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Abstract

This study evaluated the association between HIV risk perception and sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics among cisgender female sex workers in the five regions of Brazil. A cross-sectional, multicenter study using respondent-driven sampling was used. Sex workers over 18 years of age and who reported commercial sex in the past four months were included. All participants completed a questionnaire with sociodemographic and behavioral factors. In addition, the participants were offered a rapid HIV antibody test. Unweighted bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Overall, 794 HIV-negative participants were included (mean age = 34.44 years [SD = 6.49]). Most participants were brown/pardo (59.47%), from social class D-E (82.24%), and with medium education (57.12%). Most women perceived themselves to be at low to moderate risk (68.26%), 7.56% at no risk, and 24.18% at high risk for HIV infection. Those who frequently or always had sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol had a 2.36 times higher probability of having a high HIV risk perception compared to those who never had sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol. The data from this study aid in a better understanding of HIV risk perception and its impact on sexual behaviors among female sex workers. Although the majority considered themselves to be at low to moderate risk for HIV, some higher vulnerability behaviors were prevalent.

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Article Details

Title:
Factors Associated with HIV Risk Perception Among Cisgender Female Sex Workers in Brazil.

Author(s):
Soto MMD; Kops NL; Bessel M; Souza FMA; Wendland EM

Summary:
The study looked at how female sex workers in Brazil think about their risk of getting HIV and found that many believed they were at low to moderate risk. Women who drank alcohol before sex felt they were more at risk. This helps us understand how they see their risk and what behaviors might make them more vulnerable.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39843832 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of recent studies in peer reviewed journals investigating self-reported motivations to have an abortion or to continue an unwanted pregnancy in different countries and settings, including both qualitative and quantitative results.

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Article Details

Title:
Motivations for Abortion or Continuation of an Unwanted Pregnancy: A Scoping Review of the Global Literature.

Author(s):
Beumer WY; Reilingh AYAM; Dalmijn E; Roseboom TJ; van Ditzhuijzen J

Summary:
This research looked at different studies about why people choose to have an abortion or continue a pregnancy they didn't plan for. It included information from many places around the world and used different types of study methods.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39843393 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Religion contributes to the identity, well-being, and life satisfaction of many people globally, however, its traditional stance on infertility and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can conflict with individuals' personal reproductive aspirations and desire for a family. As the fertility rates of certain ethnic and religious groups decline, it is essential to discuss the interface between religion, infertility and ART, to understand how to best navigate the infertility journeys of proclaimed Christians. This article contextualises this discussion in the experiences of eight Pacific Christian adults living with infertility and/or accessing ART in Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants expressed the importance of having family members or a partner with them on their infertility journey. Although their religious beliefs elicited a sense of shame and hindered their confident participation in ART services, religion also provided access to a supportive community and a strong sense of hope. Culture was another significant influence on their infertility journeys but could be burdensome and a source of internal conflict. Improving ART strategies for service engagement with Pacific communities is an important first step towards ensuring these services are accessible and responsive to individuals' cultural and religious needs.

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Article Details

Title:
Exploring the interface of religion, infertility and assisted reproduction: experiences of Pacific Christian adults in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Author(s):
Young CD; Shaw RM; Fehoko ES

Summary:
Some people find it hard to have babies, and this can be tricky for Christians who want to use special medical help to have a family. In New Zealand, Pacific Christians shared how their religion made them feel both supported and ashamed when trying to get this help. Working with their families and finding a balance with their culture can help make their journey easier.

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pubmed id: 39831836 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Extensive research on the process of 'coming out' underscores the significance of disclosing one's sexual orientation and gender identity for personal development and self-expression. However, sharing this information with family members can be difficult, particularly in Zimbabwe where broader social and cultural forces pose significant challenges to 'coming out', and gender and/or sexuality diversity is strongly reacted against. This paper explores the experiences of gender and sexuality diverse persons in Harare as they came out to their families, or were 'outed' by others. The study involved semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, and focus group discussions with 31 gender and sexuality diverse individuals aged between 18-31 years. The participants revealed the different ways in which their families became aware of their sexual orientation. These pathways included planned disclosure, outing through extortion, blackmail, and other incidents. The narratives shared by participants varied significantly, encompassing a spectrum from overtly negative or positive responses to more complex reactions from families regarding their child or siblings' gender and sexuality diversity.

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Article Details

Title:
Disclosure, outing and family reactions: experiences of gender and sexuality diverse individuals in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Author(s):
Muparamoto N

Summary:
The study talks about people in Harare who told their families about being different in gender or who they love. It shows that telling family can be hard because some families don’t understand or react in a bad way. The people in the study had different experiences, like telling their families on purpose or being forced to tell them.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39829302 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Infertility is a major health issue that poses threats to women's lives, marriages, and health. Yet little is known about psychosocial support for women with infertility in Northern Ghana. This study aims to understand the psychosocial challenges faced by women with infertility and evaluate the availability and effectiveness of social support systems in East Mamprusi Municipality, Northern Ghana using a qualitative interpretive descriptive design. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Ethical approval was received from the Institutional Review Board of Ghana Health Service, Accra. Women who visited the health facility desiring to conceive were recruited and interviewed. Thirteen (13) women were interviewed, with each interview lasting 45 min to an hour. The interviews were audiotaped after obtaining permission from the participants, which were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that women faced numerous mental and social problems. Some of these problems include emotional, behavioural, marital instability, the high cost of infertility treatment, and a strong desire to have children. Although the women reported some social support from the community, they lacked strategies to sustain this support. Women with infertility face numerous mental and social challenges. They lack support systems to improve their mental and social health. Health professionals are required to constitute peer support groups for these women and advocate for external assistance to sustain these support groups.

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Article Details

Title:
"Community members question me and flaunt their children before me": A call for psychosocial support for women with infertility in Northern Ghana.

