Article Feed - This Week in Sexual Health

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Abstract

It is difficult to diagnose hypogonadism because of the lack of objective assessments of erectile dysfunction (ED), which is caused by hypogonadism.

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Article Details

Title:
Association between testosterone levels and RigiScan parameters of patients with erectile dysfunction.

Author(s):
Yuli F; Qi Z; Haojie Y; Zedong L; Wenjie H; Runnana X; Tianhao S; Yanfei F; Bodong L

Summary:
It's hard to find out if someone has a condition called hypogonadism because doctors don't have clear ways to check if it causes problems like erectile dysfunction (ED).

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pubmed id: 38322195 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Past findings on the association between negative body image and sexual health behaviors have been mixed and mostly derived from Western samples. The aim of the current study was to examine associations between indices of negative body image and sexual health practices that reduce the risk of disease transmission in emerging adults, and whether these associations are moderated by gender. Using an online survey, a convenience sample of 584 Malaysian adults aged 18-30 years (230 men, 354 women) completed measures of satisfaction with overall appearance, body size dissatisfaction, weight satisfaction, height satisfaction, and genital image evaluation. They also reported if they ever had partnered sex, condomless sex, and been screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as their lifetime number of penetrative sex partners. Hierarchical logistic and ordinal regression analyses indicated that more positive genital image evaluation, but not the other body image indices, was significantly associated with having had partnered sex and fewer lifetime penetrative sex partners. None of the body image indices were significantly associated with condomless sex. All associations were consistent across men and women. For HIV testing, a significant interaction between genital image evaluation and gender emerged. However, this was reduced to non-significance after controlling for the number of penetrative sex partners. Overall, our findings underline the importance of promoting improved genital image in interventions aimed at increasing positive sexual health behaviors.

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Article Details

Title:
Associations Between Negative Body Image and Sexual Health Practices in Emerging Adults from Malaysia.

Author(s):
Goh PH; Luginbuehl T; Swami V

Summary:
The study looked at how people's thoughts about their bodies affect their sexual health habits, like using condoms. It found that feeling better about one's private parts is linked to having fewer sex partners, but doesn't affect condom use. These feelings were similar for both men and women.

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pubmed id: 38321341 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The fear of COVID-19 can exacerbate social stigma and prejudice against individuals living with HIV (PLWH). This research delved into the behaviors of MSM (men who have sex with men) who practice physical-distancing from PLWH. Data from 878 respondents were collected through a web survey conducted on Korea's largest LGBT portal site over one month in July 2022. The study examined various independent variables encompassing socioeconomic characteristics, health status, media consumption habits, and homosexual attributes of MSM. The dependent variable assessed was the extent of physical-distancing perceived by MSMs without HIV toward PLWH. The statistical analysis employed nested regression models. In Model I, it was observed that physical-distancing from PLWH decreased as the age and education level of the respondent increased. In Model II, a decrease in physical-distancing was noted among respondents with underlying health conditions. Model III indicated that increased use of traditional media corresponded to greater physical-distancing from PLWH. Lastly, Model IV revealed a reduction in physical-distancing when the respondent was themselves a person living with HIV. This study underscores the existence of physical-distancing toward PLWH within the gay community. Consequently, fostering solidarity and providing support becomes imperative to prevent the isolation of PLWH within this community.

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Article Details

Title:
Physical Distancing for Gay Men from People Living with HIV During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Author(s):
Jung M

Summary:
Some people are afraid of COVID-19, which can make them avoid others who have HIV. This study looked at how men who have sex with men (MSM) in Korea kept distance from people with HIV. The research found that older and more educated people, as well as people with health conditions, were less likely to keep away, but those who used traditional media more often kept more distance.

