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Fischer B, Jaoko W, Kirui E, Muture B, Madegwa I, Kageni L. Dyspareunia, signs of epithelial disruption, sexual abstinence, and HIV status in female sex workers in Nairobi: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:569. [PMID: 37658320 PMCID: PMC10472738 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08572-7] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial trauma is a risk factor of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSWs). Painful intercourse may be indicative of epithelial tissue disruption. Previous studies on a cohort of Kenyan FSWs established an association between prolonged sexual abstinence and late HIV seroconversion. Our research objective was to establish whether there is a relationship between HIV serostatus and signs of epithelial disruption and between HIV serostatus and sexual abstinence behaviour. METHODS Participants were selected from a Nairobi health facility. A structured questionnaire was administered to 322 FSWs, who provided data on HIV status, sexual behaviour, abstinence intervals and the level of sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction scores were created using parts of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-19). Additional questions addressed epithelial trauma signs. Descriptive data analysis, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to describe the study population and determine factors associated with living with HIV. Potential factors influencing sexual dysfunction were assessed by FSWs via self-rating. RESULTS 36% of FSWs reported discomfort or pain during vaginal penetration half the time. 44% noticed genital bleeding half the time. Vaginal tenderness was experienced by 70.6% half the time during or after intercourse. Variables predictive of living with HIV on multivariate analysis included a medium and high score of discomfort or pain during and following vaginal penetration (medium: AOR 2.288, p-value 0.032, 95% CI 1.075-4.871; high: AOR 3.044, p-value 0.031, 95% CI 1.110-8.348). No significant association of HIV status with past abstinence durations as reported by participants could be established in the multivariate analysis. A majority of FSWs agreed that steady partnerships (81% agreement), regularity of intercourse (74%), foreplay (72%) and lubricants (65%) alleviated dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS Recurrent exposure to blood during sex was highly prevalent in FSWs, as was sexual dysfunction. Complaint levels were associated with living with HIV, providing evidence that reducing sexual dysfunctions may prevent HIV transmission. Preventive initiatives may be created that address sexual dysfunction in key populations and general populations with a high HIV prevalence. Subjective assessments indicate that prevention may include the promotion of sexual intercourse regularity, foreplay, and lubricant use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hubertusburg Hospital Wermsdorf, Husarenpark 5, 04860, Torgau, Germany.
| | - Walter Jaoko
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, 3rd Floor Wing B, P.O. Box 19676 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elvis Kirui
- Independent scholar, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bernard Muture
- Independent scholar, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac Madegwa
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, 3rd Floor Wing B, P.O. Box 19676 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lisbeth Kageni
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, 3rd Floor Wing B, P.O. Box 19676 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya
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Gesselman AN, Ryan R, Yarber WL, Vanterpool KB, Beavers KA, Francis H, Grant BT, Wood K, Graham CA, Milhausen R, Sanders SA, Crosby RA. An exploratory test of a couples-based condom-use intervention designed to promote pleasurable and safer penile-vaginal sex among university students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:1665-1672. [PMID: 33151840 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1818753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Dual use of male condoms and female contraceptives is widely advocated for unplanned pregnancy prevention, yet college students often neglect condoms. This feasibility and acceptability study assessed the efficacy of a self-guided home-based condom-promotion intervention among college students in heterosexual relationships. Participants: Fifty-nine couples who had been together at least 30 days and had penile-vaginal sex at least twice weekly. Methods: Assessments were done at baseline and 6 months later. Outcomes were frequency of condom-unprotected penile-vaginal sex and four psychosocial mediators of condom use. Results: Frequency of unprotected penile-vaginal sex decreased over time. Several corresponding psychosocial mediators showed change, particularly among women. Using actor-partner interdependence modeling, men's increase in condom use was associated with an increase in women's sexual pleasure. Conclusion: Findings support implementation of a brief, self-guided, home-based condom-use intervention that could lower incidence of unplanned pregnancy and STIs among heterosexually active college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Gesselman
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Rebecca Ryan
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - William L Yarber
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Karen B Vanterpool
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Karly A Beavers
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Brandon T Grant
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Katherine Wood
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Cynthia A Graham
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Robin Milhausen
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Stephanie A Sanders
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Richard A Crosby
