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Abstract

Diagnosing pedohebephilia is fraught with obstacles given the tabooed nature of this sexual preference. The viewing reaction time effect (VRT) provides a non-intrusive indirect measure of sexual interest in minors. In forensic populations, the ability of the difference between the latencies while viewing child and adult sexual stimuli (VRT index) to discern child sexual offenders from a range of control groups has been ascertained meta-analytically. Given that the effect has been studied almost exclusively in forensic samples, its dependence or independence on prior overt (deviant) sexual behavior remains unclear. The present study sought to examine the relationship of prior sexual and non-sexual behaviors with the VRT in a sample of 282 self-referring, help-seeking men with and without pedohebephilia with and without a history of prior child sexual offenses (CSO) or a use of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) recruited outside a forensic context. We found that (1) the clinical diagnosis of pedohebephilia but not prior CSO or CSAM showed a significant association with the VRT index; (2) the discriminatory ability of the VRT index did not differ significantly between samples with and without a history of prior overt sexual behavior with children; (3) the VRT index correlated positively with a behavioral marker of pedohebephilia in a subsample of individuals with prior judicially detected or undetected overt sexual behavior with children; and (4) in the same subsample, the VRT index correlated positively with markers of sexual interests in minors or hypersexuality but not of antisociality. Equivalence testing failed to refute a potential effect of prior sexual behavior on the VRT index. Our study showed that the VRT may provide an unintrusive diagnostic tool for pedohebephilia. The effect of prior overt sexual behavior with children needs further examination.

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Article Details

Title:
The Viewing Reaction Time as a Diagnostic Tool of Pedohebephilia in the Dunkelfeld.

Author(s):
Amelung T; Konrad A; Beier KM; Lehmann RJB

Summary:
The study looked at a tool called the VRT index that helps understand how people feel about children. It found that this tool works well for people with certain interests, but it needs more testing to see if past behavior affects the results.

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pubmed id: 37594679 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a reproductive empowerment contraceptive counselling intervention (ARCHES) adapted to private clinics in Nairobi, Kenya on proximal outcomes of contraceptive use and covert use, self-efficacy, awareness and use of intimate partner violence (IPV) survivor services, and attitudes justifying reproductive coercion (RC) and IPV. We conducted a cluster-controlled trial among female family planning patients ( = 659) in six private clinics non-randomly assigned to ARCHES or control in and around Nairobi, Kenya. Patients completed interviews immediately before (baseline) and after (exit) treatment and at three- and six-month follow-up. We use inverse probability by treatment weighting (IPTW) applied to difference-in-differences marginal structural models to estimate the treatment effect using a modified intent-to-treat approach. After IPTW, women receiving ARCHES contraceptive counselling, relative to controls, were more likely to receive a contraceptive method at exit (86% vs. 75%,  < 0.001) and had a significantly greater relative increase in awareness of IPV services at from baseline to three- (beta 0.84, 95% CI 0.13, 1.55) and six-month follow-up (beta 0.92, 95% CI 0, 1.84) and a relative decrease in attitudes justifying RC from baseline to six-month follow-up (beta -0.34, 95% CI -0.65, -0.04). In the first evaluation of a clinic-based approach to address both RC and IPV in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) context, we found evidence that ARCHES contraceptive counselling improved proximal outcomes related to contraceptive use and coping with RC and IPV. We recommend further study and refinement of this approach in Kenya and other LMICs. Reproductive coercion (RC) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are two forms of gender-based violence that are known to harm women's reproductive health. While one intervention, ARCHES - Addressing Reproductive Coercion in Health Settings, has shown promise to improve contraceptive use and help women cope with RC and IPV in the United States, no approach has been proven effective in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) context. In the first evaluation of a reproductive empowerment contraceptive counselling intervention in an LMIC setting, we found that ARCHES contraceptive counselling, relative to standard contraceptive counselling, improved proximal outcomes on contraceptive uptake, covert contraceptive use, awareness of local violence survives, and reduced attitudes justifying RC among women seeking contraceptive services in Nairobi, Kenya. Distal outcomes will be reported separately. Findings from this study support the promise of addressing RC and IPV within routine contraceptive counselling in Kenya on women's proximal outcomes related to contraceptive use and coping with violence and coercion and should be used to inform the further study of this approach in Kenya and other LMICs.

