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Abstract

The term "gay community" has been criticized for its inability to explain the pluralities in a specific cultural and political context. Based on in-depth interviews with 63 non-heterosexual males in Bulgaria, this study aims to revisit the theories of gay communities in a non-Western, post-communist context. The data from this study suggest that (1) the idea of a "gay community" is often rejected due to anti-communist notions and explicit engagement with individualism as anti-communitarianism; (2) belonging to a gay community is subjective, and initial verbal detachment from gay communities does not indicate a lack of factual belonging to such communities; (3) the concepts of "personal communities" and "family of choice" remain relatively irrelevant in the Bulgarian context; (4) the most significant factor for attachment to a gay community is the notion of "gay culture" and "gay scene"; (5) recent forms of "sexual attachments" have led to a certain political involvement; and (6) the "anti-gender campaigns" have revitalized the importance of gay communities and have brought an increasing number of respondents to certain involvement in gay communities and networks, challenging the theories of "post-gay" societies.

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Article Details

Title:
"A Community… Sounds Like Communism": Notions of Gay Community and "Community Belonging Contradiction" Among Bulgarian Non-Heterosexual Males.

Author(s):
Darakchi S

Summary:
The study talks with 63 men in Bulgaria who aren't straight and looks at how they feel about being part of a gay community. It found that some people don't like the idea of a gay community and prefer to be seen as individuals, but many still connect with the culture and events. Recently, more people are getting involved with gay communities because of political issues.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37921787 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Despite strengthening HIV prevention with the introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), STI services have remained relatively unchanged and the standard of care remains syndromic management. We used a discrete choice experiment to investigate service users' preferences for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs in South Africa.

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Article Details

Title:
Implementation preferences for the management of sexually transmitted infections in the South African health system: a discrete choice experiment.

Author(s):
Iwuji C; Martin CE; Pillay D; Shamu P; Nzenze S; Murire M; Cox LA; Miners A; Llewellyn C; Mullick S

Summary:
The study looked at how people in South Africa prefer to get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Even though there's better HIV prevention with PrEP, STI services haven't changed much, so the researchers wanted to see what people like best.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37918916 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Women, transgender men, and gender non-binary individuals who gave birth during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced strict visitor restrictions that significantly disrupted their support networks. This study sought to examine women's perceptions and experiences of solitary support, particularly from male partners, during labor and delivery.

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Article Details

Title:
Women's experiences with solitary childbirth support in Ohio during COVID-19: Results from a qualitative study.

Author(s):
Church AC

Summary:
The study looked at what women, transgender men, and non-binary people thought about not having many visitors when having a baby during the COVID-19 pandemic. It focused on how they felt about the support they got, especially from male partners, during labor and delivery.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37909471 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Australia has largely been targeted at gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. In the context of HIV elimination, the aim of this qualitative study was to explore PrEP prescribing for Australian cisgender women from the provider's perspective.

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Article Details

Title:
Provider views of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for cisgender women - where do women fit in HIV elimination in Australia?

Author(s):
Lade C; MacPhail C; Rutherford A

Summary:
This study looks at how doctors and nurses in Australia give medicine called PrEP to women to stop them from getting HIV. It focuses on understanding the reasons and methods for providing PrEP to women, not just men.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37903431 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Despite the widespread public concern regarding abduction, research on this type of crime is scarce. This lack of research is even more pronounced when looking at cases that end with the death of the victim. In fact, all of the research looking at lethal outcomes in cases of abductions has focused exclusively on child victims and has failed to consider the interactions at the multivariate level between the factors related to the death of the victim. Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify offender and crime characteristics - as well as their interactions - associated with a lethal outcome in sexually-motivated abductions using a combination of logistic regression and neural network analyses on a sample of 281 cases (81 cases ending with a lethal outcome, random sample of 200 comparison cases). Findings show that sexually-motivated abductions ending with a lethal outcome are more likely to be characterized by an offender who is a loner, forensically aware, and who who uses a weapon and restraints, and who sexually penetrates and beats a known victim. The neural network analysis show that three different pathways lead to a lethal outcome in sexually-motivated abductions. Such findings are important for correctional practices.

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Article Details

Title:
Interactions Between Offender and Crime Characteristics Leading to a Lethal Outcome in Cases of Sexually-Motivated Abductions.

Author(s):
Beauregard E; Chopin J

Summary:
The study looks at why some kidnappings end with the victim's death. It found that these cases often involve a kidnapper who works alone and uses weapons. It also found three different ways these crimes can lead to a deadly outcome.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37902157 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV. Despite its promise, PrEP use is low, especially among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). The prevalence of HIV in Mississippi (MS) is among the highest in the United States, with the bulk of new infections occurring amongst YBMSM living in Jackson, MS. We recruited 20 PrEP-eligible YBMSM and 10 clinic staff from MS health clinics between October 2021 and April 2022. Data were collected remotely using in-depth interviews and a brief survey, which lasted approximately 45-60 min. Interview content included PrEP knowledge/experiences, HIV risk perception, and PrEP use barriers and facilitators. Qualitative data were coded then organized using NVivo. Using thematic analysis methodology, data were assessed for current barriers to PrEP use. An array of barriers were identified by participants. Barriers included structural factors (cost of PrEP, lack of discreet clinics, time commitment, competing interests); social factors (unaware of HIV risk, stigma and homophobia, fear that partners would find out about PrEP use, not knowing anyone on PrEP); behavioral factors (sexual risk factors, denial, less priority for prevention vs treatment); and clinical factors (misunderstood side effects, fear PrEP won't work). Significant barriers to PrEP use among YBMSM stem from structural, social, behavioral, and clinical factors. These results will inform intervention efforts tailored to mitigate barriers and improve PrEP uptake among YBMSM in the southern United States.

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Article Details

Title:
Social, Structural, Behavioral, and Clinical Barriers Influencing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Use Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the South: A Qualitative Update to a 2016 Study.

Author(s):
Arnold T; Giorlando KK; Barnett AP; Gaudiano BA; Rogers BG; Whiteley L; Ward LM; Edet PP; Elwy AR; Brown LK

Summary:
Researchers studied why many young Black men in Mississippi don't use a medicine called PrEP that helps prevent HIV. They found obstacles like cost, fear, misunderstanding side effects, and stigma, which will help create solutions to increase PrEP use.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37891436 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Over 30,000 mpox cases were reported during the 2022 mpox outbreak with many cases occurring among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Decreases in U.S. mpox cases were likely accelerated by a combination of vaccination and modifications to sexual behaviors associated with mpox virus transmission. We assessed reports of sexual behavior change among participants receiving mpox vaccination in Washington, DC.

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Article Details

Title:
Modifications to Sexual Behaviors Associated With Mpox (Monkeypox) Virus Transmission Among Persons Presenting for mpox Vaccination, Washington, DC, August-October, 2022.

Author(s):
Copen CE; Delaney KP; Agnew-Brune C; Berry I; Griffin I; Hassan R; Oakley LP; Wondmeneh S; Rhodes T; Gillani S; Lee M; Ashley P; Willut C; Mangla AT; Waltenburg MA; Jackson DA

Summary:
During the 2022 mpox outbreak, over 30,000 cases happened, mostly affecting men who engage in same-sex relationships. The decrease in U.S. cases was likely due to vaccines and changes in sexual behavior. Researchers looked at how people's sexual behaviors changed after getting vaccinated in Washington, DC.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37889944 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Emergency departments (EDs) are the primary source of health care for many patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Expedited partner therapy (EPT), treating the partner of patients with STIs, is an evidence-based practice for patients who might not otherwise seek care. Little is known about the use of EPT in the ED. In a national survey, we describe ED medical directors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of EPT.