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pubmed id: 38319682 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Though contemporary evidence suggests that upwards of one-in-nine UK male university students engage in sexually violent behaviors (Hales and Gannon in Sexual Abuse 34:744-770, 2022), few evidence-based primary prevention strategies have been developed to prevent their perpetration. To help contribute to this evidence gap, this study evaluated the short and longer-term effectiveness of a novel psychoeducation-based online self-help intervention for university male sexual aggression called The Pathways Programme. Designed around current empirical understanding of university-based sexual harm in the UK, the program contains six modules that correspond with known risk factors for perpetration. Data were collected as part of a randomized control trial from 254 self-identified heterosexual male students enrolled at a UK university who reported a proclivity towards sexual aggression. Results showed that participants who took part in the program displayed moderate reductions in their self-perceived likelihood of sexual aggression (our primary treatment target) across testing points, as well as reductions in their self-reported levels of hostility towards women, rape myth acceptance, and problematic sexual fantasies (our secondary treatment targets). Control participants also displayed reductions in some domains over time, albeit to a lesser degree. Additional analyses probed the factors associated with participant drop-out, clinical and reliable change, and user feedback. Overall, our study provides preliminary evidence for the efficacy of The Pathways Programme at reducing UK university males' risk of sexual aggression; however, we caution readers that more robust evaluation is necessary to support intervention rollout. We discuss our findings alongside the limitations of our study and provide suggestions for future research.

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Article Details

Title:
Empirically Assessing the Effectiveness of the Pathways Programme: An Online Self-Help Intervention for Male Sexual Aggression at UK Universities.

Author(s):
Hales ST; Rawers C; Gannon TA

Summary:
This study looked at a new online program to help stop sexual violence among male college students in the UK. The program seemed to help reduce the chance of sexual aggression and attitudes like hostility towards women over time. However, more research is needed to make sure the program works well.

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pubmed id: 38316702 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Loreto, in the Peruvian Amazon, has one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in the country. However, underlying causes of adolescent pregnancy are not fully understood as data are limited in Indigenous and remote Amazonian communities. This study investigated adolescent reproductive health within Loreto using an ecological systems framework. Forty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted in June 2022: community leaders ( = 12) and adolescent participants between 15 and 17 years of age (pregnant girls, = 11; never pregnant girls, = 9; and boys, = 9). We also conducted focus group discussions with community health workers and educators in October 2022 (three focus groups, = 15). Adolescent reproductive health is complex with multi-layered factors that put girls at higher risk of pregnancy. We found a paradoxical relationship between expected social and gender norms and individual desires. This research provides a contextual understanding of the lived experience of adolescents and young people in the Amazon region of Peru. Our findings suggest the need for greater exploration of the contradictory ideas surrounding adolescent pregnancy and female sexuality.

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Article Details

Title:
'You have a lot of mirrors': structural and socioecological factors impacting adolescent pregnancy and reproductive health in the Amazon basin, Peru, a qualitative study.

Author(s):
Woodson LL; Garcia Saldivar A; Brown HE; Magrath PA; Farland LV; Blas MM; Madhivanan P

Summary:
This study looked at why there are so many teenage pregnancies in Loreto, Peru. They talked to community leaders, teenagers, health workers, and teachers to learn more. The study found that social rules and personal desires both affect teenage pregnancy.

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pubmed id: 38315608 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Using a feminist narrative approach, this article explores how unintended pregnancy can rupture young lives, and how young people respond to and navigate these ruptures. We analyse qualitative data from a longitudinal cohort study in Luwero, Uganda, focusing on narratives of a girl and a boy about their recent experiences of unintended and unwanted pregnancy during COVID-19 school closures. We argue that laws, policies and norms relating to education, sexual and reproductive health, and the family in Uganda position young people in complex and contradictory ways, that create the conditions for unintended pregnancies, and restrict the choices open to them. The analysis traces how pregnancy ruptures their everyday lives, their identities, and relationships. Their narratives reveal gendered ways in which they enact identities to manage the ruptures. Families are sites of contestation, where gender and sexuality are regulated, but are also mobilised by young people to support their efforts to repair the ruptures. Our analysis underscores the importance of working with young people to understand their positionalities, resource environments and social networks as they make and navigate decisions about pregnancy, and of addressing the structural forces that underpin the rupturing effects of pregnancy on teenage lives.

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Article Details

Title:
Unintended pregnancies in the lives of young people in Luwero, Uganda: a narrative analysis.

Author(s):
Parkes J; Datzberger S; Nagawa R; Musenze JB; Kasidi JR; Bhatia A; Naker D; Devries K

Summary:
This study looks at how unexpected pregnancies affected a boy and a girl's lives in Uganda during COVID-19 school closures. It shows that rules and traditions make things complicated and hard for young people, leading to unintended pregnancies. The study also highlights how families and social support can help manage these challenges.