Author(s):
Anabila Adda I; Naab F; Armah D; Kyei J; Yahaya A; Wuni Bobtoyah T

Summary:
Women in Northern Ghana who cannot have children face many problems like feeling sad, having trouble in their marriages, and paying for expensive treatments. They get some help from their community, but they need more support to stay healthy and happy. The study suggests forming groups to help these women feel better and get more support.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39824006 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Migrants with refugee backgrounds in the Netherlands face significant reproductive health challenges, including higher rates of unintended pregnancies and limited access to contraception. This study explores how post-migration realities affect the reproductive agency of refugees from Afghanistan, Somalia, Eritrea and Syria. Utilising a participatory approach, eight peer researchers from these communities conducted eight focus-group discussions and 118 in-depth interviews, involving four migrant grassroots organisations and two Dutch non-governmental organisations. The findings reveal that refugees must navigate multiple tensions: (1) adapting to a new country, including securing housing, employment and adjusting to social norms and gender dynamics; (2) navigating cultural norms and family expectations; and (3) obtaining resources such as knowledge and contraception, within a healthcare system that may lack cultural sensitivity and reflect broader societal stigma. These challenges may require strategies that differ from Dutch notions of individualistic reproductive choices. Reproductive services must be sensitive to this complex navigation and adopt a culturally sensitive approach, focusing on refugees' strengths and agency rather than solely on issues like cultural taboos, lack of knowledge, low literacy or language barriers.

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Article Details

Title:
'Having children is like rain, as they say in our region': exploring refugees' reproductive agency.

Author(s):
Cense M; Kawous R; Lassooy Y; Ashraf-Bashir T; Teclemariam S; Tecle S; Abou Moghdeb R; Saadi N

Summary:
Migrants from countries like Afghanistan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Syria who live in the Netherlands have a tough time with health issues, like having pregnancies they didn't plan and not getting the birth control they need. They have to learn new things about living in a different country while also dealing with their old customs and what their families expect. It's important for doctors and helpers to understand and respect their cultures to really help them.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39817835 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) profoundly affects both sexuality and urinary function. Catheterization is often necessary to manage bladder voiding and it can interfere with sexual activity.

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Article Details

Title:
Impact of bladder management methods and other factors on sexual activity in women with chronic spinal cord injury/disease.

Author(s):
Mahler JL; Schneider S; Wöllner J; Pannek J; Krebs J

Summary:
Spinal cord problems can make it hard for people to control their bladder and also affect their love life. Using a tube to help pee can sometimes get in the way of being close with someone.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39817045 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder is a new category in the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases and is showing neuropsychological similarities to substance dependencies and behavioral addictions.

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Article Details

Title:
Masked liking of pornography: implicit associations in men with compulsive sexual behavior.

Author(s):
Engel J; Waechter A; Veit M; Kneer J; Sinke C; Brand M; Krueger THC

Summary:
Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder is a new disorder listed in the latest International Classification of Diseases. It is similar to how people get addicted to drugs or certain activities.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39817044 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder affecting the penile tunica albugínea, with unclear pathophysiology despite centuries of recognition.

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Article Details

Title:
Effects of therapy in experimental models of Peyronie's disease: a scoping review.

Author(s):
Wiborg MH; Krøijer R; Laursen BS; Lund L

Summary:
Peyronie's disease is a condition that affects the hard tissue covering part of the penis. Scientists have known about it for a long time, but they still aren't sure exactly why it happens.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39807474 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

While premature ejaculation (PE) can be divided into lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE, natural variable PE (NPE), and subjective PE (SPE), there is no objective method to classify PE.

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Article Details

Title:
The value of 5-HT, leptin, and NE in the classification of premature ejaculation.

Author(s):
Chen Z; Zhang X

Summary:
There are different types of a condition called premature ejaculation, like lifelong, acquired, natural variable, and subjective, but there isn’t a sure way to tell them apart.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39807473 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In Asian countries, discussing sex-related issues remains a taboo. Sexual dysfunction is not even considered a serious disorder in Pakistan.

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Article Details

Title:
Unveiling intimacy: sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction among Pakistani males in Karachi.

Author(s):
Yousefzai HA; Ismail SIF; Hussain S; Alimuddin AS

Summary:
Some countries in Asia do not like to talk about sex. In Pakistan, problems related to sex are not seen as important.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39807472 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This study examined how Israeli men who pay women for sex (MPWS) construct and sustain a moral identity within the social context that often portrays them as deviants, perpetrators, and abusers, thereby challenging their ability to maintain a respectful and dignified image. Twenty-three Israeli MPWS participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were then analyzed using constructivist grounded theory method. Using the theoretical framework moral reflexivity, we conceptualize three central dynamics of constructing and sustaining a moral identity in the context of paying for sex: Maintaining an intact moral self by resisting the moral conflict; presenting a reflexive agonizing moral self; and constructing a moral self through identity fragmentation. The findings reveal that these facets of the moral reflexivity process can overlap, coexist, and circulate in a messy manner, thus promoting an ecological understanding of how morality is shaped by various societal forces, rather than discovering what a moral identity is. We therefore call for a morally sensitive approach in studies in the field of MPWS and sex work. Such an approach encourages researchers to be aware of moral issues, moral questions, and moral processes, and to treat morality as a socially context-dependent trait that is highly relevant to the study of the sex industry.

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Article Details

Title:
"It's Like Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde": The Construction of Moral Identity by Israeli Men Who Pay Women for Sex.

Author(s):
Prior A; Peled E

Summary:
The study looked at how men in Israel who pay for sex try to keep a good image of themselves, even though society often sees them in a negative way. The research found that these men use different ways to think about their actions and identity in a moral way. The study suggests that research on paying for sex should pay close attention to how these moral questions affect the people involved.

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pubmed id: 39806189 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

We investigated the association between values and attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality, with reproductive agency in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Using 2020-21 World Values Survey (WVS) data (n = 3,096), we utilized the SRHR Support Index including five subindices to gauge SRHR attitudes, the WVS Equality Index for gender equality values, and the perceived level of freedom of choice and control over whether, when, and how many children to have as a proxy for reproductive agency. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyse how values and attitudes differed between respondents of high vs low reproductive agency using the median as cutoff, stratified by country and sex. Country, education, subjective social class, and religion were associated with reproductive agency. Adjusted analyses indicated associations between supportive values and attitudes towards equitable masculinity norms, SRHR interventions and gender equality, with high reproductive agency. Associations varied more between countries than by sex. Findings suggest an association between SRHR and gender equality values and attitudes and the level of reproductive agency, and underscore the importance of addressing values and attitudes in context-specific interventions. Measures of SRHR progress should be critically reviewed and complemented with self-assessed - as opposed to researcher-ascribed - items to support the successful implementation of global SRHR agendas.

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Article Details

Title:
Attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health and rights and their associations with reproductive agency: a population-based cross-sectional study in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

Author(s):
Båge K; Kågesten A; Uthman O; Salazar M; Puranen B; Svallfors S; Ekström AM; Litorp H

Summary:
The study looked at how people's beliefs about health and gender equality affect choices about having children in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. It found that things like education and religion are linked to these choices. People with positive views on gender equality and health had more control over their reproductive choices.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39803831 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

While previous studies have explored the associations and causalities among platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), and erectile dysfunction (ED), further investigations are needed to clarify these relationships using advanced methodologies and analyzing specific populations.