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Article Details

Title:
A National Study of Expedited Partner Therapy Use in Emergency Departments: A Survey of Medical Director Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices.

Author(s):
Solnick RE; Cortes R; Chang EJ; Dudas P; Deng D; Jamison CD; Mmeje O; Kocher KE

Summary:
This study looks at emergency department (ED) doctors and what they know and think about treating partners of patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The researchers conducted a survey to understand how often EDs use this treatment method.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37889937 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Social and sexual distancing (ie, abstaining from sex with persons outside one's household) was important in the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Compliance to distancing measures can change over time. We assessed changes in compliance to the sexual distancing measures during five periods of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands.

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Article Details

Title:
Sexual Distancing During 5 Periods Around and During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Author(s):
de Vries DC; Jongen VW; Zimmermann HML; Davidovich U; Hoornenborg E; de Vries HJC

Summary:
The paper talks about how people in the Netherlands tried to stay safe from COVID-19 by not having close contact with people they didn't live with. It looks at how well people followed these rules at different times during the pandemic.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37889934 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

During the 2022 mpox outbreak, most cases were associated with sexual contact, and many people with mpox sought care from sexual health clinics and programs. The National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conducted a survey of US sexual health clinics and programs to assess knowledge, practices, and experiences around mpox to inform a future public health response.

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Article Details

Title:
Understanding the Impact of Mpox on Sexual Health Clinical Services: A National Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Survey-United States, 2022.

Author(s):
Schubert SL; Miele K; Quilter LAS; Agnew-Brune C; Coor A; Kachur R; Lewis F; Ard KL; Wendel K; Anderson T; Nagendra G; Tromble E

Summary:
Most mpox cases in 2022 were linked to sexual contact, and people went to sexual health clinics for help. The CDC and other groups did a survey to learn more and be ready for future outbreaks.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37889929 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In Western Europe, Muslims' cultural attitudes take center stage in debates in media and politics. In these debates, the claim that Muslims' religious interpretations cause them to be intolerant of homosexual people is often repeated. While previous public opinion studies have time and again shown that Muslims are indeed on average more homonegative than other people, the present study theoretically explores and empirically tests whether those differences are Islamic religiosity. This assumption is often made but has yet to be empirically addressed. Using unique data on young Muslim adults in the Netherlands and more direct measurements of religious interpretations on homosexuality, we find that Islamic religiosity as such hardly fuels intolerance of homosexual people. In fact, our results show that even believing that Islam forbids homosexuality does not necessarily fuel Muslims' intolerance of homosexual people. Rather, what is pivotal, is whether such beliefs are coupled with a willingness to judge, rather than leaving judgment to Allah. We conclude that only among young adult Dutch Muslims who believe it is up to them to judge homosexuality, do homonegative interpretations of Islam feed into intolerance of homosexual people.

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Article Details

Title:
"It is for God to judge": Understanding Why and When Islamic Religiosity Inhibits Homotolerance.

Author(s):
Geurts N; Glas S; Spierings N

Summary:
Some people think that Muslims are not kind to gay people because of their religion. But this study found that just being religious isn't what makes Muslims less accepting. It's more about whether they feel it's their job to judge others or leave it up to God.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37888948 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Love is a phenomenon that occurs across the world and affects many aspects of human life, including the choice of, and process of bonding with, a romantic partner. Thus, developing a reliable and valid measure of love experiences is crucial. One of the most popular tools to quantify love is Sternberg's 45-item Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45), which measures three love components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. However, our literature review reveals that most studies (64%) use a broad variety of shortened versions of the TLS-45. Here, aiming to achieve scientific consensus and improve the reliability, comparability, and generalizability of results across studies, we developed a short version of the scale-the TLS-15-comprised of 15 items with 5-point, rather than 9-point, response scales. In Study 1 (N = 7,332), we re-analyzed secondary data from a large-scale multinational study that validated the original TLS-45 to establish whether the scale could be truncated. In Study 2 (N = 307), we provided evidence for the three-factor structure of the TLS-15 and its reliability. Study 3 (N = 413) confirmed convergent validity and test-retest stability of the TLS-15. Study 4 (N = 60,311) presented a large-scale validation across 37 linguistic versions of the TLS-15 on a cross-cultural sample spanning every continent of the globe. The overall results provide support for the reliability, validity, and cross-cultural invariance of the TLS-15, which can be used as a measure of love components-either separately or jointly as a three-factor measure.

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Article Details

Title:
Validation of the Short Version (TLS-15) of the Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45) across 37 Languages.

Author(s):
Kowal M; Sorokowski P; Dinić BM; Pisanski K; Gjoneska B; Frederick DA; Pfuhl G; Milfont TL; Bode A; Aguilar L; García FE; Roberts SC; Abad-Villaverde B; Kavčič T; Miroshnik KG; Ndukaihe ILG; Šafárová K; Valentova JV; Aavik T; Blackburn AM; Çetinkaya H; Duyar I; Guemaz F; Ishii T; Kačmár P; Natividade JC; Nussinson R; Omar-Fauzee MSB; Pacquing MCT; Ponnet K; Wang AH; Yoo G; Amin R; Pirtskhalava E; Afhami R; Arvanitis A; Duyar DA; Besson T; Boussena M; Can S; Can AR; Carneiro J; Castro R; Chubinidze D; Čunichina K; Don Y; Dural S; Etchezahar E; Fekih-Romdhane F; Frackowiak T; Moharrampour NG; Yepes TG; Grassini S; Jovic M; Kertechian KS; Khan F; Kobylarek A; Križanić V; Lins S; Mandzyk T; Manunta E; Martinac Dorčić T; Muthu KN; Najmussaqib A; Otterbring T; Park JH; Pavela Banai I; Perun M; Reyes MES; Röer JP; Şahin A; Sahli FZ; Šakan D; Singh S; Smojver-Azic S; Söylemez S; Spasovski O; Studzinska A; Toplu-Demirtas E; Urbanek A; Volkodav T; Wlodarczyk A; Yaakob MFMY; Yusof MR; Zumárraga-Espinosa M; Zupančič M; Sternberg RJ

Summary:
The study talks about a way to measure love called the Triangular Love Scale. They made a shorter version with 15 questions that works well in many different cultures and is easy to use. This shorter scale still measures the three parts of love: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37884798 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In the last few years, the frequency of sexually transmitted infections (STI) has increased, as has the number of people with multiple infections. The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of persons with repeated bacterial STI and to determine the risk factors for these episodes in persons living in Barcelona during the period 2007-2018. We studied all cases of bacterial STI included in the STI registry of Barcelona. Repeated STI were defined as a diagnosis of gonorrhea, syphilis, or lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) after a first episode of one of these infections. Analysis was stratified by sex and place of birth. The factors associated with time to reinfection were determined by Kaplan-Meier estimates, while the factors associated with risk of infection were determined by a Cox proportional hazards model. Of 9927 persons with a diagnosis of bacterial STI, 1690 (17.0%) had at least two episodes of STI during the study period. On multivariate analysis, repeat STI were independently associated with male sex assigned at birth (HR: 3.45; 95%CI 2.22-5.36), age less than 34 years (HR: 1.22; 95%CI 1.10-1.35); gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, and transgender o transsexual woman (GBSMS/Trans) (HR: 4.03; 95%CI 3.24-5.03), having gonorrhea as first diagnosis (HR:1.49, 95%CI 1.34-1.66) or LGV (HR:1.75; 95%CI 1.47-2.08) and coinfection with HIV (HR:1.98; 95%CI 1.78-2.21). Sexual health programs should be strengthened to prevent STI and reinfection in key populations.