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pubmed id: 38315580 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Inspired by African and other feminist scholarship on gender, sexuality and agency, this article studies narrations of norms and practices in sexual relationships between university students. A main aim of the article is to move beyond the problem focus in earlier scholarship on women, sexuality and reproduction, and to identify potential spaces of freedom and expansion of female agency. The article is based on qualitative research conducted with students at Addis Ababa University. The findings a vivid space for male-female relationships. Study participants report being sexually engaged as "the new normal" and claim that many female students are active both in seeking relationships and in discontinuing them. These ideas and practices indicate increasing female agency and emerge in stark contrast to dominant social norms for sexual conduct, which demand chastity before marriage, particularly for women. Students are conscious of this discrepancy and bring it up in their narratives. Findings also show that some students prefer to stay abstinent and make an effort to avoid sexual relations. We argue that expressions of female agency are evident not only in norm-transgressive sexual conduct, but also in norm-conforming strategies of sexual abstinence.

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Article Details

Title:
Between 'block course relationships and abstinence: cultures of sexuality among students at Addis Ababa University.

Author(s):
Zenebe M; Haukanes H; Blystad A

Summary:
This article looks at how students at Addis Ababa University talk about and act in their relationships. It shows that many women are active in choosing and ending relationships, which is different from the expected behavior of waiting until marriage. Some students also choose to not have sexual relationships, which also shows their personal choices and independence.

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pubmed id: 38315578 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Abortion is significantly restricted by law in most Pacific Island countries, impacting the rights, health and autonomy of people who experience pregnancy. We undertook qualitative research between February and August 2022 on Rarotonga, Cook Islands, where abortion is illegal under most circumstances. We conducted interviews with women who had accessed or tried to access abortion services; people who had supported women to access abortion services; health workers; and advocates to understand their experiences regarding abortion. We conducted focus groups to explore broader social perceptions and experiences of sexual and reproductive health and rights, including abortion. Participants described their abortion decisions and methods, and their negotiation of the personal context of their sexual behaviours, pregnancies, and abortions relative to their socio-cultural context and values. As defined by the World Health Organization, safe abortion relates to the methods and equipment used and the skills of the abortion provider. We argue for an expansion of this definition to consider inclusion of reference to individuals' 'abortion safety nets' as the sum of their access to financial, political, health care and socio-cultural resources. These safety nets are shaped by discourses related to abortion and socio-cultural support and values, impacting physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual health.

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Article Details

Title:
The experience of abortion for Cook Islands women: exploring the socio-cultural dimensions of abortion safety.

Author(s):
Burry K; Beek K; Vallely L; Worth H; Haire B

Summary:
In many Pacific Island countries, the laws make it hard for people to get abortions, which affects their rights and health. The study in the Cook Islands found that people's experiences with abortion were influenced by their culture, support systems, and resources like money and healthcare. The researchers suggest that "abortion safety nets" should include these factors because they affect people's overall well-being.

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pubmed id: 38315568 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Although women and men rate their subjective arousal similarly in response to "female-centric" erotic videos, women rate their subjective arousal lower than men in response to "male-centric" videos, which often end with the male's ejaculation. This study asked whether ratings of subjective sexual arousal and desire using the Sexual Arousal and Desire Inventory (SADI) would be altered if this ending was present or absent, and whether including or excluding the accompanying soundtrack would influence the magnitude and direction of the responses. A total of 119 cis-gendered heterosexual undergraduates (59 women and 60 men) viewed an 11-min sexually explicit heterosexual video that ended with a 15-s ejaculation scene. Two versions of the video were created, one with the ejaculatory ending (E+) and one without (E-). Participants were assigned randomly to view one of the two versions with (S+) or without (S-) the accompanying soundtrack, after which they completed the state version of the SADI. Women and men found both sequences without sound less arousing on the Evaluative, Motivational, and Physiological subscales of the SADI relative to the S+ sequences. However, on the Negative/Aversive subscale, women found the E + S- sequence more negative than did men, whereas this difference was not found with sound. Thus, women and men were sensitive to the auditory content of sexually explicit videos, and scenes of sexual intercourse ending with explicit ejaculation increased the Evaluative and Motivational properties of subjective sexual arousal and desire. However, this occurred in women only when the auditory cues signaled a clear and gratifying sexual interaction.

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Article Details

Title:
Auditory Cues Alter the Magnitude and Valence of Subjective Sexual Arousal and Desire Induced by an Erotic Video.