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Kennedy CE, Yeh PT, Li J, Gonsalves L, Narasimhan M. Lubricants for the promotion of sexual health and well-being: a systematic review. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2021; 29:2044198. [PMID: 35315312 PMCID: PMC8942543 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2044198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPromoting sexual health is a World Health Organization (WHO) priority. Lubricants are widely available and used to improve sexual pleasure and reduce pain during intercourse. To inform WHO's self-care interventions guideline, we conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature to answer the question: does use of lubricants during or prior to sex result in improved sexual health and well-being. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and EMBASE on 8 July 2020 for effectiveness, values and preferences, and cost data related to commercially available vaginal and anal lubricants. Data were systematically extracted and qualitatively synthesised. Effectiveness evidence was summarised in GRADE evidence profiles. Seven studies met the effectiveness review criteria. Two randomised trials found lubricant use led to improved female sexual well-being and had no impact on incidence of human papillomavirus (moderate certainty evidence). One observational study with gay and bisexual men showed lubricants were associated with increased reports of pain during receptive intercourse and no difference in pain during insertive intercourse, but a reduced degree of pain in both types of intercourse (low/very low certainty evidence). One observational study with female breast cancer survivors found better outcomes of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia with lubricant use (very low certainty evidence). Twenty-one values and preferences studies from diverse populations globally found that most individuals supported lubricant use for reasons of comfort/reduced pain and sexual pleasure. No cost studies were identified. Although evidence is limited, lubricants appear to offer an acceptable approach to improving sexual health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Kennedy
- Associate Professor, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. Correspondence:
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Research Associate, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jingjia Li
- Research Assistant, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lianne Gonsalves
- Technical Officer, Department of Antimicrobial Resistance, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Scientist, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, (includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction - HRP), Geneva, Switzerland
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Eliciting Preferences for HIV Prevention Technologies: A Systematic Review. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 14:151-174. [PMID: 33319339 PMCID: PMC7884379 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-020-00486-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Many human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention technologies (pre-exposure prophylaxis, microbicides, vaccines) are available or in development. Preference elicitation methods provide insight into client preferences that may be used to optimize products and services. Given increased utilization of such methods in HIV prevention, this article identifies and reviews these methods and synthesizes their application to HIV prevention technologies. Methods In May 2020, we systematically searched peer-reviewed literature in PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science for studies employing quantitative preference elicitation methods to measure preferences for HIV prevention technologies among populations of any age, sex, or location. Quality assessment used an existing checklist (PREFS) and a novel adaptation of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (PROSPERO #CRD42018087027). Results We screened 5022 titles and abstracts, reviewed 318 full texts, and included 84 studies. Common methods employed were discrete-choice experiment (33%), conjoint analysis (25%), and willingness-to-participate/try/accept (21%). Studies were conducted in 25 countries and had a mean of 768 participants (range = 26–7176), two-thirds of them male. Common HIV prevention technologies included pre-exposure prophylaxis (23%), voluntary testing and counseling (19%), HIV self-testing (17%), vaccines (15%), and topical microbicides (9%). Most attributes focused on product design (side effects, frequency), service design (provider type, location), acceptability or willingness to accept/pay; results are summarized in these categories, by prevention type. Mean quality-adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scale score was 4.5/8 (standard deviation = 2.1) and mean PREFS scores was 3.47/5 (standard deviation = 0.81). Conclusions This review synthesizes extant literature on quantitative measurement of preferences for HIV prevention technologies. This can enable practitioners to improve prevention products and interventions, and ultimately reduce HIV incidence.
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Milford C, Beksinska M, Smit J, Deperthes B. Lubrication and Vaginal Sex: Lubricant Use and Preferences in General Population Women and Women at Risk of HIV. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2103-2116. [PMID: 32222851 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01673-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Personal or additional lubricants are used by individuals to enhance sexual experience. Lubrication norms during sex are linked to factors including sociocultural norms, gender dynamics, age, and education. This article provides an overview of literature, exploring thematic areas of interest and relevance to the topic. In some regions/countries, lubricated sex is preferable, and in others, a dry/tight vagina is preferred. Women may use a variety of products to achieve these states. There is little research on lubrication preferences during sex; however, microbicide gel acceptability and adherence studies have provided some insight into these preferences. There is a need for more information on lubrication preferences, including volumes, frequency of use, and site of application. In addition, condom use with lubricants needs further exploration. Context, gender, and individual preferences have implications for acceptability and use of personal additional lubricants and should be taken into account during marketing and dissemination of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Milford
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 40 Dr AB Xuma Street, 11th Floor, Commercial City Building, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 40 Dr AB Xuma Street, 11th Floor, Commercial City Building, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Smit
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 40 Dr AB Xuma Street, 11th Floor, Commercial City Building, Durban, 4000, South Africa
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