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Article Details

Title:
Epidemiological Characteristics and Factors Associated with Repeat Sexually Transmitted Infections in Barcelona, Spain Over a Decade.

Author(s):
Jacques-Aviñó C; Alarcón Guitiérrez M; Barbera MJ; Fuertes I; Martin-Ezquerra G; Lopez-Contreras J; Vives Á; Rodriguez R; Ros M; Rius C; de Olalla PG

Summary:
The study looked at why some people in Barcelona got sexually transmitted infections (STIs) more than once. They found that young men, especially those who are gay, bisexual, or transgender, were more likely to get STIs again. It's important to have good health programs to help prevent these infections in these groups.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37875628 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

While research generally supports that greater outness about one's sexual identity is associated with improved well-being, emerging evidence suggests that outness may have negative consequences for bisexual individuals. Yet, few studies have examined sexual identity as a moderator of the associations between outness and well-being, especially among youth. As such, the role of outness in the mental health of diverse sexual minority youth (including pansexual, queer, questioning, and asexual youth) remains unclear. Thus, we examined how the associations between outness and well-being differed as a function of sexual identity in a sample of sexual minority youth. Using data from the ( = 11,225), we tested sexual identity as a moderator of the associations between outness and well-being (depression and self-esteem). In the full sample, greater outness was significantly associated with lower depression and higher self-esteem. However, these associations were significantly different for gay/lesbian versus questioning youth. Greater outness was associated with lower depression and higher self-esteem for gay/lesbian youth yet was associated with higher depression and was not associated with self-esteem for questioning youth. The association between outness and self-esteem was also significantly different for gay/lesbian versus bisexual youth. Greater outness was associated with higher self-esteem for both groups, but the association was stronger for gay/lesbian youth. These findings suggest that outness may have benefits for gay/lesbian and bisexual youth, yet it may have negative consequences for questioning youth. These findings can inform efforts to promote positive sexual identity development and wellbeing of sexual minority youth.

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Article Details

Title:
Does Outness Function the Same for All Sexual Minority Youth? Testing Its Associations With Different Aspects of Well-Being in a Sample of Youth With Diverse Sexual Identities.

Author(s):
Rentería R; Feinstein BA; Dyar C; Watson RJ

Summary:
The research shows that being open about one's sexual identity helps some young people feel better, but it can also have bad effects for others. For gay and lesbian youth, being open is linked to feeling less sad and having more confidence, but for questioning youth, it might make them feel more sad. This information can help in supporting the well-being of young people with different sexual identities.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37873023 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare syndrome in which patients experience various physical and cognitive symptoms after ejaculation, and its pathophysiology remains unknown.

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Article Details

Title:
Postorgasmic illness syndrome: one or several entities? A retrospective cohort study.

Author(s):
Chea M; Teng M; Chesnel C; Lagnau P; Amarenco G; Hentzen C

Summary:
POIS is a rare condition where people feel sick and have trouble thinking after they ejaculate. No one knows why this happens yet.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37872743 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Digital health interventions are gaining ground in conflict-affected countries, but studies on their reproductive health benefits for women are scanty. Focusing on conflict-affected northern Nigeria, this study examined the relationships between Internet use, exposure to digital family planning messages via text messages or social media, and sexual agency - measured as the ability to refuse sex and ask a male partner to use a condom - among partnered women including the rural-urban differentials. Partnered women's data (n= 18,205) from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey were analysed using descriptive and multinomial logistic regression analyses. 44.6% of women are able to refuse sex, and 31.4% to ask a male partner to use a condom. Internet use was positively associated with women's ability to refuse sex in the northern region and urban areas, and across the region to ask a male partner to use a condom. It was also positively associated with women's uncertainty about asking a male partner to use a condom. Exposure to digital family planning messages was positively associated with women's ability to ask a male partner to use a condom across the region, in both urban and rural areas. However, exposure to digital family planning messages was negatively associated with women's uncertainty in urban areas about their ability to refuse sex. Implications of these findings for digital family planning interventions are discussed.

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Article Details

Title:
Internet use, exposure to digital family planning messages, and sexual agency among partnered women in Northern Nigeria: implications for digital family planning intervention.

Author(s):
Okunlola DA; Alawode OA; Awoleye AF; Ilesanmi BB

Summary:
The study looked at how the internet and digital messages help women in conflict areas of Nigeria with their choices in sexual health. It found that using the internet helps women feel more able to refuse sex or ask their partners to use a condom. Getting messages about family planning also helps women ask their partners to use condoms, especially in cities and villages.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37870143 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The African Copperbelt is a site of intense artisanal and industrial mining and refining of copper and cobalt.

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Article Details

Title:
Erectile dysfunction in copper and cobalt miners: a cross-sectional study in the former Katanga province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Author(s):
Musa Obadia P; Pyana Kitenge J; Carsi Kuhangana T; Kalenga Ilunga G; Billen J; Kayembe-Kitenge T; Haufroid V; Mukalay Wa Mukalay A; Ris L; Banza Lubaba Nkulu C; Nemery B; Enzlin P

Summary:
The African Copperbelt is a place where people and factories get lots of copper and cobalt from the ground.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37869070 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In the Netherlands, newly qualified midwives start work as registered midwives without any formal transition support. Research shows that newly qualified midwives do not feel sufficiently confident and competent in their work during the period following graduation. This could impact the quality of care provided by newly registered midwives. The aim of this study is to seek consensus with stakeholders concerning viable components of support for newly qualified midwives working in midwifery care in the Netherlands.

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Article Details

Title:
How to improve newly qualified midwives' transition-into-practice. A Delphi study.

Author(s):
Kool E; Schellevis FG; Jaarsma DADC; Feijen-de Jong EI

Summary:
New midwives in the Netherlands start working without help to get used to their jobs. This study looks for ways to support them so they feel more confident and provide better care.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37866285 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Understanding affective perceptual processes can further contribute to the explanation of motivation and actions, as well as sexual risk behaviors. Pornography can be considered salient emotional content and is popular, also among females. Yet, the female perspective on pornography has often been overlooked and it remains unclear how individual variables may be associated with the affective perception of pornography and could provide a risk profile. Possible associations between several sexual and psychological intrapersonal variables and the affective perception of various forms of pornography were analyzed from the female perspective. A sample of 231 females (M = 21.87 years; SD = 3.9 years) provided ratings of affective valence, arousal, disgust, and moral and ethical acceptance for mainstream pornographic and paraphilic images of dominance, submission, or sexual violence. Paraphilic pornography was perceived as less pleasant, arousing, and moral and ethically acceptable, but more disgusting compared to mainstream pornography. This was more pronounced among females who had never consumed pornography. Results further suggest that the female affective perception of pornography was associated with the following sexual intrapersonal variables: sexual sensation seeking for physical sensations, erotophilia, lack of sexual control, problematic pornography consumption, and sexual disgust sensitivity. Of the assessed psychological intrapersonal variables, only anxiety was negatively associated with disgust for paraphilic pornography. It is important to further analyze the female affective perception of pornography and associated variables to include them in strategies for prevention and for addressing problematic consequences of the acceptance of specific sexual content and behaviors, especially related to sexualized violence.