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Article Details

Title:
The associations among platelet count, mean platelet volume, and erectile dysfunction: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.

Author(s):
Peng J; An J; Chen Y; Zhou J; Xiang B

Summary:
Scientists have studied how platelets, which are tiny cells in our blood, might be linked to problems with erections, called erectile dysfunction. But, they want to look closer using new ways that focus on certain groups of people.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39801931 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Both serum testosterone (T) levels and erectile dysfunction (ED) are associated with systemic diseases in men and ED is the most common presenting symptom of hypogonadism.

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Article Details

Title:
Association of total testosterone levels with cardiometabolic diseases in men with erectile dysfunction.

Author(s):
Chen BT; Tsai PJ; Jiann BP

Summary:
Low testosterone and trouble getting an erection can be signs of other health problems in men. Having trouble with erections is often the first sign of low testosterone.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39801930 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

According to Swedish law, abortion treatment should be carried out at an approved healthcare facility. All persons seeking medication abortions are obliged to attend an in-person visit, which includes a gynecological examination, an ultrasound scan, and administration of mifepristone at a hospital/clinic. However, some countries have implemented telemedicine abortion services without the requirement of in-person visits during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to (1) describe abortion seekers' experience of currently available abortion care; (2) explore abortion seekers' suggestions for improving medication abortion care; and (3) explore abortion seekers' views on an abortion care model that omits an in-person appointment and examination.

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Article Details

Title:
Perspectives on Abortion Services, the Pre-Abortion Visit, and Telemedicine Abortion: A Qualitative Study in Sweden.

Author(s):
Jar-Allah T; Edalat M; Nyman V; Milsom I; Gemzell-Danielsson K; Rydelius J; Hognert H

Summary:
This study looks at how people feel about getting medicine for abortion at a clinic in Sweden. It also explores their ideas on how to make the process better and their thoughts on having the option to do it without going to the clinic.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39800999 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS) is a questionnaire designed to assess the posttraumatic symptoms after birth. This study aimed to explore the factors structure, internal consistency, known-groups validity, and convergent validity of the City Birth Trauma Scale in Slovakia.

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Article Details

Title:
Factor structure and psychometric characteristics of the City birth Trauma Scale- Slovak version.

Author(s):
Škodová Z; Ďuríčeková B; Bánovčinová Ľ; Urbanová E; Bašková M; Grendár M

Summary:
The City Birth Trauma Scale is a tool to check how people feel after giving birth. The study looked at how well this tool works and how consistent it is in Slovakia.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39793261 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Pacific understandings of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) encompass beliefs and practices reflective of Pacific values systems. These are integral to cultural understandings of safety, relationships, and intimacy. Research processes and practices that appropriately address these values and sensitives are scarcely available in the literature, leading to limited use and understanding of culturally appropriate methods and procedures. Pacific methodologies like are useful in ensuring that cultural perspectives unique to Pacific youth are addressed and appropriately represented in the research. This paper describes how cultural factors associated with sexual and reproductive health influenced the research processes in a study of Pacific youth and SRH education. Key cultural considerations are discussed focussing on the positionality of the researchers, cultural sensitivities and protocols, communication strategies and the role of flexibility in privileging Pacific youth voices.

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Article Details

Title:
Reflections on using methodology to engage with Pacific youth in Aotearoa New Zealand about their sexual and reproductive health.

Author(s):
Cammock R; Pousini T; Andrews M

Summary:
This research talks about how young people in the Pacific view and understand sexual and reproductive health, which includes their beliefs and values. It shows that it's important to respect their culture when doing research on these topics. The study looks at different ways to make sure Pacific youth feel heard and understood, like using certain communication strategies and being flexible.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39791451 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is a condition with a rapidly increasing prevalence globally with a strong correlation to the increase in obesity and cardiovascular disease rates.

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Article Details

Title:
Histone deacetylase 6 inhibition prevents hypercholesterolemia-induced erectile dysfunction independent of changes in markers of autophagy.

Author(s):
Ihrig CM; Montgomery MM; Nomura Y; Nakano M; Pandey D; La Favor JD

Summary:
Erectile dysfunction, a condition where it's hard for someone to get or keep an erection, is becoming more common all around the world. This rise seems to be linked with more people being overweight and having heart problems.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39790566 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that a diet rich in antioxidants may prevent erectile dysfunction (ED), but the impact of comprehensive dietary antioxidants on ED has been little studied.

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Article Details

Title:
The association between comprehensive dietary antioxidant index and erectile dysfunction in adult men: a cross-sectional study from the 2001-2004 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Author(s):
Liu M; Zhang P

Summary:
Eating a lot of antioxidants from your diet might help prevent problems like erectile dysfunction, but not many studies have looked into how a full diet of these antioxidants affects it.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39790565 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DMED) has a high incidence and is poorly treated.

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Article Details

Title:
Identification of fibrosis-related genes and biomarkers in diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Author(s):
Deng W; Cui L; Li T; Meng Q; Sun T; Yuan P

Summary:
Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DMED) happens a lot to people with diabetes. It is also hard to find good ways to treat it.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39790563 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

We explored awareness of and attitudes about the safety of various methods people use to attempt to end a pregnancy without medical assistance, which we refer to in this study collectively as self-managed abortion (SMA).

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Article Details

Title:
Imagining Coat-Hangers and Pills: A Qualitative Exploration of Abortion Beliefs and Attitudes in Hostile Policy Contexts in the United States.

Author(s):
Schroeder R; Freedman LR; Becker A; Ahlbach C; Biggs MA

Summary:
The study looked at how much people know about and what they think of different ways to end a pregnancy without a doctor's help, which is called self-managed abortion.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39789658 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Sexual health concerns are common and significantly impact quality of life, but many people do not seek treatment due to embarrassment and other barriers. A biopsychosocial model of assessment and treatment acknowledges the biological, psychological, and social contributors to sexual difficulties and suggests that all these domains should be evaluated.

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Article Details

Title:
Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of sexual function and dysfunction: recommendations from the fifth international consultation on sexual medicine (ICSM 2024).