Author(s):
Pfaus JG; Zakreski E

Summary:
The study looked at how men and women felt while watching different types of videos. It found that both men and women were less aroused when videos had no sound. Women found some videos more negative, especially when they ended with a certain scene, unless there was sound that made the scene clearer.

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pubmed id: 38302852 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Sex-social applications used by men who have sex with men (MSM) often provide options to disclose HIV status to encourage more positive language and reduce stigma. Yet, little research has sought to understand how in-app disclosure fields impact on disclosure motivation. We interviewed MSM living with HIV and those who self-reported being HIV-negative ( ) in the UK and applied a hierarchical model of motivation to interpret our data. We found conflicting motivations for disclosure and point to HIV status disclosure fields having shifted disclosure norms, limiting their perceived optionality. Moreover, the pairwise and location-aware nature of these apps fails to support narrative forms of disclosure, reducing motivation. We highlight an opportunity to support users in disclosing by linking apps more explicitly to the social narratives developed through public health campaigns. This could reduce the required effort to explain "the science" behind different treatment and prevention options and promote a more consistent narrative.

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Article Details

Title:
Shifting Norms and Value Conflicts: Exploring the Effects of HIV Status Disclosure Fields in Sex-Social Apps.

Author(s):
Warner M; Gibbs J; Blandford A

Summary:
Some apps used by men to meet other men let users share their HIV status, but it's hard to understand how this affects why they choose to share it. These apps make it tough to tell their stories, which makes some people not want to share their status. Making apps more like health campaigns might help people share their status easier and clearer.

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pubmed id: 38302851 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This paper explores young people's experiences of puberty and their perspectives on parent-child sexual communication in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal. In-depth individual interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory visual research methodology were employed with 18 and 19-year-old young women ( = 30) and young men ( = 16) attending three primary health care facilities and a local high school in Jozini municipality. The findings suggest a complex interplay between unequal gender and socio-cultural norms that results in divergent puberty experiences and ambiguous and inconsistent patterns of parent-child sexual communication. Young people referred to their parents as , a local colloquialism for someone who is evasive, vague, ambiguous and indirect. Lack of open parent-child sexual communication hinders discussion of healthy sexuality, neglecting the sexual and reproductive health education and needs of young people. Reflective of their desire for change, young women in particular contest current parenting norms and suggest returning to cultural practices linked to traditional forms of courtship and sexual communication among young Zulu people.

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Article Details

Title:
'Parents are gudlists!' Experiences of puberty and parent-child sexual communication in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Author(s):
Mfeka-Nkabinde NG; Moletsane R; Voce A

Summary:
This study talks about how kids in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal feel about growing up and talking about sex with their parents. Many find it hard to discuss these things because their parents often avoid talking about them directly. Kids, especially girls, want to change this and go back to old ways of talking about these topics in their culture.

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pubmed id: 38299577 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Studies show that gender socialisation shapes differently the gendered identity, self-esteem, and sexual behaviours of girls and boys. While pre-adolescence is viewed as a pivotal period for gendered socialisation, few studies in francophone Africa investigate the role of gender identity effects on aspirations and sexual and reproductive behaviours at this life stage. This article explores how the internalisation of gender stereotypes during socialisation is linked to the aspirations of girls and boys for certain life events, such as having their first child or getting married. A survey was conducted in 10 primary schools in Ouagadougou, among pupils aged between 9 and 16 years, as well as seven focus group discussions with their parents. The findings indicate a gender-based variation in the effects of adherence to unequal gender norms among young adolescents. As a result, girls tend to have earlier aspirations towards marriage and later aspirations for childbearing, while boys show earlier aspirations for childbearing and later ones for marriage. These effects may expose both girls and boys to risks of poor sexual and reproductive health. Interventions promoting egalitarian gender norms could boost girls' self-esteem as well as mutual respect among young adolescents of both genders, aiming to improve their sexual and reproductive health during adolescence and into adulthood.

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Article Details

Title:
[Not Available].

Author(s):
Bambara A; Wayack-Pambè M; Ouili I; Guiella G; Delamou A

Summary:
The study shows that boys and girls think differently about getting married and having children because of how they are taught about gender. Girls usually want to get married earlier but have kids later, while boys want to have kids earlier and get married later. Teaching kids more equal gender ideas could help them feel better about themselves and stay healthier as they grow up.