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Article Details

Title:
Female Affective Perception of Mainstream and Paraphilic Pornography: Associations with Sexual and Psychological Intrapersonal Variables.

Author(s):
Prantner S; Giménez-García C; Espino-Payá A; Escrig MA; Fuentes-Sánchez N; Ballester-Arnal R; Pastor MC

Summary:
The research studied how women feel about different types of pornography, including those with themes like dominance or violence. It found that women generally found violent types less pleasant and more disgusting than other types. The way women felt about this content was linked to personal factors like sexual interest and control.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37863863 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

We sought to determine whether there is evidence to recommend progesterone for individuals not wishing to complete a medication abortion after taking mifepristone.

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Article Details

Title:
Reversal of medication abortion with progesterone: a systematic review.

Author(s):
Stifani BM; Lavelanet AF

Summary:
The researchers wanted to find out if taking progesterone could help people who change their mind about wanting an abortion after starting the process with a drug called mifepristone. They looked for proof to see if progesterone could be recommended in these cases.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37863512 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) use has been linked to a number of ocular side effects, such as serous retinal detachment (SRD), retinal vascular occlusion (RVO), and ischemic optic neuropathy (ION).

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Article Details

Title:
Use of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors is not associated with ocular adverse events.

Author(s):
Belladelli F; Li S; Zhang CA; Muncey W; Del Giudice F; Glover F; Seranio N; Basran S; Fallara G; Montorsi F; Salonia A; Eisenberg ML

Summary:
Some medicines called PDE5 inhibitors can cause problems with your eyes. These problems can include areas in the eye where the retina pulls away, blocked blood vessels, and eye nerve damage.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37861186 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This review synthesises qualitative research on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake by sexual minority men to provide an overarching conceptualisation of the implementation processes involved. Twenty-four studies-comprising 734 participants from USA, UK, France, Canada, and Taiwan-were synthesised using thematic synthesis. The synthesis elucidates the dual significance of PrEP uptake: (1) risk management: reinforcing relational circumstances, and rebalancing safety and risk; and (2) sexual empowerment: reclaiming health and sexuality and refocusing on sexual fulfillment and intimacy. Overall, the findings show how gay and bisexual men use PrEP to reconcile their antagonistic desires for intimacy and safety by recalibrating protection and reimagining intimacy. This review conceptualises the essence of users' experiences of PrEP implementation as -the labour and agency in making and remaking practices to manage discontinuities and incongruities-about the new HIV prevention modality. The concept of reconciliation work illustrates how using PrEP influences users' practices, which in turn, shape the meanings of PrEP use within the community. This work engenders contingent transformations and outcomes beyond HIV protection, encompassing the broader aspects of health and sexuality. Findings support the adoption of more holistic and empowering approaches to sexual health promotion and intervention.

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Article Details

Title:
Reconciling intimacy and safety: a qualitative systematic review of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation among gay and bisexual men.

Author(s):
Yeo TED

Summary:
This paper talks about how men who identify as sexual minorities use a medication called PrEP to protect themselves from HIV. It shows that PrEP helps them feel safer and more confident in their relationships while allowing them to enjoy being close to others. The study suggests that using PrEP changes how people think about safety and intimacy, leading to healthier and happier lives.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37860979 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, together with the subsequent social distancing measures, could lead to shifts in family and fertility planning. This study aimed to explore the associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in fertility intentions among an international sample of reproductive-aged women.

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Article Details

Title:
Associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and women's fertility intentions: a multi-country, cross-sectional (I-SHARE) study.

Author(s):
Zhao M; O'Hara CA; Sahril NB; Liu H; Pei K; Ivanova O; Larsson EC; Shamu S; Kpokiri E; Cleeve A; Tucker JD; Michielsen K; Zhang WH

Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic and staying away from other people might change how families plan to have children. This study looked at how the pandemic affects women's plans to have babies in the future.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37857464 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Being sexually coerced can have long-lasting psychological impacts on victims; with perpetration strongly predicted by elevated psychopathic traits. Owing to recent legislative developments in the United Kingdom that criminalize coercive control under the Domestic Abuse Act (2021), this study offers a timely investigation into the mechanisms of sexual coercion in domestic abuse across sexual abuse and coercive control. We used moderation analysis ( = 405) to investigate whether sexual coercion proclivity was predicted by facets of atypical sexuality (non-clinical elevated levels of sex drive, sexual sadism, and sexual masochism), and whether this relationship was moderated by psychopathic personality traits specifically the factor one components, which encompasses interpersonal and affective characteristics. Psychopathic personality traits significantly moderated the positive association between sex drive and sexual coercion proclivity, and between sexual sadism and sexual coercion proclivity in males (but not females), but psychopathic personality traits had no such moderating effect in the sexual masochism model. Results are discussed in terms of identifying risk factors of sexual coercion within a general population sample and international application. Open data and a preprint of this paper are available at [https://osf.io/xkcah/?view_only=134ff9c93ad24ba286515b348ce79c0c].

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Article Details

Title:
Psychopathic Personality as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Atypical Sexuality and Sexual Coercion Proclivity in the General Population.

Author(s):
Thatcher AS; Wallace L; Fido D

Summary:
This study looked at how some people might try to control others using actions related to sexual behavior and how certain personality traits, like being selfish or having a lack of emotion, might make this worse. They found that for men, being very interested in sex and liking to be mean during it could lead to trying to control others, especially if they have those selfish traits.

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pubmed id: 37856577 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This randomized experiment tested whether the inclusion of a "something else" response option for a question about sexual identity in a national health survey would significantly moderate estimated differences between sexual identity subgroups in terms of various health outcomes, including substance use and reproductive health. We conducted secondary analyses of data from five consecutive years of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG; 2015-2019), where two large national half-samples were randomly assigned to receive one of two different versions of a question about sexual identity (a four-category version that included a "something else" response option or a three-category version omitting this option). We focused on national estimates of differences between subgroups defined by sexual identity. Multivariable models indicated that the estimated subgroup differences changed in a statistically significant fashion when using the four-category version of the sexual identity question for several measures, including 16% of male measures (household size, past-year cigarette use, and past-year illicit drug use) and 15% of female measures (wanting a/another child, ever had a sexually transmitted disease, and past-year marijuana use). The absence of a "something else" response option for questions about sexual identity in national health surveys may cause respondents to select options that do not accurately describe their identities, and this can have a significant effect on national estimates of differences between sexual identity subgroups in terms of selected health outcomes.

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Article Details

Title:
How a "Something Else" Response Option for Sexual Identity Affects National Survey Estimates of Associations Between Sexual Identity, Reproductive Health, and Substance Use.

Author(s):
West BT; Engstrom CW; Schepis TS; Tani IJ; McCabe SE

Summary:
Researchers wanted to see if adding a "something else" option to a survey question about sexual identity would change how people answer questions about their health. They found that adding this option made a difference in how some groups reported health problems like using drugs or wanting children. This shows that surveys need good options for everyone to answer truthfully.

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pubmed id: 37853260 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

National lockdowns in England due to COVID-19 resulted in rapid shifts in healthcare provision, including in primary care where most contraceptive prescriptions are issued. This study aimed to investigate contraception prescribing trends in primary care during the pandemic and the impact of socioeconomic deprivation.

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Article Details

Title:
Contraception prescribing in England during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author(s):
Begum T; Cullen E; Moffat M; Rankin J

Summary:
The study looked at how doctors gave out birth control in England during COVID-19 lockdowns. It found changes in how often people got birth control and saw that people in poorer areas were affected differently.