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Article Details

Title:
Effects of a clinic-based reproductive empowerment intervention on proximal outcomes of contraceptive use, self-efficacy, attitudes, and awareness and use of survivor services: a cluster-controlled trial in Nairobi, Kenya.

Author(s):
Uysal J; Boyce SC; Undie CC; Liambila W; Wendoh S; Pearson E; Johns NE; Silverman JG

Summary:
A study in Nairobi, Kenya tested a special counseling program called ARCHES to help women with birth control and deal with partner violence. Women in the program were more likely to use contraceptives and learn about support services for violence. The study showed that this approach could help in other countries too.

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pubmed id: 37594312 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

With abortion no longer deemed a constitutional right in the United States (US), the importance of effective contraceptive methods cannot be overstated. Both male sterilization (vasectomy) and female sterilization (tubal ligation) have the lowest failure rates of available means of contraception. Despite the less invasive and reversible nature of vasectomy compared to tubal ligation procedures and even though some healthcare professionals dissuade certain women, especially those who are white and/or economically advantaged, from undergoing a sterilization procedure, female sterilization is approximately three times more prevalent than male sterilization in the US.

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Article Details

Title:
Explaining sex discrepancies in sterilization rates in the United States: An evidence-informed commentary.

Author(s):
Mock KO; Moyer A; Lobel M

Summary:
In the US, it's really important to have good ways to prevent having babies, especially since abortion is not a protected right anymore. More women get sterilized than men, even though men's procedure is less complicated and can be undone.

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pubmed id: 37594046 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to treat cervical dysplasia (CD) is known to alter the cervical microbiota, the community of bacteria that play a central role in female genital health. Perturbations to the microbiota of the female urogenital tract (FUT), including the urethra, vagina, and cervix, have been linked with symptoms of sexual dysfunction (SD), though correlations among LEEP, the microenvironment, and SD have not yet been described.

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Article Details

Title:
Pre- and post-LEEP: analysis of the female urogenital tract microenvironment and its association with sexual dysfunction.

Author(s):
Giovannetti O; Tomalty D; Velikonja L; Gray G; Boev N; Gilmore S; Oladipo J; Sjaarda C; Sheth PM; Adams MA

Summary:
A procedure called LEEP is used to treat problems in the cervix but it can change the types of bacteria that live there, which are important for women's health. Changes to these bacteria in different parts of the female body might be linked to problems with sexual health, but scientists still need to study how LEEP and these changes are related to sexual health issues.

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pubmed id: 37588087 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (sPOP) can have a negative impact on a woman's health. While research exists about the impact of sPOP on women, little is known about the effect on their partners. Therefore, this study aimed to explore, from the partner's perspective, what it means to live with a woman with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse after vaginal birth.

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Article Details

Title:
Bearing the burden of spill-over effects: Living with a woman affected by symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse after vaginal birth - from a partner's perspective.

Author(s):
Mirskaya M; Isaksson A; Lindgren EC; Carlsson IM

Summary:
This study looks at how partners feel when a woman they care about has pelvic organ prolapse after having a baby. It wants to understand their experiences better.

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pubmed id: 37586304 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Bisexual people are at increased risk for anxiety and depression compared to heterosexual and gay/lesbian people, but little is known about people who use other labels to describe attractions to more than one gender (e.g., pansexual, queer; collectively "bi+"). In addition, some people use more than one label to describe their sexual orientation, but research has yet to examine whether using one versus multiple labels is associated with identity-related experiences or mental health. To address these gaps, we explored potential differences in disclosure, minority stress, and mental health among bi+ adults based on primary sexual identity and multiple label use. As part of a larger project, 669 bi+ adults completed an online survey. Primary sexual identities included bisexual (53.2%), pansexual (26.3%), and queer (20.5%), and 55.2% used multiple labels. Compared to bisexual participants, pansexual participants reported higher disclosure, discrimination from heterosexual people, and depression. Pansexual participants also reported higher anxiety and lower internalized binegativity, but these associations became non-significant after adjusting for demographics. Queer participants reported higher disclosure, discrimination from heterosexual people, and anxiety, but only the difference in disclosure remained significant in adjusting analyses. Finally, participants who used multiple labels reported higher disclosure and discrimination from heterosexual and gay/lesbian people, but only the difference in discrimination from gay/lesbian people remained significant in adjusted analyses. Findings highlight the heterogeneity of bi+ individuals and the importance of considering bisexual, pansexual, and queer individuals as unique groups as well as considering whether bi+ individuals use one or multiple sexual identity labels.