Author(s):
Brotto LA; Atallah S; Carvalho J; Gordon E; Pascoal PM; Reda M; Stephenson KR; Tavares IM

Summary:
Many people have problems with their sexual health, which can affect how happy they are, but they often don't ask for help because they feel embarrassed. To help them, it's important to look at their body, mind, and social life altogether.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39786497 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Affective-sexual education is essential for all people, regardless of their intellectual capacity. However, people with intellectual disabilities, and especially those with conceptual, social, and practical limitations, may face additional challenges. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of the Saludiversex-M affective-sexual education program for people with moderate intellectual disabilities using a controlled trial design.

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Article Details

Title:
An Affective-Sexual Education Program for People With Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: Analysis of Its Effectiveness in the Spanish Context.

Author(s):
Estruch-García V; Gil-Llario MD; Fernández-García O; Ballester-Arnal R

Summary:
Affective-sexual education is important for everyone, including people with intellectual disabilities. This study tested a program called Saludiversex-M to see how well it works for people with moderate intellectual disabilities.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39778047 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Approximately 2% of HerpeSelect herpes simples virus type 2 (HSV-2) IgG enzyme immunoassay (screen assay) sera-positive samples do not confirm using an HSV-2 IgG inhibition assay. Of these, roughly 1.33% are confirmed negative, and a small proportion (0.2%) are indeterminate due to inhibition observed with HSV-1 and HSV-2 lysate. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between HSV-1 IgG serostatus and HSV-2 IgG confirmation results using the HSV-2 IgG inhibition assay.

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Article Details

Title:
Relationship Between HSV-1 Serostatus and HSV-2 IgG Confirmation Results Using an Inhibition Assay.

Author(s):
Shates TM; Realegeno S; Prince HE; Marlowe EM

Summary:
Some tests show a false positive for a herpes virus called HSV-2 in about 2% of people. The study wanted to see if having antibodies for HSV-1 affects the results for HSV-2 testing.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39774092 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Effective strategies to reduce sexually transmitted infection burden and transmission among female sex workers (FSWs) and their networks are needed. We report sexually transmitted infection prevalence among FSWs in Zimbabwe and investigate the performance of screening algorithms.

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Article Details

Title:
High Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Poor Sensitivity and Specificity of Screening Algorithms for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Among Female Sex Workers in Zimbabwe: Analysis of Respondent-Driven Sampling Surveys in 3 Communities.

Author(s):
Chabata ST; Fearon E; Musemburi S; Machingura F; Machiha A; Hargreaves JR; Ndowa FJ; Mugurungi O; Cowan FM; Steen R

Summary:
This study talks about finding ways to help female sex workers in Zimbabwe stay healthy. It checks how common certain infections are and looks at how well different tests work for finding these infections.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39774091 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

More than 650 million women alive today were married as children. Relative to efforts to prevent child marriage, efforts to support child brides have received much less attention. This review set out to map and describe interventions that support child brides. We performed a scoping review using seven electronic databases coupled with a grey literature search in January 2022. Data were extracted using a piloted extraction tool and findings were reported in narrative synthesis. A total of 34 projects were included in our review. Most projects focused on improving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and behaviours among child brides, which was often achieved through a combination of SRH education, counselling and information provision, along with linkages to SRH services. Some interventions were health facility-based and aimed at improving responsiveness of health service providers to the needs of child brides. Very few described economic interventions as one component of a broader health intervention, and only three interventions focused on improving girls' educational outcomes. We also note the paucity of media-based interventions, despite their popularity among adolescents. Over time, interventions addressing the needs of child brides have increased, but the preponderance of evidence has focused on SRH interventions, with interventions that couple education with adolescent-friendly health services demonstrating promise. Interventions addressing other areas of health and social wellbeing of this group, such as mental health, sexual health, and economic independence, have been overlooked in comparison. The review highlights the need for additional empirical evidence on what works to support child brides.

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Article Details

Title:
Mapping the evidence on interventions that mitigate the health, educational, social and economic impacts of child marriage and address the needs of child brides: a systematic scoping review.

Author(s):
Elnakib S; Ali AK; Mieth K; Chandra-Mouli V

Summary:
This research paper looks at different ways to help girls who got married when they were young. Most of the programs focus on teaching about health and giving information and help, but not many focus on helping these girls with school or money. The paper says more research is needed to find out what really helps these young brides.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39773418 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Good quality information helps adolescents with their menstrual health. It supports them in realising their human rights. Many adolescents find information on menstrual health online through websites, social media, or health apps. Online information is increasingly important. But we know little about how adolescents access and use it for menstrual health. We conducted a qualitative study in junior high schools in two districts of Bali, Indonesia. 24 school girls aged 13-15 took part. We wanted to understand how they accessed online information and what they learnt from this about menstruation. We carried out five group discussions in each of four junior high schools. We also did five in-depth interviews, a solicited diary activity and participant observation. Our study confirmed that online sources were important for menstrual health information. Participants shared that they looked for menstrual health information through search engines. They also came across it via social media, especially the video platform TikTok. Many participants saw online information as positive. They felt it offered personalised, private, entertaining and convenient information. But there were also risks. Excessive information caused them to worry and misinformation reinforced menstrual myths. Our findings highlight the need for menstrual health programming and policy to take into account the role of online information. It would also commit to understanding the lived experiences of adolescents. Critical health and digital literacy could be part of puberty and health education. This would be very helpful in countries like Indonesia with growing digital engagement.

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Article Details

Title:
Seeking and encountering online information for menstrual health: a qualitative study among adolescent schoolgirls in Gianyar Regency and Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia.

Author(s):
Suttor H; Yamayanti KP; Astiti NLEP; Dewi T; Chenhall RD; Ansariadi A; Hennegan J

Summary:
The study looked at how girls in Bali, Indonesia, get information about menstruation from the internet. They found that girls used search engines and TikTok to learn about menstrual health. While online info was helpful, it sometimes worried the girls and spread myths, so it's important to teach them how to find good information.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39773261 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In Colombia, LGBTIQ+ identities in the educational field are often considered sensitive and perceived as taboo, which may contribute to their underrepresentation in research. In the English as a foreign language (EFL) field, limited attention has been given to the perspectives and experiences of LGBTIQ+ teachers in schools. As a result, the perceptions and realities faced by this group of stakeholders have been overlooked, creating a gap in research. The current research study aimed to describe the perceptions and experiences of a group of heterosexual and LGBTIQ+ EFL teachers about the interactional dynamics established within the workplace regarding the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity. Through a phenomenological design and the implementation of a demographic questionnaire, narratives, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, the data from eleven participants was collected. The participants' stories from different regions in Colombia unveiled that the workplace is perceived as a place where sexual and gender diversity are confronted or supported on the basis of personal and institutional religious affiliation, the nature of the educational institution (public or private), stakeholders' worldviews, parents' influence within the institution, and other factors that configure the participants' experiences within their workplaces.