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pubmed id: 37852734 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In August 2022, in response to a global mpox outbreak, the World Health Organization recommended the Vaccinia vaccination for at-risk people.

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Article Details

Title:
Case study: breakthrough mpox infection in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia after completed two-dose course of subcutaneous modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA-BN) vaccines.

Author(s):
Cornelisse VJ; Kearley JJM; Vargas Castillo J; Macharg L; McLaughlin VA; Jack SJ; Swift C

Summary:
In August 2022, there was a global illness outbreak called mpox. The World Health Organization said that people who might get sick should get a special vaccine called the Vaccinia vaccine.

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pubmed id: 37852607 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Male sexual victimization by women is often neglected within psychological research (Fisher & Pina, 2013). Not only is the topic understudied, incidence rates and associated psychological impacts are inconsistent across the literature (Depraetere et al., 2020; Peterson et al., 2011). The present study provides an additional estimate of male sexual victimization by women, explores its association with victim mental disorders, and examines the potential moderating role of conformity to gender norms. A sample of 1124 heterosexual British men completed an online survey consisting of a modified CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, and measures of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and conformity to masculine norms. In the present sample, 71% of men experienced some form of sexual victimization by a woman at least once during their lifetime. Sexual victimization was significantly associated with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, conformity to masculine gender norms was not a significant moderator between victimization and mental disorders. These findings further illuminate the occurrence of male sexual victimization by women, as well as the importance of continued research on the topic.

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Article Details

Title:
Male Sexual Victimization by Women: Incidence Rates, Mental Health, and Conformity to Gender Norms in a Sample of British Men.

Author(s):
Madjlessi J; Loughnan S

Summary:
The study looked at how often men are hurt sexually by women and how it affects their feelings and mental health. Out of 1124 men, 71% said they were victims at least once, and this was linked to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The study also found that acting like a "typical man" didn't change the impact of being a victim.

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pubmed id: 37851161 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) affects approximately 56 million women and girls across sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with up to a threefold increased prevalence of HIV. Integrating FGS with HIV programmes as part of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services may be one of the most significant missed opportunities for preventing HIV incidence among girls and women. A search of studies published until October 2021 via Scopus and ProQuest was conducted using PRISMA guidelines to assess how FGS can be integrated into HIV/SRH and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) programmes and services. Data extraction included studies that integrated interventions and described the opportunities and challenges. A total of 334 studies were identified, with 22 eligible for analysis and summarised conducting a descriptive numerical analysis and qualitative review. We adapted a framework for integrated implementation of FGS, HIV, and HPV/cervical cancer to thematically organise the results, classifying them into five themes: awareness and community engagement, diagnosis, treatment, burden assessment, and economic evaluation. Most activities pertained to awareness and community engagement ( = 9), diagnosis ( = 9) and were primarily connected to HIV/AIDS ( = 8) and school-based services and programming ( = 8). The studies mainly described the opportunities and challenges for integration, rather than presenting results from implemented integration interventions, highlighting an evidence gap on FGS integration into HIV/SRH and NTD programmes. Investments are needed to realise the potential of FGS integration to address the burden of this neglected disease and improve HIV and SRH outcomes for millions of women and girls at risk.

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Article Details

Title:
Integration of female genital schistosomiasis into HIV/sexual and reproductive health and rights and neglected tropical diseases programmes and services: a scoping review.

Author(s):
Umbelino-Walker I; Wong F; Cassolato M; Pantelias A; Jacobson J; Kalume C

Summary:
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) affects many girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa and increases the risk of getting HIV. Researchers looked at different studies to see how FGS can be combined with programs for HIV to help women better, but they found that more work needs to be done to actually make this happen. They found that raising awareness and getting the community involved are important first steps.

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pubmed id: 37850814 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Gender norms that centre men and disadvantage women create gender inequality, which can lead to risky sexual behaviour. This study examined how both community and individual attitudes toward gender norms influenced risky sexual behaviour in adolescents, and whether that influence was different between males and females. We found that higher gender-equitable attitudes were linked to increased odds of HIV testing in the last 12 months, and decreased odds of engaging in a sexual relationship with a much older partner. Individual high gender-equitable attitudes among girls were also linked to higher odds of them using condoms and contraceptives. Gender-equitable attitudes did not seem to influence early sexual debut, engagement in transactional sex, having multiple sexual partners at the same time, or the number of sexual partners a participant had in the last 12 months. Based on these findings, programming designed to increase gender-equitable attitudes might be helpful in increasing HIV testing and condom and contraceptive use, but it needs to involve the entire community, not just individual boys and girls.

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Article Details

Title:
The influence of gender-equitable attitudes on sexual behaviour among unmarried adolescents in rural Tanzania: a longitudinal study.

Author(s):
Rogers K; Ranganathan M; Kajula L; Lorraine Collins R; Livingston JA; Palermo T

Summary:
This study looked at how people's thoughts about gender roles affect risky sexual behavior in teenagers. It found that having more fair thoughts about gender roles led to more teens getting tested for HIV and using protection. The study suggests involving everyone in the community to help change these thoughts.

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pubmed id: 37850724 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

There is a growing body of research showing that birth related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may impact the mother-infant relationship. The present study assessed the strength of the association between birth related PTSD symptoms and the mother-infant relationship.

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Article Details

Title:
Birth related PTSD and its association with the mother-infant relationship: A meta-analysis.

Author(s):
Frankham LJ; Thorsteinsson EB; Bartik W

Summary:
Some research shows that having PTSD after giving birth can affect how moms feel about their babies. This study looked at how strong that connection is.

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pubmed id: 37847956 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Same-sex attraction may be linked to low prenatal androgen (in men) and high prenatal androgen (in women). Digit ratio (2D:4D) is thought to be a negative correlate of prenatal androgen and right-left 2D:4D (Dr-l) to reflect lateralized differences in sensitivity to prenatal androgen. Lower 2D:4D has been reported for lesbians compared to heterosexuals, but links to high 2D:4D in gay men are less clear. The largest study thus far (the BBC Internet study) found no significant difference between the 2D:4D of lesbians and heterosexual women but a higher 2D:4D in gay men compared to heterosexual men. Here we consider the possibility that low and high prenatal androgen is associated with same-sex attraction in men (n = 108,779) and women (n = 87,742), resulting in more than two phenotypes. We examined the associations between 2D:4D, Dr-l, and same-sex attraction scores in the BBC Internet study. In contrast to the earlier report, which considered sexual orientation in categories, there were positive linear associations in men (right and left 2D:4D, but not Dr-l) and negative linear associations in women (right 2D:4D and Dr-l, but not left 2D:4D). There were no curvilinear relationships for right and left 2D:4D. However, Dr-l showed a U-shaped association with same-sex attraction in men. Thus, (1) high prenatal androgen may be implicated in female homosexuality, while both low and high prenatal androgen may be implicated in male homosexuality, and (2) large side differences in sensitivity to androgen may be associated with elevated same-sex attraction in men.

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Article Details

Title:
Digit Ratio (2D:4D; Right-Left 2D:4D) and Multiple Phenotypes for Same-Sex Attraction: The BBC Internet Study Revisited.

Author(s):
Manning JT; Fink B; Trivers R

Summary:
The study looked at finger lengths and how they might be connected to being attracted to the same gender. It found different patterns in men and women, suggesting that certain hormone levels before birth might be linked to being gay.