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Article Details

Title:
Disclosure, minority stress, and mental health among bisexual, pansexual, and queer (bi+) adults: The roles of primary sexual identity and multiple sexual identity label use.

Author(s):
Feinstein BA; Hurtado M; Dyar C; Davila J

Summary:
This study looked at people with different sexual labels like bisexual, pansexual, and queer to see how these labels might affect their mental health. Pansexual and queer people often told more people about their identity and faced more discrimination. Using more than one label also seemed to bring more challenges, like facing discrimination from both straight and gay/lesbian people.

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pubmed id: 37583367 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

During early stages of COVID-19 in the United States, government representatives in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia restricted or threatened to restrict abortion care under elective surgery bans. We examined how abortion utilization changed in these states.

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Article Details

Title:
COVID-19 and abortion in the Ohio River Valley: A case study of Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Author(s):
Smith MH; Broscoe M; Chakraborty P; Hill J; Hood R; McGowan M; Bessett D; Norris AH

Summary:
The research looked at how people getting abortions changed in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia when the government tried to limit them during COVID-19. They were checking to see what happened when these places said abortions might not be allowed because of new rules for surgeries.

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pubmed id: 37571959 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Rainbow research tends to prioritise gender and sexuality experiences over the racialised experiences of Asian rainbow young people. Informed by an intersectional lens, we employed a hope-based ecological framework to examine how multiple overlapping axes of oppression (e.g. cisgenderism, heterosexism and racism) shape the aspirations of these youth. We drew on the voices of Asian participants from the 2021 Aotearoa New Zealand , who had responded to an open-text question on their hopes for rainbow young people ( = 217; age range = 14 to 26). The content analysis identified seven prominent categories of hope across three ecological levels (macro exo and meso). These categories were societies: 1) break away from cisheterosexist expectations; 2) confront racism and intersection with cisheterosexism; 3) promote rainbow-inclusive education; 4) ban sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts; 5) improve access to culturally safe health care; 6) dismantle white-dominated rainbow spaces; and 7) provide more rainbow-inclusive family support. These hopes were constructed amidst the desire to challenge unacceptance and exclusion by the wider society for not adhering to white cisheterosexist expectations. The study provides critical insights for community organisations, education settings, and government to consider in addressing the diverse needs of Asian rainbow young people.

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Article Details

Title:
An ecological analysis of hope amongst Asian rainbow young people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Author(s):
Tan K; Roy R; Ker A; Fenaughty J

Summary:
The study looks at the hopes of Asian rainbow young people and how they face different types of unfairness, like racism and unfair treatment due to their gender or who they love. The research found that these young people want changes, such as better schools, fair healthcare, and more supportive families, to feel included and accepted. It shows that communities and governments need to listen to their needs and make things better for them.

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pubmed id: 37565986 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop and assess the validity of a scale to measure perceived abortion self-efficacy (PASE). Perceived abortion self-efficacy is defined as an individual's perceived confidence in their ability to carry out the tasks necessary to end a pregnancy safely and successfully. During the first phase of this study between February and April 2018, we conducted qualitative research using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women in Bolivia, Nepal, and Nigeria to explore domains of PASE. Using the qualitative data, we prepared a draft set of measures with 31 items. In October and November 2018, the second phase of the study included field testing 31 draft items with a convenience sample of approximately 1200 women across the three study countries. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify an appropriate scale structure, resulting in a 15-item, 3-factor model. The three factors represent the concepts of enlisting social resources, accessing information and care, and resilience. In the third and final phase in September and October 2019, the validity of the 15 scale items was assessed. The scale was administered to a new sample of approximately 400 women in each country. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test model fit for the scale structure identified during the second phase. The results from this study suggest that the final PASE scale has considerable potential to be a valid measure of PASE. The new 15-item PASE scale presented in this paper can be used to evaluate programmes or interventions designed to improve women's PASE and to assess the state of PASE in populations.

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Article Details

Title:
Development and validation of a perceived abortion self-efficacy scale: results from Bolivia, Nepal and Nigeria.