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Article Details

Title:
The Affinity Battlefield: School Relationships and EFL Teachers' Workplace Experiences with LGBTIQ+ Individuals.

Author(s):
España-Delgado JA; Viáfara-González JJ

Summary:
The study looks at how LGBTIQ+ teachers in Colombia feel about being accepted at school. It found that how teachers are treated depends on things like the school's religion, whether it's public or private, and what the parents and staff think.

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pubmed id: 39760692 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Abortion is an indispensable healthcare service for women of all reproductive ages. Research on abortion is often focused on younger women, neglecting those who are closer to the end of their reproductive lifespan. This study presents findings from qualitative interviews with Belgian women who had an abortion at the age of 40 or older, conducted between May 2022 and April 2023. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we explored the experiences and decision-making processes of women who had abortions later in life. We identified three main themes. First, the women's families were at the centre of their abortion decisions, with some women also presenting advanced age as a significant factor in their decision-making. This emphasis on age was connected to perceived social norms about appropriately timed childbearing. Second, the women experienced their unplanned pregnancies as both physically and emotionally demanding, and desired to terminate them as soon as possible. Some participants felt additional emotional burdens because of delays caused by the mandatory waiting period and/or busy schedules at abortion centres. Third, the women expressed feelings of self-blame for their unplanned pregnancies. This self-blame was closely tied to their expectation of social disapproval, which made them cautious to share their abortion experience with people in their social circle. This study enhances our understanding of the experiences and meaning-making of abortion in women of advanced reproductive age. It highlights the need to destigmatise the topic and the importance for professionals and researchers to consider family preservation and advanced reproductive age as potential factors shaping abortion decision-making.

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Article Details

Title:
"It was a foregone conclusion": a qualitative study of women's experiences and meaning-making of later-in-life abortion in Belgium.

Author(s):
Verghote K; Neeser N; Wangmo T; Pennings G; Provoost V

Summary:
The study looked at women in Belgium, age 40 or older, who had an abortion. It found three key ideas: their family and age affected their decision, they wanted an abortion quickly because it was hard on them, and they felt bad because they thought others might judge them. The research helps us understand how these women feel and why they make these choices.

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pubmed id: 39757839 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Migraine is one of the most common pain disorders among women of childbearing age. While medical treatment might be necessary for some during pregnancy, non-pharmacological approaches, such as exercise, are generally recommended. We aimed to assess the association between migraine and exercise behaviours, adherence to the national recommendations for exercise, and the type of exercise undertaken during early pregnancy within a cohort of Danish women.

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Article Details

Title:
Exercise in early pregnancy among women with migraine: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Author(s):
Hegaard HK; Emborg MS; Wieland S; Chalmer MA; de Wolff MG; Ballegaard NR; Damm P; Rom AL

Summary:
This research looks at migraines in pregnant women and how exercise can help. It studied how much these women follow exercise advice and what kinds of exercises they do during early pregnancy.

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pubmed id: 39746233 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Multisensory birthing rooms are specially designed and integrate elements such as sound, light, and visual stimuli to create an immersive atmosphere.

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Article Details

Title:
Exploring midwives' perceptions of the multisensory birthing room work environment: A qualitative analysis.

Author(s):
Eidhammer A; Melgaard D; Madsen LS; Glavind J; Lundgaard SR; Højlund MK

Summary:
Special birthing rooms use sounds, lights, and pictures to make a calming and special place for moms having babies.

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pubmed id: 39740579 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) stands out for its utility and widespread use to measure sexual function in men. However, it lacks consistency in its internal latent structure across studies, has not been evaluated for measurement invariance, and has not undergone psychometric validation for its 15-item form in Spanish among South American countries.

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Article Details

Title:
Analysis of the International Index of Erectile Function: psychometric evidence and measurement invariance across relationship status and age generations in a Chilean sample.

Author(s):
Quintana GR; Ponce FP; Escudero-Pastén J; Santibáñez-Palma JF; Aguayo-Zuñiga CP; Carrasco-Portiño M; Cid-Aguayo M; González-Arias M; Ilabaca P; Jarpa-Schäcker R; López-Labarca C; Marrodán MA; Ramos N; Reyes-Torres L; Rosales-Pincetti V; Solis-Soto MT; Wlodarczyk A; Barrientos J

Summary:
The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a tool used to see how well men's sexual function is working. However, it has some problems like being inconsistent and not being fully checked in its Spanish version for people in South America.

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pubmed id: 39737143 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Childbirth in healthcare facilities has increased in South-East Asia and the focus on quality of childbirth care has increased in the region. Without a deeper understanding of women's experience of giving birth in healthcare facilities, the quality of care cannot be improved. The aim of this study was to synthesise available qualitative research from India that explores women's experiences of giving birth in healthcare facilities.

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Article Details

Title:
Women's experiences of giving birth in healthcare facilities in India -A systematic literature review of qualitative research.

Author(s):
Dögg J; Trøseid Å; Erlandsson K; Jha P; Sharma B; Bogren M

Summary:
More women in South-East Asia are having babies in hospitals, and it's important to know how they feel about it to make things better. This study looked at other research from India to understand these experiences better.

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pubmed id: 39729688 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Maternal position plays an essential role in achieving labour progress as it supports the physiological mechanisms of labour. Evidence supports that adopting upright positions may facilitate physiological childbirth.

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Article Details

Title:
Maternal positions in childbirth - A cohort study of labouring women's movements and body positions the last 24 hours before birth.

Author(s):
Kjeldsen LL; Læssøe U; Bendix JM; Maimburg RD

Summary:
When a mom is having a baby, the way she sits or stands can help the baby come out more easily. Standing or sitting up can make the birth go smoother.