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pubmed id: 37847344 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Although 1-14% of adolescents may experience problematic pornography use (PPU), psychometrically sound instruments for assessing PPU in Spanish-speaking adolescents are scarce. Given the advantages of the different forms of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS), the aim of the present study was to assess the psychometric properties of the PPCS and PPCS-6, and to examine associations between PPU and age among boys and girls. Two school-based adolescent samples were recruited in Spain (n = 650; M = 16.0 [SD = 1.1]; 50% girls and 50% boys) and Mexico (n1, 160; M = 15.8 [SD = 1.1]; 68% girls) to assess the psychometric properties of the PPCS and PPCS-6. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied and convergent and discriminant validity with other measures related to PPU was also tested. The results provided empirical support for the six-factor structure of the PPCS and the one-factor structure of the PPCS-6. Boys with older age showed higher levels of tolerance than girls on the PPCS in both countries. Both the PPCS and the PPCS-6 may be considered valid psychometric instruments for the assessment of PPU in Spanish-speaking adolescents from Spain and Mexico.

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Article Details

Title:
Spanish Validation of the Long and Short Versions of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS and PPCS-6) in Adolescents.

Author(s):
Villena-Moya A; Granero R; Chiclana-Actis C; Potenza MN; Blycker GR; Demetrovics Z; Bőthe B; Steward T; Fernández-Aranda F; Jiménez-Murcia S; Mestre-Bach G

Summary:
Researchers studied a tool to understand how teenagers use adult content websites. They tested it with kids in Spain and Mexico and found it works well to measure this behavior. Boys seemed more affected by age compared to girls in both countries.

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pubmed id: 37845419 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Public campaigns offer an opportunity to prevent child sexual abuse by raising awareness and promoting help available to bystanders, victims, and those at risk of perpetrating the abuse. This paper explores the impact of The Lucy Faithfull Foundation's 'Stop It Now!' campaign in the UK (2015-2018) on help-seeking. Helpline calls (11,190 unique callers), website analytics (109,432 new website visitors) and three website-hosted surveys ( = 252) provided data on help-seeking, awareness, and self-reported behavior. Results indicated that there were more visitors to the help website during active campaigning periods, and helpline callers and website visitors were more likely to seek help after viewing campaign materials during active than non-active campaign periods. Help-seekers were predominantly men concerned about their own behavior. Survey 2 respondents concerned about their own behavior ( = 53) indicated that their awareness of the law (75.5%), and legal and personal consequences (67.9%) had changed after hearing about the campaign, and 66% reported a change in behavior. Public health campaigns may be an effective way to promote help-seeking and prevent abuse.

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Article Details

Title:
The Impact of a Public Health Campaign to Deter Viewing of Child Sexual Abuse Images Online: A Case Study of the UK Stop It Now! Campaign.

Author(s):
Newman EF; Efthymiadou E; Quayle E; Squire T; Denis D; Wortley R; Beier KM; Koukopoulos N

Summary:
A campaign called 'Stop It Now!' helped people in the UK learn about stopping child sexual abuse. More people visited the website and called for help during the campaign. Many of the people who sought help were worried about their own behavior, and some said they changed after learning more.

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pubmed id: 37837444 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) globally but there is little published evidence on the COVID-19 response of SRHR programmes, or lessons learned through their adaptations. To document the COVID-19 response of a global SRHR programme (the Women's Integrated Sexual Health programme), in-depth interviews were conducted between April and July 2021 with 22 key informants from implementing partners in Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and central or regional offices, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the third-party monitoring partner. Framework analysis methods were used. Several rapid COVID-19 adaptations were identified: the development of crisis management and communication teams; increased partnership and engagement with government; reduced contact and risk in service delivery; reformulated community mobilisation; flexible performance management and remote methods of quality assurance; and sharing of learnings alongside the development of new guidance and tools. Throughout the pandemic, the programme was able to continue high-quality service delivery, though equity goals proved more difficult to reach. Challenges included the continually changing environment, competing pressures on governments, burdensome reporting, and staff burnout. The pandemic response was facilitated by prior experience of health emergencies, strong government relationships, a supportive workforce and some pre-existing approaches, tools, and systems. This study has identified important lessons that can inform programming in future crises, including the need for immediate recognition of SRHR as essential, sustained support for staff, use of multiple mechanisms to reach marginalised groups, adequate funding for equity goals, and a better balance between the burden of reporting and accountability needs.

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Title:
Adapting to a global pandemic: a qualitative assessment of programmatic responses to COVID-19 in the multi-country Women's Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) programme.

Author(s):
Footman K; Page P; Boydell V; McLaren M; Mudhune S

Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic made it hard for people to get health services related to sex and reproduction. A program used quick changes to keep helping people, like working more with the government and using new ways to reach communities. They learned important lessons for future emergencies, like needing to support workers and making sure they reach everyone who needs help.

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pubmed id: 37830779 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Iran has witnessed three major reversals of population policies since their inception in the 1960s. In response to a rapid decline in fertility to very low levels, the latest policy shift has led to the development of legislation that aims to encourage marriage and fertility, particularly the "Youthful Population and Protection of the Family" law approved in 2021. This study reviews the changes in population policy and their interrelations with fertility trends, focusing mainly on the shift towards pronatalist policies since 2005, and accompanying restriction of reproductive health and family planning services. Combining international and national sources, we position the new pronatalist drive in the country within the broader trend of government attempts to reverse fertility decline and promote conservative family values. Our study has three main aims. (1) We provide an overview of fertility trends, policy discourses and policy shifts in the context of the changes in the societal and political structures of Iran during the last half a century. (2) We highlight and discuss the most problematic features of the new Family Law, especially the legislation pertaining to maternal and reproductive health, access to abortion and contraception, and incentives supporting earlier marriage and higher fertility. (3) We discuss the likely consequences of the new legislation for maternal and child health and sexual and reproductive rights, for women in general, and the country's socio-economic disparities. As well as violating reproductive rights, the new policy is unlikely to achieve its aim of initiating a sustained rise in fertility in Iran.

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Article Details

Title:
A pronatalist turn in population policies in Iran and its likely adverse impacts on reproductive rights, health and inequality: a critical narrative review.

Author(s):
Asadisarvestani K; Sobotka T

Summary:
Iran has changed its population policies many times since the 1960s. Recently, they made a new law to encourage more people to get married and have children. This study looks at how these changes might affect people's health and rights, but it doubts the new law will actually make more babies be born in the long run.

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pubmed id: 37830775 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Medication abortion has been established globally as safe and effective. This modality has increased accessibility and the opportunity to centre individual autonomy at the heart of abortion care, by facilitating self-managed abortion. Previous research has shown how self-managed abortion is beneficial in myriad settings ranging from problematic to (relatively) unproblematic contexts of access. In this paper we explore the relationship between self-management and sources of support (including health professionals, family, and friends); as well as considering issues of reproductive control and autonomy. Drawing on qualitative, experience-centred interviews, we utilise the concept of social connectedness to examine how supported self-managed abortion was experienced in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, self-management was welcomed, with participants speaking positively about managing their own abortion at home. However, a sense of connectedness was crucial in helping participants deal with difficult experiences; and functioned to support individual autonomy in self-care. This paper is the first to examine factors of connection, support, and isolation, as experienced by those undergoing self-managed abortion in the UK in detail. Our research suggests a continued need to advocate for high quality support for self-managed abortion, as well as for choice of abortion method, to support patient-centered care.