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pubmed id: 38294681 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Untreated urogenital infection in women can result in adverse sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Despite national screening and treatment guidelines, rates continue to rise; because most infections are asymptomatic, the actual prevalence of CT infection is likely significantly higher than reported. Spontaneous clearance of CT in women (in the absence of antibiotic treatment) has been described in multiple epidemiologic studies. Given the serious consequences and high prevalence of CT infection, there is growing interest in understanding this phenomenon and factors that may promote CT clearance in women. Spontaneous CT clearance is likely the result of complex interactions between CT, the host immune system, and the vaginal microbiota (i.e., the communities of bacteria inhabiting the vagina), which has been implicated in CT acquisition. Herein, we briefly review current literature regarding the role of each of these factors in spontaneous CT clearance, identify knowledge gaps, and discuss future directions and possible implications for the development of novel interventions that may protect against CT infection, facilitate clearance, and prevent reproductive sequelae.

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Article Details

Title:
A Narrative Review on Spontaneous Clearance of Urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis: Host, Microbiome, and Pathogen-Related Factors.

Author(s):
Klasner C; Macintyre AN; Brown SE; Bavoil P; Ghanem KG; Nylander E; Ravel J; Tuddenham S; Brotman RM

Summary:
Chlamydia trachomatis is a common infection in the U.S. that can cause serious health problems in women if not treated. Some women can get rid of the infection on their own without medicine. Scientists are studying why this happens to help create new treatments to stop and clear the infection.

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pubmed id: 38290156 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The increasing digitisation of personal health data has led to an increase in the demand for onward health data. This study sought to develop local language scripts for use in public sector maternity clinics to capture informed consent for onward health data use. The script considered five possible health data uses: 1. Sending of general health information content via mobile phones; 2. Delivery of personalised health information via mobile phones; 3. Use of women's anonymised health data; 4. Use of child's anonymised health data; and 5. Use of data for recontact. Qualitative interviews ( = 54) were conducted among women attending maternity services in three public health facilities in Gauteng and Western Cape, South Africa. Using cognitive interviewing techniques, interviews sought to:(1) explore understanding of the consent script in five South African languages, (2) assess women's understanding of what they were consenting to, and (3) improve the consent script. Multiple rounds of interviews were conducted, each followed by revisions to the consent script, until saturation was reached, and no additional cognitive failures identified. Cognitive failures were a result of: (1) words and phrases that did not translate easily in some languages, (2) cognitive mismatches that arose as a result of different world views and contexts, (3) linguistic gaps, and (4) asymmetrical power relations that influence how consent is understood and interpreted. Study activities resulted in the development of an informed consent script for onward health data use in five South African languages for use in maternity clinics.

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Article Details

Title:
Translating the consent form is the tip of the iceberg: using cognitive interviews to assess the barriers to informed consent in South African health facilities.

Author(s):
Pillay N; Ncube N; Moopelo K; Mothoagae G; Welte O; Shogole M; Gwiji N; Scott L; Moshani N; Tiffin N; Boulle A; Griffiths F; Fairlie L; Mehta U; LeFevre A; Scott K

Summary:
Researchers created language scripts to help women in South African maternity clinics understand and give permission for their health data to be used. They made sure the scripts worked well by interviewing 54 women and fixing any problems with understanding. The final scripts were made in five languages to ensure clear communication.

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pubmed id: 38277196 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In 2018, WHO with the support of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India and partner organisations launched a Learning Districts Initiative to strengthen the district-level application of the National Adolescent Health Programme and to draw out lessons. An assessment of this initiative from 2019 to 2023 using qualitative and quantitative programme monitoring data from interviews, discussions, observations and data from multiple secondary sources explored the evolution of the concept, the process of securing government agreement, operationalising the initiative and the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness and the potential of sustainability and replicability within the government health system. As part of the process, WHO developed the concept with partners to address the challenges identified in a Rapid Programme Review requested by the Ministry. The Ministry concurred with the proposed participatory problem identification and problem-solving approach. A review-based process guided the implementation. Local non-government organisations supported District Health Management Units to strengthen planning, implementation and monitoring. An expert in adolescent health provided technical oversight. Three years later in 2022, adolescent health is on district agendas, staff capacity has been built, and clinic and community-based activities are carried out in a structured manner. The Initiative is feasible as it leverages local expertise. Its core interventions are acceptable to government officials. While there are improvements in inputs, processes and outputs, these need to be independently validated. Challenges such as unfilled vacancies, problems in supply procurement, inability of staff to discuss sensitive issues, weak intersectoral convergence and low engagement of adolescents in programme management remain to be addressed. Nevertheless, the overall experience augurs well for the future of the programme.