Author(s):
Shellenberg KM; Acre VN; Bhattarai N; Adojutelegan YA; Oginni A

Summary:
Researchers created a scale to measure how confident women feel about safely ending a pregnancy. They tested their ideas with women from three countries and came up with 15 questions to learn about three important areas: getting help, finding information, and being strong. The new scale can help see how well programs work to support women.

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pubmed id: 37565792 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The non-governmental organisation Profamilia developed and implemented medical abortion through telemedicine in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This service is now integrated as an alternative to in-person care and available to abortion-seekers across Colombia. Previous research has emphasised bottlenecks in abortion provision, but less is known about implementation processes and experiences. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of telemedicine for medical abortion from the perspectives of key informants involved in the implementation in Colombia. We conducted 15 in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals, coordinators and support staff implementing telemedicine for medical abortion in the early phase of implementation, between March and October 2021. We analysed the data using the framework method and applied the normalisation process theory in our analysis and interpretation of findings. Our findings show that strong leadership, organisational efforts on pre-implementation training, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration between diversely skilled and experienced providers are essential for successful implementation. Participants were generally positive towards the use of telemedicine for medical abortion; concerns related to effectiveness, safety and safeguarding existed mainly among providers with less clinical experience. We identified contextual barriers, such as social opposition, regulatory barriers, providers' unavailability, and poor phone and internet connections in rural areas, which impacted the feasibility of the intervention negatively. In conclusion, to ensure stakeholders' buy-in and for the service to reach all abortion seekers in need, future implementation endeavours must address concerns about safety and effectiveness, and tackle identified contexual barriers.In telemedicine for medical abortion, all or some components of abortion care, such as initial consultations, home delivery of abortion medication, and post-abortion follow up are provided with the use of telecommunications. Telemedicine for medical abortion has been shown to be a safe and effective form of service delivery.In this study, we interviewed 15 healthcare providers and staff involved in the implementation of a telemedicine service for medical abortion in Colombia to determine whether they deemed the service to be acceptable and feasible. We found that collaboration between providers of different backgrounds and levels of experience, appropriate training and strong leadership were key factors for successfully implementing the service. However, some healthcare providers, especially those with less clinical experience, were concerned that telemedicine for medical abortion may not be safe and may risk the health and well-being of abortion-seekers. Further, social opposition to abortion, unclear regulation and limited access to technology were identified as barriers that need to be addressed to ensure the service reaches all abortion-seekers in need.In conclusion, despite contextual barriers and some provider's concerns about medical safety, telemedicine for medical abortion was viewed as a positive and feasible form of service delivery in Colombia.

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Article Details

Title:
Implementing medical abortion through telemedicine in Colombia: a qualitative study.

Author(s):
Piay-Fernández N; Stenbacka E; Jaramillo MC; Guerrero G; Solano Rodríguez AA; Montenegro P; Moreno DC; Cleeve A

Summary:
Profamilia set up a way for people to get medication for abortion using telemedicine, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic in Colombia. The study found that teamwork, training, and strong leadership helped make this service work well, though some doctors were worried about safety. Problems like social opposition and poor internet also made it harder for everyone to access the service.

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pubmed id: 37565788 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Although media response to the decision was widespread in the United States, the extent to which people were aware of the Mississippi law leading to the decision, the case, is unclear, as are the resulting effects of the decision on legal abortion. As such, we examined people's awareness of abortion legality prior to and after the decision announcement, as well as the potential implications associated with the decision (i.e. overturning of ). We also examined people's attitudes toward abortion legality, specifically focusing on 15 weeks' gestation to correspond with the Mississippi law that led to . Data were collected across two studies at different times. In Study 1, a 15-minute survey was administered to IPSOS' KnowledgePanel (= 1014) prior to the decision announcement. A shorter version of that survey was administered to a second sample using NORC's AmeriSpeak Omnibus panel (= 1002). Nearly half of that sample (42.2%) completed the survey prior to the decision announcement. People were generally unaware of the Mississippi law, the case, and implications associated with the decision (e.g. overturning ). People generally endorsed abortion being legal at 15 weeks or later, but this varied by circumstance. We did not find meaningful effects of the decision announcement on people's knowledge and attitudes. Our findings suggest that the intense response to the decision from the media and people involved in the abortion movement may not represent the general public's reaction.

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Article Details

Title:
People's knowledge of and attitudes toward abortion laws before and after the decision.