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pubmed id: 39729687 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

From the evolutionary perspective, maintaining a committed relationship is beneficial for reproductive success but involves risks such as losing a partner or infidelity. People typically prefer partners with similar mate value (MV) to avoid rejection. However, when a mate value discrepancy (MVD) arises, the partner with lower MV might employ mate retention strategies to maintain the relationship. This study investigated whether men with lower MV compared to their female partners used cunnilingus more often and whether this effect was mediated by their motivation to satisfy the partner. Additionally, it tested the moderating role of men's perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD), predicting that men less concerned about disease would show a stronger link between MVD and cunnilingus frequency, given the health risks associated with oral sex. Data from 540 men in committed heterosexual relationships confirmed that a higher MVD-where the man's MV was lower than his partner's-led to more frequent cunnilingus, and this relationship was mediated by a greater motivation to sexually satisfy the partner. However, the moderating role of PVD was not confirmed. We explore the evolutionary perspective that men may perform oral sex on their partners as a mate retention strategy. This behavior potentially serves as a benefit-provisioning mechanism, compensating for discrepancies in mate value.

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Article Details

Title:
Oral Sex May Serve as Low Mate Value Compensation Among Men: Evidence from a Pre-registered Study.

Author(s):
Frankowska N; Szymkow A; Galbarczyk A

Summary:
The study looked at why some men in relationships do a lot of nice things, like giving their partner oral sex, when they feel their partner is "out of their league." They found that men did this more if they were trying to make their partner happy, even though doing this could have some health risks. However, being worried about getting sick did not change this behavior.

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pubmed id: 39725782 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This article examines the perspectives of Africans living in Poland on infertility and associated cultural stigmatisation. By situating the discussion within the broader context of African cultural frameworks and the sociocultural dynamics of contemporary Poland, the study investigates how members of this community reconcile their cultural identities with their lived experiences in a European setting. Supported by a review of the literature on gender roles, childbearing and reproductive health issues on the African continent, this study provided insight into the small and diverse African diaspora in Poland. Using in-depth interviews with participants from various African countries, the research explores gender roles, societal pressures, and the impact of stigmatisation on reproductive health perceptions. It also addresses participants' connections to their countries of origin, and their attitudes towards the adoption and the use of reproductive technologies.

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Article Details

Title:
Attitudes towards infertility: perspectives from the African diaspora in Poland.

Author(s):
Kościółek J; Binczycka-Gacek E; Romanowska J; Cieślik M; Targowski J

Summary:
The study looks at how Africans living in Poland feel about not being able to have children and how this affects them. It talks about their cultural beliefs, their experiences in Poland, and how they deal with societal pressures and ideas about using technology to have children.

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pubmed id: 39723767 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Integrating Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) into educational programs and healthcare services supports the EU Eastern Partnership and the UN's Agenda 2030. A Swedish Institute (SI)-funded project empowers undergraduate students in medicine, psychology, and social work to support SRHR among youth and young adults in wartime and post-war Ukraine by incorporating the subject into university curricula. In August 2024, a study tour to Sweden was conducted by managers and faculty from Ukrainian universities, during which the visitors to Sweden identified the need to establish Youth Clinics at Ukrainian universities to address the SRHR needs of the war-affected youth population.

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Article Details

Title:
Integrating sexual and reproductive health in higher education and healthcare services in Ukraine: A sustainable initiative for empowering war-affected youth.

Author(s):
Erlandsson K; Marichereda V; Klymanska L; Klos L; Haletska I; Klimanska M; Drobot D; Borshch V; Nitochko K; Mogilevkina I; Vlahakis XM; Daka L; Vergara M; Borneskog C

Summary:
A project helped students in Ukraine learn about health and rights related to family and personal lives. People from Ukraine visited Sweden to see how they can help young people better, and they want to start special clinics at their schools.

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pubmed id: 39719723 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Prior correlational studies have shown that belief in the biological theory of sexual orientation (BTSO) is associated with more positive attitudes toward homosexuality. However, individuals often interpret scientific evidence in ways that align with their pre-existing beliefs and motivations. This research experimentally investigated whether gender and religiosity moderate heterosexual individuals' responses to scientific evidence either supporting or refuting BTSO. In two studies, heterosexual men (Study 1, N = 118) and both men and women (Study 2, N = 280) reported their religiosity and were exposed to evidence suggesting either biological differences or similarities between heterosexual and gay individuals. Results showed that, in the biological differences condition, heterosexual women and less religious men were more likely to perceive homosexuality as a natural biological variation and expressed more positive attitudes toward it. In contrast, more religious men interpreted the same evidence as indicating a biological anomaly in gay individuals and displayed more negative attitudes toward homosexuality.

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Article Details

Title:
Perceived Biological Bases of Sexual Orientation and Sexual Prejudice: The Moderating Role of Gender and Religious Beliefs.

Author(s):
Falomir-Pichastor JM; Confino D; Anderson JR; Koc Y

Summary:
The study looked at whether men and women with different levels of religious beliefs changed their attitudes about homosexuality after seeing scientific evidence about its causes. It found that women and less religious men were more likely to see homosexuality positively when told it is a natural biological variation, while more religious men saw it negatively, thinking it was a biological problem.

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pubmed id: 39715934 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Bisexual women are an at-risk population for hazardous drinking. One factor contributing to their risk is binegativity (discrimination from heterosexual and lesbian/gay communities). Research has found a positive association between binegativity and alcohol use, but few studies have explored protective factors (bisexual identity affirmation, connectedness to bisexual community) that may buffer this relationship. Consequently, we examined the impact of bisexual identity and connectedness on the association between binegativity and alcohol use and problems. Participants were 225 self-identified young bisexual women 18 to 30 years old ( = 22.77, = 3.45) who reported heavy drinking at least once in the past month. Participants completed an online survey about their experiences of binegativity, alcohol use and problems, bisexual identity, and connectedness to the bisexual community. Results revealed that binegativity was positively associated with connectedness, but not bisexual identity. Binegativity was positively associated with alcohol use and alcohol problems, but moderation analyses revealed that neither identity nor connectedness impacted these associations. Thus, although binegativity was linked to greater alcohol use and problems, bisexual identity and connectedness did not serve as protective factors. It may be that bisexual women who are more "out" have a stronger connection to the bisexual community. However, they may experience greater external stigma within the sexual minoritized community due to their sexual attractions and relationships with both men and women. Future research is needed to identify other protective factors for the bisexual community.

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Article Details

Title:
An Examination of Protective Factors for Bisexual Stigma and Alcohol Use among Heavy Drinking Young Bisexual Women.

Author(s):
Rothstein MC; Schulz CT; Todaro SM; Stamates AL; Ehlke SJ; Kelley ML

Summary:
The study looked at young bisexual women and how feeling rejected by others relates to their drinking. They found that being connected to the bisexual community didn't help reduce drinking, even though more rejection was related to more drinking problems. More research is needed to find ways to help the bisexual community with these issues.