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Article Details

Title:
Social connectedness and supported self-management of early medication abortion in the UK: experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic and learning for the future.

Author(s):
Hoggart L; Purcell C; Bloomer F; Newton V; Oluseye A

Summary:
The study looks at how people in the UK managed their own abortions at home during COVID-19. It found that while people liked having control, getting support from others was really important for a good experience. The research says it's important to keep giving help and choices for those who choose this method.

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pubmed id: 37830180 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Genital ulcer diseases (GUDs) are a common syndrome associated with sexually transmitted infections. Genital ulcer diseases increase the risk of HIV transmission, necessitating appropriate diagnosis and treatment. We provide an updated GUD etiology assessment in Malawi to guide diagnostic development and treatment algorithms.

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Article Details

Title:
Dramatic Shift in the Etiology of Genital Ulcer Disease Among Patients Visiting a Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Author(s):
Chen JS; Matoga MM; Gaither CF; Jere E; Mathiya E; Bonongwe N; Krysiak R; Banda G; Hoffman IF; Miller WC; Juliano JJ; Rutstein SE

Summary:
Genital ulcer diseases are sores that come from infections you can get by having sex. These sores make it easier to catch HIV, so doctors need to figure out and treat them correctly. The research helps doctors in Malawi know what causes these sores and how to treat them.

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pubmed id: 37824787 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) are overrepresented in diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) relative to their population size. This study assessed trends in STI testing and diagnoses among GBM in Australia.

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Article Details

Title:
Trends in Testing and Self-Reported Diagnoses of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia, 2017 to 2021: Analysis of National Behavioral Surveillance Surveys.

Author(s):
Chan C; Holt M; Broady TR; Traeger MW; Mao L; Grulich AE; Prestage G; MacGibbon J; Rule J; Bavinton BR

Summary:
This study looked at how often gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Australia get tested for and diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections. These men have more STI cases compared to how many there are in the population.

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pubmed id: 37820259 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Increasing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is a critical part of ending the HIV epidemic. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many PrEP services transitioned to a telehealth model (telePrEP). This report evaluates the effect of COVID-19 and the addition of telePrEP on delivery of PrEP services at the Denver Sexual Health Clinic (DSHC), a regional sexual health clinic in Denver, CO.

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Article Details

Title:
Evaluation of the Impact and Outcomes of a Rapid Transition to Telehealth PrEP Delivery at a Sexual Health Clinic During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Author(s):
Higgins DM; Riba A; Alderton L; Wendel KA; Scanlon J; Weise J; Gibson N; Obafemi O

Summary:
This study looks at how the shift to telehealth for PrEP services during the COVID-19 pandemic affected a health clinic in Denver. It focuses on understanding how these changes can help in the fight against HIV.

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pubmed id: 37820240 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

With a rise in sexually transmitted infections in Australia, it is important to evaluate and optimise current sexual health services to reduce barriers to access and increase testing. We aimed to describe the range of sexual health services in Australia, focusing on strategies to improve testing among priority populations, and any future strategies participants believed would improve service delivery.

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Article Details

Title:
: Optimising the delivery of sexual health services in Australia: a qualitative study.

Author(s):
Kularadhan V; Fairley CK; Chen M; Bilardi J; Fortune R; Chow EPF; Philips T; Ong JJ

Summary:
There are more people getting infections from sexual activities in Australia. This study looks at different health services to make them better so more people can get tested easily. It also talks about new ways to help these services work better in the future.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37819718 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The health benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well established, although there is limited high-quality evidence regarding its impact on erectile function.

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Article Details

Title:
Effect of aerobic exercise on erectile function: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Author(s):
Khera M; Bhattacharyya S; Miller LE

Summary:
Regular aerobic exercise is known to be good for health, but there isn't much proof about how it affects erectile function.

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pubmed id: 37814532 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In Benin maternal mortality remains high at 397 deaths per 100,000 live births, despite 80% of births being attended by skilled birth attendants in health facilities. To identify childbirth practices that potentially contribute to this trend, an ethnographic study was conducted on the use of biomedical and alternative health services along the continuum of maternal care in Allada, Benin. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews ( = 83), informal interviews ( = 86), observations ( = 32) and group discussions ( = 3). Informants included biomedical, spiritual and alternative care providers and community members with a variety of socioeconomic and religious profiles. In Southern Benin alternative and spiritual care, inspired by the Vodoun, Christian or Muslim religions, is commonly used in addition to biomedical care. As childbirth is perceived as a "risky journey to the unknown", these care modalities aim to protect the mother and child from malevolent spirits, facilitate the birth and limit postpartum complications using herbal decoctions and spiritual rites and rituals. These practices are based on mystical interpretations of childbirth that result in the need for additional care during facility-based childbirth. Because such complementary care is not foreseen in health facilities, facility-based childbirth is initiated only at an advanced stage of labour or at the onset of a perceived immediate life-threatening complication for the mother or baby. Programmes and policies to reduce maternal mortality in Benin must seek synergies with alternative providers and practices and consider the complementary and integrated use of alternative and spiritual care practices that are not harmful.

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Article Details

Title:
"To give life is a journey through the unknown": an ethnographic account of childbirth experiences and practices in Southern Benin.

Author(s):
Vigan AA; Dossou JP; Boyi C; Kanhonou L; Benova L; Delvaux T; Gryseels C

Summary:
In Benin, even though many mothers give birth with skilled helpers, a lot of them still die. People often mix regular medical care with other spiritual and natural ways to keep moms and babies safe. To help save lives, it’s important to find ways to use both regular and alternative care together.

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pubmed id: 37812453 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a public health problem worldwide. Screening for cervical cancer is poorly implemented in resource-limited settings. In Ethiopia, evidence from the community and health professionals regarding implementation of the screening programme is lacking. The objective of this study was to explore women's and health professionals' perceptions, beliefs, and barriers in relation to cervical screening in Southern Ethiopia. Five focus group discussions among women and six key informant interviews with health professionals were conducted from June to July 2022 to gather the required data from a total of 42 participants. The participants were purposively selected from a diverse group to ensure varied viewpoints. Data were collected through group discussions and face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview sessions were tape-recorded. The data were analysed using a thematic approach. Women demonstrated a low level of awareness and perceived risk. Also, the perceived benefit of screening for cervical cancer during healthy periods was low. Individual and system-level barriers to screening include low awareness, stigma, poor perceptions towards health screening and causes of cervical cancer, low risk perception and competing domestic priorities, shortage of trained human and other resources, human resource turnover, low implementation and lack of close follow-up of screening programmes. In summary, lack of awareness, misconceptions, and poor perceptions were common. Screening implementation and uptake were low due to individual, psychosocial, and system-related barriers. Therefore, behavioural change communication and system-strengthening efforts need to be in place to effectively tackle the observed gaps.

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Article Details

Title:
Women's and health professionals' perceptions, beliefs and barriers to cervical cancer screening uptake in Southern Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

Author(s):
Ayanto SY; Belachew Lema T; Wordofa MA

Summary:
Cervical cancer is a big health problem, and in Ethiopia, many people don't get checked because they don't know much about it. In the study, women and health workers talked about why people aren’t getting screened, like not knowing the benefits or feeling scared. To help more people get checked, they suggest teaching everyone more about it and improving the screening process.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37812407 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Culture of remains essential for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. We evaluated the effect of time of specimen collection on culture yield following a positive nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).

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Article Details

Title:
Impact of time of culture specimen collection on the recovery of after a positive nucleic acid amplification test.