Author(s):
Jozkowski KN; Bueno X; Turner RC; Crawford BL; Lo WJ

Summary:
Researchers looked at how much people knew about a Mississippi law and a big decision about abortion. They found that many people didn't know much about the law or the decision, even though it was a big topic in the news. Most people thought abortion should be legal at 15 weeks, but their opinions changed depending on different situations.

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pubmed id: 37565622 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Partner notification (PN) is considered integral to the management of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Patient-referral is a common PN strategy and relies on index cases notifying and encouraging their partners to access treatment; however, it has shown limited efficacy. We conducted a mixed methods study to understand young people's experiences of PN, particularly the risks and challenges encountered during patient-referral. All young people (16-24 years) attending a community-based sexual and reproductive health service in Zimbabwe who were diagnosed with an STI were counselled and offered PN slips, which enabled their partners to access free treatment at the service. PN slip uptake and partner treatment were recorded. Among 1807 young people (85.0% female) offered PN slips, 745 (41.2%) took up ≥1 PN slip and 103 partners (5.7%) returned for treatment. Most participants described feeling ill-equipped to counsel and persuade their partners to seek treatment. Between June and August 2021, youth researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 41 purposively selected young people diagnosed with an STI to explore their experiences of PN. PN posed considerable social risks, threatening their emotional and physical safety. Except for a minority in long-term, publicly acknowledged relationships, participants did not expect PN would achieve successful outcomes. Public health discourse, which constructs PN as "the right thing to do", influenced participants to adopt narratives that concealed the difficulties of PN and their unmet needs. Urgent interrogation is needed of whether PN is a suitable or constructive strategy to continue pursuing with young people. To improve the outcomes of preventing reinfection and onward transmission of STIs, we must consider developing alternative strategies that better align with young people's lived experiences. Partner notification is a public health strategy used to trace the sexual partners of people who have received a sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis. It aims to interrupt the chains of STI transmission and prevent reinfection by treating both the person diagnosed and their sexual partners. The least effective but most common partner notification strategy used in many resource-limited settings is called "patient referral". This involves a sexual healthcare provider encouraging the person diagnosed to give a "partner notification slip" to their potentially exposed sexual partner/s and persuading them to access treatment. This research sought to better understand young people's experiences of partner notification, particularly the risks and challenges they faced during patient-referral.All young people (16-24 years) attending a community-based sexual and reproductive health service in Zimbabwe who were diagnosed with an STI were counselled and offered PN slips, which enabled their partners to access free treatment at the service. Young people trained as researchers interviewed 41 young people who had received a STI diagnosis to explore their experiences of partner notification.Only a small number (5.7%) of the partners of those who took a slip attended the service for treatment. Most participants felt they did not have the preparation, skills, or resources to persuade their partners to seek treatment. Many described negative experiences during and after partner notification, including relationship breakdown, reputation damage, and physical violence.These findings suggest that we should reconsider if partner notification is suitable or effective for use with young people. We should explore alternative approaches that do not present risks to young people's social, emotional, and physical safety and well-being.

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Article Details

Title:
Acceptability of patient-referral partner notification for sexually transmitted infections to young people, a mixed methods study from Zimbabwe.

Author(s):
Lariat J; Chikwari CD; Dauya E; Baumu VT; Kaisi V; Kafata L; Meza E; Simms V; Mackworth-Young C; Rochford H; Machiha A; Bandason T; Francis SC; Ferrand RA; Bernays S

Summary:
A study in Zimbabwe looked at how young people deal with telling their partners about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many felt unprepared to talk to their partners, and only a few partners went for treatment. The study suggests finding safer ways to help young people with this process.

