: 38596273 PMCID: PMC10903580 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2022.2045417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: The study aims to investigate rates of sexualized drug use (SDU) and chemsex, a type of SDU involving specifically the use of crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone, or GHB/GBL and their association with the rates of negative sexual health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Greece. Methods: Survey of 485 MSM in internal disease departments and community testing centers. Results: Twenty-eight percent of participants were involved in SDU and 20.4% in chemsex. HIV positive status and recent STI diagnoses were associated with SDU involvement. Conclusion: SDU and chemsex rates and their impact on health reveal the need for informed community-based services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Poulios
- Laboratory of Clinical Research “Subjectivity and Social Bond”, Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Greek Association of People Living with HIV – Positive Voice, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Apostolidou
- Laboratory of Clinical Research “Subjectivity and Social Bond”, Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Greek Association of People Living with HIV – Positive Voice, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Athanasios Tapeinos
- Greek Association of People Living with HIV – Positive Voice, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Martha Papadopoulou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, “Laiko” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Antoniadou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, “Attikon” University Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Mina Psichogiou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, “Laiko” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Lissy Canellopoulos
- Laboratory of Clinical Research “Subjectivity and Social Bond”, Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Ford JV, Corona-Vargas E, Cruz M, Fortenberry JD, Kismodi E, Philpott A, Rubio-Aurioles E, Coleman E. The World Association for Sexual Health's Declaration on Sexual Pleasure: A Technical Guide. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2022; 33:612-642. [PMID: 38595778 PMCID: PMC10903694 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.2023718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This article provides technical guidance on the content, meaning, and application of the World Association of Sexual Health (WAS) Declaration on Sexual Pleasure to various stakeholders and practitioners working in the area of sexuality, sexual health, and sexual rights. A growing body of work shows that sexual pleasure is integral to broader health, mental health, sexual health, well-being and rights and indeed can lead to improvements in health. Yet, more research is needed to identify the best ways to incorporate sexual pleasure to achieve sexual health for different outcomes and populations. In the first part of this article, we deconstruct each statement from the WAS Declaration on Sexual Pleasure and provide key evidence from the literature supporting these statements. In the latter part of the article, we provide guidance on how to include sexual pleasure as a fundamental part of sexual health and sexual rights work. We include a series of case studies and highlight key actions and principles for advocacy, implementation, and quality assurance in terms of law and policy, comprehensive sexuality education, health care services and dissemination of knowledge. This technical document seeks to inspire our partners and collaborators to embark on a journey toward a pleasure-based approach to sexual health and sexual rights. Our hope is that the literature, guidance and case studies provided here can ignite ongoing advocacy and collaboration to embrace sexual pleasure in all settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie V. Ford
- Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Eszter Kismodi
- International Human Rights Lawyer on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Research, Policy and Programming, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Eli Coleman
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MNUSA
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Vanterpool KB, Yarber WL, Rosenberg M, Mowatt RA, Garcia JR. The Impact of Sex Ratio Perceptions on Condom Use Attitudes and Behaviors among Black Women in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 34:221-232. [PMID: 38596529 PMCID: PMC10903657 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.2000088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objective:Explore how perceptions of the sex ratio in Black communities' impact heterosexual Black women's confidence in negotiating condom use with sex partners and condom use at last sex. Methods: Using log-binomial regression models, we estimated the association between perception of the sex ratio and condom negotiation self-efficacy and condom use at last sex. Results: Perception of the sex ratio among Black women surveyed was not significantly associated with condom negotiation self-efficacy and condom use at last sex. Conclusion: Overall, the results do not demonstrate an association between perception of the sex ratio and condom negotiation self-efficacy and condom use at last sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen B. Vanterpool
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - William L. Yarber
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Rasul A. Mowatt
- Department of American Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Justin R. Garcia
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Sladden T, Philpott A, Braeken D, Castellanos-Usigli A, Yadav V, Christie E, Gonsalves L, Mofokeng T. Sexual Health and Wellbeing through the Life Course: Ensuring Sexual Health, Rights and Pleasure for All. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 33:565-571. [PMID: 38595782 PMCID: PMC10903615 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.1991071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This commentary summarizes the context and positioning of sexual health, sexual rights and sexual pleasure, as three interlinked and indivisible aspects of sexual health and wellbeing (SH&W). In turn, sexual health is a major domain within broader sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), both in its own right as a human right, and owing to the importance of good sexual health for ensuring good reproductive outcomes. Furthermore, SRHR is a necessary, core part of overall health, thus sexual health and wellbeing is a fundamental aspect of general health that is often overlooked or even denied for some. In this commentary, we utilize a life course approach to illustrate how the tripartite of sexual health, rights and pleasure manifest themselves with different interlocking linkages, and actively contribute to overall health throughout life. As other papers in this series attest, the linkages of pleasure with the right to and attainment of health has received inadequate attention to date, both within the scientific literature and in policy narratives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Sladden
- Senior HIV Adviser, UNFPA (The United Nations Population Fund), New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Philpott
- The Pleasure Project, UK, India; World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) Sexual Pleasure Declaration Taskforce, UK
| | - Doortje Braeken
- Global Advisory Board for Sexual Health and Wellbeing (GAB), Netherlands
| | - Antón Castellanos-Usigli
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Global Advisory Board for Sexual Health and Wellbeing (GAB), New York, USA
| | - Vithika Yadav
- Love Matters India, Chair of the Global Advisory Board for Sexual Health and Wellbeing (GAB), New Delhi, India
| | - Emily Christie
- Human Rights and Gender Division, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lianne Gonsalves
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tlaleng Mofokeng
- Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Geneva, Switzerland The views presented in this commentary are solely those of the authors and may not reflect the official positions of the organizations with whom the authors are affiliated
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15
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Coleman E, Corona-Vargas E, Ford JV. Advancing Sexual Pleasure as a Fundamental Human Right and Essential for Sexual Health, Overall Health and Well-Being: An Introduction to the Special Issue on Sexual Pleasure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 33:473-477. [PMCID: PMC10903551 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.2015507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
On September 11, 2021, the World Association for Sexual Health ratified a Declaration on Sexual Pleasure in its General Assembly. This declaration was a bold attempt by WAS to urge all spheres of influence in society to recognize the critical importance of sexual pleasure as a key component of sexual health and sexual rights. This special issue of the International Journal of Sexual Health (the official journal of the WAS) contains a technical document which supports the Declaration. In addition, it contains background papers that were commissioned to inform the evidence supporting the technical document and to outline the strategies for implementing the WAS Declaration on Sexual Pleasure in promoting sexual health and rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Coleman
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Jessie V. Ford
- Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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