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pubmed id: 39712993 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Sexual dysfunction (SD) due to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) use is a common condition encountered by psychiatrists and its etiology has not been fully elucidated.

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Article Details

Title:
Comparison of melanocortin-4 reptor and α-melanoside stimulated hormone levels in healthy female volunteers and female patients with and without sexual functional disorders related to the use of selective serotonin reaptake inhibitors.

Author(s):
Kurt Kaya SN; Safak Y; Ozdemir S

Summary:
Some medicines used for treating mental health problems can cause people to have trouble with sex. Scientists are still not sure why this happens.

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pubmed id: 39712869 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Emotional labor, the act of suppressing or altering one's feelings to enhance another person's well-being, is predominantly performed by women, especially within intimate relationships. Despite its impact on well-being, research on its role in sexuality remains limited. We developed the Women's Sexual Emotional Labor Assessment (WOSELA), a 12-item scale based on themes identified by past qualitative studies. To ensure its reliability and validity, we conducted three studies with women partnered with men, as well as heterosexual single women from the UK and the USA (N = 831). Drawing on exploratory factor analysis in Study 1, four subscales were identified: faking orgasm, performing desire, tolerating discomfort or pain, and partner-referenced sexual satisfaction. Confirmatory factor analyses in Study 2 (pre-registered) provided support for the WOSELA in its current form. In Study 3 (pre-registered), we demonstrated the validity of the WOSELA by establishing significant negative correlations with sexual agency, sexual communication, and sexual pleasure. Our results further show that the WOSELA was not significantly related to positive-partner-oriented sexual responsiveness. The WOSELA offers a unique tool to explore the role of emotional labor in sustaining the pleasure gap, as well as in broader power dynamics within intimate relationships and its impact on women's well-being.

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Article Details

Title:
The Intimate and Sexual Costs of Emotional Labor: The Development of the Women's Sexual Emotional Labor Assessment.

Author(s):
Oschatz T; Piemonte JL; Klein V

Summary:
Researchers created a new tool called WOSELA to study how women change their feelings to improve others' happiness in relationships. They tested it with many women, finding it helps understand feelings like faking happiness in sex. This tool can help learn more about women's experiences and well-being in relationships.

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pubmed id: 39702613 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Despite the high prevalence of sexual objectification, the understanding of gender differences in its victimization and perpetration remains limited. We bridged victim and perpetrator perspectives, expecting that objectification victimization positively predicts perpetration, and investigated the mediating role of social dominance orientation (SDO), and gender and perceived social mobility as moderators. Participants (valid N = 530) completed measures of sexual objectification victimization, perceived social mobility, SDO, and sexual objectification perpetration. We found that sexual objectification victimization predicted its perpetration, and that this relationship was stronger among men than women. SDO partially mediated the moderation effect of gender, whereby mediation through SDO was significant among men, but not significant among women. Moreover, a three-way interaction between sexual objectification victimization, gender, and perceived social mobility predicted SDO and carried subsequent implications for sexual objectification perpetration. Despite the mediation effect through SDO not achieving significance among women, it was significantly moderated by perceived social mobility. Specifically, the indirect effect among women with high perceived social mobility was significantly different than that among women with low perceived social mobility, but not significantly different than that among men, whose results were not influenced by perceived social mobility. This study provides a more nuanced understanding of gender in sexual objectification-specifically that gender differences may be related to social power and differences in socialization. The findings offer implications for the development of theories and clinical programs for coping with objectification victimization and preventing perpetration.

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Article Details

Title:
Gendered Cycles of Sexual Objectification: The Roles of Social Dominance Orientation and Perceived Social Mobility.

Author(s):
Chan RSW; Poon KT

Summary:
The study looked at how being a victim of sexual objectification can lead someone to objectify others, and how this is different for men and women. It found that this behavior is stronger in men and is influenced by their feelings about social power. The study helps us understand gender differences in objectification and can improve ways to help people who are affected by it.

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pubmed id: 39702612 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This article conceptualises how masculinity and masculine ideals are played out in relation to prostate cancer treatment and its side-effects, offering a heuristic and theoretical perspective with which to make sense of the complex interrelationship between lived gendered bodies and social structures. With the support of three case studies of older men treated for prostate cancer, the article explores how the concept of hegemonic masculinity can be used to analyse the ill and ageing body. A phenomenologically informed approach to the body, which illustrates how masculinity is lived and experienced through certain body schemas, is used. The three case studies show variation in how masculinity is enacted and embodied, illustrating actions to (1) restore and maintain masculinity through phallic experience; (2) reconstruct masculinity by connecting bodily experience to notions of the ageing and a less potent body; and (3) to counter narrowly defined notions of masculinity by dissociating or decoupling masculinity from ideals of potency and performance. With the help of the case studies, the strategies identified, and the fluidity and dynamism of the concept of hegemonic masculinity, findings reveal how inequalities between men and women are produced and maintained, in and through bodily experience, and diverse body schemas.

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Article Details

Title:
Theorising masculinity, ageing, and the lived body: the case of prostate cancer.

Author(s):
Andreasson J; Johansson T

Summary:
The article looks at how older men with prostate cancer deal with ideas about being "manly" while handling the effects of their illness. It uses stories of three men to show different ways they express being masculine, like trying to stay strong, adjusting to changes, or changing what it means to be a man. These stories help us understand how being male is felt and how it can lead to unequal treatment between men and women.

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pubmed id: 39699126 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Cross-sectional survey data from 226 heterosexual and 201 gay men in the UK and Germany, analysed using moderation analyses, showed a positive relationship between identity resilience -self-efficacy and engaging in condomless sex and drug use in sexualised settings in gay men only. It is proposed that higher self-efficacy may lead to increased feelings of invincibility in gay men, which in turn is associated with sexual risk-taking.

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Article Details

Title:
Higher identity resilience - self-efficacy is associated with sexual risk behaviours in gay men.

Author(s):
Jaspal R; Yenihayat A

Summary:
The study found that gay men who feel more confident about themselves may take more risks, like having sex without condoms and using drugs. This doesn't seem to happen in heterosexual men.