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Article Details

Title:
Lessons learned from conceptualising and operationalising the National Adolescent Health Programme or Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram's Learning Districts Initiative in six districts of India.

Author(s):
Barua A; Chandra-Mouli V; Mehta R; Shinde S; Garg P; Najam Q; Gogoi A; Ziauddin M; Kochar P; Kurup M; Patil N; Dhanu A

Summary:
The World Health Organization started a project in India to improve health care for teenagers. They worked with local groups to teach health workers and make plans for better health services. After a few years, teenage health became important, but there's still more work to do to solve some problems and make things even better.

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pubmed id: 38275181 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore health professionals' descriptions and interpretations of post-migration mental health and societal challenges among forced migrants with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. Participants representing seven professions were recruited by a combination of convenience, purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through focus groups and individual interviews, analysed with systematic text condensation in a collaborative process involving researchers, clinicians and migrants with lived experiences. Participants described a challenging trajectory for migrants, as migrants venture through an uncertain and demanding journey impacting their mental health. Needing to deal with legal requirements, stressful circumstances and normative expectations during the asylum process were highlighted as major challenges, along with exposure to discrimination, violence, abuse and lack of psychosocial safety. Participants described significant psychological distress among migrants, including loneliness and shame. Challenges were also recognised related to exploring, accepting and expressing sexuality and gender. Loneliness and shame are major challenges in need of further attention in research, which could be addressed through the development and evaluation of actions, programmes and interventions to provide peer support.

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Article Details

Title:
Mental health and societal challenges among forced migrants of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions: health professionals' descriptions and interpretations.

Author(s):
Gottvall M; Kissiti R; Ainembabazi R; Bergman H; Eldebo A; Isaac R; Yasin S; Jirwe M; Carlsson T

Summary:
The study looked at the mental health and challenges faced by migrants with different sexual orientations and gender identities. It found that these migrants have a hard journey with many problems like dealing with laws, discrimination, and feeling lonely or ashamed. The study suggests that more help and support are needed for these migrants.

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pubmed id: 38250794 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals in most countries face strong stigma and often rely on affirmative mental health care to foster coping and resilience. We tested an LGBTQ-affirmative mental health training for psychologists and psychiatrists by comparing in-person versus online modalities and the added benefit of supervision. Participants were randomized to a two-day training either in-person ( = 58) or via live-stream online broadcast ( = 55). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 5, 10, and 15 months posttraining. Optional monthly online supervision was offered ( = 47) from months 5 to 15. Given the substantial need for LGBTQ-affirmative expertise in high-stigma contexts, the training took place in Romania, a Central-Eastern European country with some of the highest LGBTQ stigma in Europe. Participants ( age = 35.1) were mostly cisgender female (88%) and heterosexual (85%). Trainees, regardless of whether in-person or online, reported significant decreases from baseline to 15-month follow-up in implicit and explicit bias and significant increases in LGBTQ-affirmative clinical skills, beliefs, and behaviors. LGBTQ-affirmative practice intentions and number of LGBTQ clients did not change. Participants who attended at least one supervision session demonstrated greater reductions in explicit bias and increases in LGBTQ-affirmative behaviors from baseline to 15-month follow-up than participants who did not attend supervision. LGBTQ-affirmative mental health training can efficiently and sustainably improve LGBTQ competence and reduce provider bias in high-stigma contexts. Future research can identify additional ways to encourage mental health providers' outreach to LGBTQ clients in need of affirmative care.

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Article Details

Title:
Mental Health Provider Training to Improve LGBTQ Competence and Reduce Implicit and Explicit Bias: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Online and In-Person Delivery.

Author(s):
Lelutiu-Weinberger C; Clark KA; Pachankis JE

Summary:
This study tested a special mental health training for psychologists and psychiatrists to help LGBTQ people in Romania, where there's a lot of stigma. The training was both in-person and online, and showed that it could reduce bias and improve skills in working with LGBTQ clients. People who had extra supervision sessions did even better in reducing bias and increasing helpful behaviors.