Author(s):
Nadal-Barón P; Trejo-Zahinos J; García JN; Salmerón P; Sulleiro E; Arando M; Descalzo V; Álvarez-Lopez P; El Ouazzani R; López L; Zarzuela F; Ruiz E; Llinas M; Blanco-Grau A; Curran A; Larrosa MN; Pumarola T; Hoyos-Mallecot Y

Summary:
The study looked at how the timing of collecting samples affects the results of growing germs in a lab after a positive test. This helps to watch how germs resist antibiotics.

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pubmed id: 37802652 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Acknowledging the barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health services that disproportionately impact Indigenous women and 2SLGTBQIA+ people, coupled with the lack of knowledge surrounding Indigenous peoples' experiences with abortion, we present qualitative findings from a pilot study investigating Indigenous experiences of accessing abortion services in Canada. We focus on findings related to participant recommendations for improving safety and accessibility of abortion services made by and for Indigenous people in Canada. Informed by an Indigenous Advisory Committee consisting of front-line service providers working in the area of abortion service access and/ or support across Canada, the research team applied an Indigenous methodology to engage with 15 Indigenous people across Canada utilising a conversational interview method, between September and November 2021. With representation from nine provinces and territories across Canada, participants identified with Anishinaabe, Cree, Dene, Haudenosaunee, Inuit, Métis and/ or Mi'kmaq Nations. Five cross-cutting recommendations emerged, including: (1) location, comfort, and having autonomy to choose where the abortion takes place; (2) holistic post-abortion supports; (3) accessibility, availability, and awareness of non-biased and non-judgemental information; (4) companionship, advocacy, and logistical help before and during the abortion from a support person; and (5) cultural safety and the incorporation of local practices and knowledges. Recommendations demonstrate that Indigenous people who have experienced an abortion carry practical solutions for removing barriers and improving access to abortion services in the Canadian context.

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Article Details

Title:
"I would love for there not to be so many hoops … ": recommendations to improve abortion service access and experiences made by Indigenous women and 2SLGTBQIA+ people in Canada.

Author(s):
Monchalin R; Jubinville D; Pérez Piñán AV; Paul W; Wells M; Ross A; Law K; Chaffey M; Pruder H

Summary:
This study talks about how Indigenous people in Canada have trouble getting abortion services. They gave ideas to make these services safer and easier to reach, like choosing where the abortion happens, having support after, getting clear information, being accompanied by someone supportive, and including their cultural practices.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37799036 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Black and Latina cisgender women (BLCW) are disproportionally affected by HIV, particularly in the southern U.S. In Austin, Texas, Black women contract HIV 18.4 times more and Latinas 2.6 times more compared to White women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents contracting HIV; however, PrEP adoption among women is low. The current qualitative study aimed to explore PrEP awareness, interest, preferred PrEP administration methods, barriers to PrEP adoption, and future programs to increase PrEP adoption and adherence among BLCW. A total of 18 BLCW at high risk for HIV were enrolled. Participants completed 3 semi-structured interviews across 3 months. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results demonstrated that BLCW had low PrEP awareness, high initial PrEP interest, and were interested in a long-acting injectable form of PrEP. Barriers to PrEP adoption included concerns regarding side effects, concerns about adherence to the currently available daily pill, and difficulty with insurance. Participants proposed different ideas for interventions, including support groups, education, community-level programs, and structural interventions. Future studies should focus on increasing PrEP awareness and HIV risk, consider alternative forms of PrEP, educate providers and medical staff on PrEP, and consider tailored interventions to reduce HIV risk among BLCW.

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Article Details

Title:
A Qualitative Exploration of PrEP Interests, Barriers, and Interventions Among Black and Latina Cisgender Women in the U.S.

Author(s):
Nydegger LA; Kidane H; Benitez S; Yuan M; Claborn KR

Summary:
Black and Latina women in Austin, Texas, are getting HIV more often compared to White women. There's a medicine that can help prevent HIV, but not many women are using it. The study found that these women are interested in learning about and using the medicine if it can be taken as an easy shot instead of a daily pill.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37796358 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) services are key to improving the health of adolescents. This study aimed to establish the effectiveness of an intervention that combined activities in health facilities and communities in Kenya to increase utilisation of ASRH services. A quasi-experimental evaluation design was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Using a stratified cluster sampling approach, two cross-sectional household surveys targeting girls aged 15-19 were conducted at baseline (September 2019) and endline (December 2020) in intervention and comparison. We combined the difference-in-difference approach to analyse the net change in outcomes between intervention and comparison arms of the study at baseline and endline and coarsened exact matching for variables that were significantly different to address the imbalance. There were a total of 1011 participants in the intervention arm and 880 in the comparison arm. Descriptive results showed a net increase of 12.7% in intervention sites in the knowledge of misconceptions about sex, pregnancy, and contraception, compared to 10.4% in the control site. In the multivariate regression analysis, two outcomes remained significant: decreases in adolescents' discomfort when seeking ASRH services because of either fear of parents (aPR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.42-0.79,  = 0.001) or a lack of support from their partner (aPR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.08-0.82,  = 0.023). The intervention combining a facility and community approach was not effective in increasing the use of ASRH information and services. Possible reasons for this are explored.

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Article Details

Title:
The effectiveness of combined approaches towards improving utilisation of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Kenya: a quasi-experimental evaluation.

Author(s):
Mutea L; Maluni J; Kabue M; Were V; Ontiri S; Michielsen K; Gichangi P

Summary:
This study looked at how well a program in Kenya helped teens learn about health services. They found that the program didn't really help more teens use these services, but it did help some teens feel less scared about using them.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37791876 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain erection for satisfactory sexual performance. ED drastically reduces the quality of life for men and their partners and is commonly linked to comorbid conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a result, clinicians and researchers are working to improve treatments for ED. Current guideline-approved ED treatments include oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intraurethral alprostadil, penile intracavernosal injections, and penile prosthesis surgery. Today, there is increasing interest in restorative therapies such as intracavernosal platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the management of ED.

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Article Details

Title:
Platelet-rich plasma for erectile dysfunction: a review of the current research landscape.

Author(s):
Fazekas D; Campbell K; Ledesma B; Masterson T

Summary:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when men can't keep an erection, which affects their lives and their partners'. Some treatments like pills, injections, and surgery help, but new therapies like PRP are being explored.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37786350 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The current study explored a form of femmephobia (specifically, negative attitudes toward femininity in men) as a predictor of anti-gay behaviors among a sample of heterosexual men (N = 417). Additional predictor variables included hierarchical worldviews (i.e., social dominance orientation, right-wing authoritarianism, narcissism) and prejudicial attitudes (i.e., old-fashioned and modern homonegativity). Femmephobia emerged as a robust predictor, accounting for 23% of the variance in anti-gay behavior, surpassing the explanatory power (15%) of all other considered variables combined. Moreover, social dominance only predicted anti-gay behavior when femmephobia levels were high. Future research on discrimination and violence related to sexual identity and gender expression should incorporate femmephobia as a key predictive factor.

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Article Details

Title:
Femmephobia Is a Uniquely Powerful Predictor of Anti-Gay Behavior.

Author(s):
Hoskin RA; Blair KL; Holmberg D

Summary:
The study found that negative attitudes towards femininity in men can predict anti-gay behaviors. This was a stronger predictor than other factors like social dominance. Future research should look at how this type of thinking affects behavior towards people with different gender identities.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37783952 Indexed on February 9th, 2025