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pubmed id: 39688947 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Religious and moral exemptions have burgeoned since the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed marriage equality in 2015. These laws allow individuals to refuse services based on religious or moral beliefs. LGBTQIA+ advocates have raised concerns regarding exemptions to deny care to LGBTQIA+ individuals with heightened health needs. Research suggests that LGBTQIA+ individuals have higher anticipated needs for nursing home care; however, a gap in empirical research exists on how nursing home staff understand religious exemptions in the context of their caregiving. This study, thus, employs a qualitative case approach to examine this question: How do nursing home staff make sense of staff refusal to provide care to LGBTQIA+ residents because of religious or moral beliefs? Data includes semi-structured interviews of nursing home staff ( = 90) and was analyzed with thematic analysis. While dominant narratives present religious exemptions as a conflict between religious liberty and equality, staff employed a variety of cultural frames to reconcile cultural discord and achieve social coherence about whether to accommodate a colleague who refused care to an LGBTQIA+ resident. Cultural frames included individual rights, individual religious belief, fairness, job obligations, resident safety and comfort, and legal compliance.

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Article Details

Title:
Caregiving for LGBTQIA+ Older Adults: Religious Exemptions and Cultural Discord in Long-Term Care.

Author(s):
Perone AK

Summary:
The study looks at how nursing home workers feel about not helping LGBTQIA+ people because of religious or moral beliefs. Interviews with 90 workers showed they use different ideas like fairness and safety to decide what to do in these situations.

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pubmed id: 39688035 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Drug use behaviors are closely associated with increased risk for HIV and other STIs among men who have sex with men (MSM) globally. Less is known about the drug use characteristics and their association with HIV/STI risk among MSM in Mexico, who have 13 times higher risk of acquiring HIV than the general population. We characterized distinct classes of drug use behaviors among a nationwide sample of MSM in Mexico and tested their associations with HIV risk behaviors.

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Article Details

Title:
Characterizing Drug use Typologies and Their Association with Sexual Risk Behaviors: A Latent Class Analysis Among Men who have Sex with Men in Mexico.

Author(s):
Algarin AB; Lara MV; Hernandez-Avila M; Baruch-Dominguez R; Sanchez T; Strathdee SA; Smith LR

Summary:
Some men who have sex with men in Mexico use drugs, which can increase their chances of getting HIV and other infections. The study looked at different drug use patterns in these men and how it relates to their risk of getting HIV.

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pubmed id: 39676905 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

To explore women's experience of giving birth to a baby born in a persistent occiput posterior position. The impact of fetal position could significantly affect women's experiences. There have been limited studies conducted regarding this phenomenon. In this study, particular attention is given to the persistent occiput posterior position. Gaining a deeper understanding of the childbirth experience in relation to the persistent occiput posterior position of the fetus can offer valuable insights for providing appropriate support during childbirth.

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Article Details

Title:
"It didn't turn out as I imagined" - Women's lived experiences of giving birth to a child born in a persistent occiput posterior position.

Author(s):
Lindgren A; Grundström H; Kernell K; Tingström P

Summary:
This research looks at how women feel when their babies are born in a certain position that can make childbirth harder. It talks about how understanding this can help women get better support when having a baby.

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pubmed id: 39675171 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

People use cues of facial gender typicality when making sexual orientation judgements, where gender typical faces (masculine men and feminine women) are more likely to be judged as heterosexual and gender atypical faces (feminine men and masculine women) are judged as non-heterosexual. Individual differences in the belief of associated stereotypes have been shown to influence how these stereotypes are used to make social judgments of others; therefore, across two studies, we tested whether the strength of beliefs in gender stereotypes impacted how facial gender typicality cues were used when making sexual orientation judgements. In both Study 1 and 2 (n = 283 and 219, respectively), participants made sexual orientation judgements of 80 faces (40 male, 40 female) that varied in gender typicality and completed a measure of belief in gender stereotypes. In Study 2, participants also completed a sexual prejudice measure. In line with predictions, both studies found that the strength in belief of gender stereotypes significantly moderated the use of facial gender typicality cues when making sexual orientation judgements. Participants with a greater belief in gender stereotypes were more likely to judge a face as heterosexual as gender typicality increased. In Study 2, the association between sexual prejudice and use of gender typicality cues was fully mediated by beliefs in gender role stereotypes. These results highlight the importance of considering individual differences of the perceiver and how they can interact with cues from a target, particularly when making sexual orientation judgements.

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Article Details

Title:
Belief in Gender Role Stereotypes Moderates the Use of Gender Typicality Cues when Making Sexual Orientation Judgements from Faces.

Author(s):
De La Mare JK; Taylor MG; Lee AJ

Summary:
The research found that people use how "typical" a face looks for its gender to decide if someone might be straight or not. Believing more strongly in gender stereotypes made people more likely to think typical-looking faces were straight.

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pubmed id: 39674866 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Two main ways to enter a marriage are through free choice and through an arrangement between families, known as an arranged marriage. In this study, we compared differences in three dimensions of love (Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment) between spouses in love-based marriages and arranged marriages among five non-Western societies: Bhotiya from the Himalayas, Igbo from Nigeria, Kimeru from Kenya, Meru from Tanzania, and Tsimane' from Bolivia. When considering all data gathered from the five cultures, free choice and arranged marriages did not differ significantly in average love scores. However, within cultures, some differences did emerge between free choice and arranged marriages, such as spouses from free choice marriages from Bhotiya and Tsimane' culture showing higher levels of Intimacy than those from arranged marriages. However, in the Bhotiya, this difference was only evident in marriages lasting longer than 10 years. Moreover, spouses from free choice marriages from Bhotiya reported higher levels of passion, while spouses from free choice marriages from Tsimane' reported higher levels of commitment than individuals from arranged marriages. Conversely, wives from arranged marriages from Meru culture from Tanzania reported higher levels of Intimacy and Passion as compared to wives from free choice marriages. In Kimeru and Igbo, no significant differences were found. These results contribute to the growing body of literature on the relationship between culture, love, and marriage. Our data also challenge the Western perception that arranged marriages lack love.

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Article Details

Title:
Love Components in Free-Choice and Arranged Marriages Among Five Non-Western Populations From Africa, Amazonia, and Himalayas.

Author(s):
Sorokowski P; Groyecka-Bernard A; Kowal M; Butovskaya M; Stefanczyk MM; Huanca T; Kumar A; Manral U; Odo OM; Onyishi IE; Jędryczka W

Summary:
The study looked at love in two types of marriages: those chosen by people and those arranged by families. In different cultures, some differences were noticed, like in the Bhotiya and Tsimane', where marriages chosen by the couple sometimes had more love, while in the Meru culture, arranged marriages had more love. The research helps us understand how love can be different in arranged marriages and challenges the idea that arranged marriages don't have love.

Meta:
pubmed id: 39671123 Indexed on February 9th, 2025