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pubmed id: 38239562 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

A qualified health workforce is essential to receiving effective, timely, affordable, equitable and respectful family planning and comprehensive abortion care. However, in many countries, health workers lack the competencies required to deliver quality family planning and comprehensive abortion care services. Competency-based education and learning aims to train and assess competencies. The theory-supported approach focuses on outcomes, emphasizes the learner's ability to perform, promotes learner-centeredness and links the health needs of the population to the competencies required of health workers. In 2011, the World Health Organization published a guidance document, Sexual and reproductive health - Core competencies in primary care, defining the competencies that primary care providers need to safely deliver sexual and reproductive health services at the community level and included family planning and comprehensive abortion care. In this article, we describe the methodology and process undertaken in 2020, by the World Health Organization to produce the family planning and comprehensive abortion care competencies guidance, filling gaps identified in the previous guidance document. The World Health Organization's Family Planning and Comprehensive Abortion Care toolkit for the primary health care workforce was published in 2022 and defines the key competencies for health workers in primary health care providing quality family planning and comprehensive abortion care services, as well as support for developing programmes and curricula for education and lifelong learning. The Toolkit is useful for practitioners, managers/supervisors and employers, educators, regulatory bodies, and policymakers. It is an important advance toward strengthening family planning and comprehensive abortion care services in primary health care.

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Article Details

Title:
Description of the methodology for developing and validating the WHO's family planning and comprehensive abortion care competencies for the primary health care workforce.

Author(s):
Loi UR; Sorhaindo A; Embo M; Kabra R; Kiarie J; Ganatra B

Summary:
The World Health Organization created a guide to help teach health workers the skills they need to deliver good family planning and comprehensive abortion care. This guide, published in 2022, shows what workers need to know and helps plan education programs. It's meant to make family planning and abortion care better for everyone.

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pubmed id: 38237452 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Current research indicates that aggressive sexual fantasies (ASF) are related to sexual aggression, above and beyond other risk factors for this behavior. There have, however, rarely been explicitly considered in multifactor models aiming to explain sexual aggression. One exception is the multifactorial Revised Confluence Model of Sexual Aggression that was replicated in two samples of male individuals who were convicted of sexual offenses and a small sample of men from the general population and evidenced a high relevance of ASF, respectively. There were, however, no further attempts to replicate the model in larger samples from the general population. We, therefore, used a subsample from the Finnish Genetics of Sexuality and Aggression project including 3269 men (age: M = 26.17 years, SD = 4.76) to do so. Cross-sectional latent structural equation models corroborated previous research and the assumption that ASF are a central component in multifactor models that aim to explain sexual aggression: ASF and antisocial behavior/aggression were equally important associates of sexual coercion when also considering adverse childhood experiences, hypersexuality, and callous-unemotional traits. Additionally, ASF mediated the links between hypersexuality, callous-unemotional traits, as well as childhood sexual abuse and sexual coercion. These links held stable when entering further risk factors, that is, distorted perceptions, rape-supportive attitudes, and violent pornography consumption into the model. Contrasting assumptions, alcohol consumption and antisocial behavior/aggression did not interact. These results illustrate the potential importance of ASF for sexual aggression. They indicate that ASF require consideration by research on sexual aggression as well as in the treatment and risk assessment of sexual perpetrators.

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Article Details

Title:
Links between Aggressive Sexual Fantasies and Sexual Coercion: A Replication and Extension of a Multifactorial Model.

Author(s):
Birke JB; Jern P; Johansson A; Bondü R

Summary:
The study found that aggressive sexual fantasies are important in understanding why some people act aggressively in sexual ways. They used a big group of men to see how different things, like bad childhood experiences and certain personality traits, connect to these fantasies and behavior. The research shows that considering these fantasies might help in treating and assessing risk for sexual aggression.

Meta:
pubmed id: 38233725 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Studies of how gender-diverse individuals experience pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing remain few, mainly focus on the US and contain scarce information about mental health concerns peri-partum. This hinders informed reproductive health decisions and counseling. We used in-depth interviews to examine how gestational gender-diverse individuals in Sweden experience the process of planning and undergoing pregnancy, delivery, and nursing. In total, 12 participants, identifying on the masculine side of the gender spectrum or as non-binary, who had attended Swedish antenatal care and delivered a live birth, were included in the study. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic content analysis. The analysis resulted in one overarching theme: sustaining gender congruence during pregnancy and three main categories: (1) considering pregnancy; (2) undergoing pregnancy and childbirth; and (3) postnatal reflections. The association between childbearing and being regarded as female permeated narratives. Participants renegotiated the feminine connotations of pregnancy, accessed gender-affirming treatment, and concealed their pregnancy to safeguard their gender congruence. Mis-gendering and breast enlargement triggered gender dysphoria. Social judgment, loneliness, information shortages, hormonal influence and cessation of testosterone increased gender dysphoria and strained their mental health. Depression exacerbated gender dysphoria and made it harder to claim one's gender identity. Dissociation was used to handle a feminized body, vaginal delivery, and nursing. Pregnancy was easier to envision and handle after masculinizing gender-affirming treatments. The results deepen the understanding of gender dysphoria and may be used to inform reproductive counseling and healthcare development. Research outcomes on mental health concerns provide a basis for further research.

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Article Details

Title:
Subjective Experiences of Pregnancy, Delivery, and Nursing in Transgender Men and Non-Binary Individuals: A Qualitative Analysis of Gender and Mental Health Concerns.

Author(s):
Falck FAOK; Dhejne CMU; Frisén LMM; Armuand GM

Summary:
This study looked at how gender-diverse people in Sweden feel about having babies and taking care of them. They found it can be hard because it doesn't match how they see their gender. This causes some people to feel more stress and unhappiness.

Meta:
pubmed id: 38228983 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) employees encounter unique challenges in the workplace that are not shared with the rest of the working population. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of 58 empirical studies on the workplace experiences of TGD individuals published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2022. Using the Minority Stress Model as a theoretical framework, we classified the literature based on (a) the challenges that TGD employees face when navigating their gender identity at work, (b) the outcomes of minority stress processes, and (c) the mechanisms to ameliorate the impact of minority stressors. Findings suggest that TGD employees are exposed to various distal and proximal stress processes that negatively impact work outcomes and mental health, including discrimination or expectations of rejection. A key protective factor both at the organizational and interpersonal level is support, including inclusive policy development and coworker support. At the intrapersonal level, adaptive coping strategies and an integrated minority identity can countervail the impact of minority stressors. Future research should further examine intrapersonal variables while leveraging broader intersectional and international samples. Practitioners are advised to proactively and continuously review their nondiscrimination policies and practices to promote employee wellbeing and positive work outcomes.

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Title:
The Workplace Experiences of Transgender and Gender Diverse Employees: A Systematic Literature Review Using the Minority Stress Model.

Author(s):
Cancela D; Stutterheim SE; Uitdewilligen S

Summary:
This research paper looks at how transgender and gender diverse people have unique problems at work. It says they can get stressed from things like feeling discriminated against, but getting support from their coworkers and having good company rules helps a lot. The paper suggests more studies should be done on how personal coping helps and that companies should keep checking their policies to help all workers do well.

Meta:
pubmed id: 38227540 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Cryptococcosis is caused by the inhalation of the desiccated encapsulated yeast or basidiospores, which are found in the environment. After the infectious particles reach the lungs, get disseminated hematogenously in various organs. Meningoencephalitis is one of the most common manifestations, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The dermal lesions can be either primary due to the traumatic implantation of infectious propagule or secondary in patients with disseminated infection due to cryptococcus. The typical presentations of the cutaneous lesions are like umbilicated lesions of molluscum contagiosum. The dermal lesions can also be similar to Kaposi sarcoma or talaromycosis (formerly penicilliosis). Here, we present a 34-year-old male HIV-positive and antiretroviral therapy-naive. The patient had a very low CD4 cell count and a high viral load. The patient was referred to the dermatology clinic for multiple eruptions due to umbilicated skin colored lesions 3-5 mm in diameter on the nose.The patient was first treated for the opportunistic infection. The causes of the dermal umbilicated skin lesions are several. We must find out whether the dermal lesion is due to infection with a single organism or more than one. It can be colesional also. Punch biopsy, India ink, and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar confirmed the diagnosis of .

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Title:
Cutaneous cryptococcosis in an adult male of sub-saharan origin.

Author(s):
Thakur R; Kalsi AS; Kushwaha P

Summary:
Cryptococcosis happens when people breathe in certain yeast or spores from the environment, which can cause problems, like a brain infection called meningoencephalitis. Skin problems can also show up, especially in people with weak immune systems, like the man in this study who had HIV and got lesions on his nose. Tests helped doctors figure out what was causing his skin issue so they could treat it.

Meta:
pubmed id: 38223162 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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February 9th, 2025

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