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pubmed id: 37565610 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Clinical research on transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) adolescents has focused on binary individuals or often not differentiated among gender identities. Recent studies suggest that a considerable proportion of TGNC adolescents identify as non-binary and that these youth report more internalizing problems as well as different transition-related medical treatment wishes than binary adolescents. However, the results are inconclusive, and data for the German-speaking area are lacking. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the percentage of binary and non-binary gender identities in a German sample of clinically referred TGNC adolescents and examine associations of gender identity with internalizing problems and transition-related medical treatment wishes. The sample consisted of 369 adolescents (11-18 years, M = 15.43; 305 birth-assigned female, 64 birth-assigned male) who attended the Hamburg Gender Identity Service for children and adolescents (Hamburg GIS) between 2013 and 2019. Gender identity and treatment wishes were assessed using study-specific items and internalizing problems using the Youth Self-Report. In total, 90% (n = 332) of the sample identified as binary and 10% (n = 37) as non-binary. Having a non-binary gender identity was significantly associated with more internalizing problems and with wishing for no transition-related medical treatment or only puberty-suppressing hormones. The results underscore that non-binary adolescents represent a specifically vulnerable subgroup within TGNC adolescents with unique mental health needs and treatment wishes. Future research should differentiate among various gender identities. In clinical practice, it is crucial to create an inclusive space for non-binary youth and provide mental health care if needed.

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Article Details

Title:
Binary and Non-binary Gender Identities, Internalizing Problems, and Treatment Wishes Among Adolescents Referred to a Gender Identity Clinic in Germany.

Author(s):
Herrmann L; Barkmann C; Bindt C; Fahrenkrug S; Breu F; Grebe J; Becker-Hebly I

Summary:
The study looked at transgender and gender-nonconforming teens in Germany. It found that 10% of them were non-binary and they had more mental health problems and different treatment wishes than binary teens. It's important for doctors to understand and support non-binary teens' unique needs.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37563319 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This study aimed to update the gender-based terminology of a measure used to assess attitudes toward trans and gender diverse people (the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale; TABS) in order to reflect appropriate and inclusive language standards and conventions while maintaining the psychometric integrity of the tool. The updated TABS was administered to 247 heterosexual, cisgender adults in the UK. Participants also completed the original TABS as well as measure of self-esteem and social desirability to test construct validity. We demonstrate that after updating the language of the TABS to reflect best-practice, the psychometric properties of the TABS were unaffected.

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Article Details

Title:
Assessing Attitudes Toward Trans and Gender Diverse People: Adapting the 'Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs' Scale.

Author(s):
Jones BA; Cahill L; McDermott DT

Summary:
Researchers updated the language of a scale used to measure attitudes towards transgender people. They made sure the changes didn't affect how well the scale worked by testing it with a group of people. The new version worked just as well as the old one.

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pubmed id: 37561420 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

happens when people's heterosexuality is called into question by their vocal characteristics. Auditory gaydar has been shown to prompt discrimination against both women and men interviewing for leadership positions. Two experiments tested whether makes auditory gaydar discrimination difficult to detect in such contexts. Either heterosexual participants (Study 1,  = 161) or heterosexual and sexual minority participants (Study 2,  = 238) heard short clips of straight- vs. lesbian/gay-sounding speakers, described as unsuccessful applicants for leadership positions. Participants explained the speakers' unsuccessful outcome in their own words and rated the likelihood that gender and sexual orientation discrimination caused that outcome. Attributions to gender discrimination were common whilst attributions to sexual prejudice were vanishingly rare. Women targets were rated more likely to have experienced gender discrimination, and lesbian/gay-sounding targets were rated more likely to have experienced sexual orientation discrimination by some participants (Study 1) or all participants (Study 2). We conclude that auditory gaydar may prompt discriminatory treatment in leadership hiring processes more readily than in prompts the recognition that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has occurred.

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Article Details

Title:
Sounds Like There was No Sexual Orientation Discrimination? Attributions to Discrimination on the Basis of Auditory Gaydar.

Author(s):
Hegarty P; Fasoli F

Summary:
This research studied how people are judged by their voices and if it leads to unfair treatment when trying to get leadership jobs. People listened to voices that sounded like straight or gay/lesbian speakers and guessed why they didn't get the job. Many thought it was because of gender but few thought it was because of sexual orientation.

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pubmed id: 37561414 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Sex differences in mating strategies and partner preferences are well established. However, most research solely focused on heterosexual women and men. We examined the mate selection, marriage, and age preferences of a sample of lesbian women, gay men, and bisexual women and men (LGB) who took part in an online dating survey. Additionally, we analyzed inter- and intrasexual differences in these preferences. A total of 710 participants rated the importance of 82 mate selection criteria and 10 marriage criteria, and they also indicated their age preferences and short-term and long-term relationship orientation. An exploratory factor analysis suggested 11 relevant domains of mate selection in the LGB sample, with sex, age, and long-term relationship orientation being relevant predictors of differences in these domains. We compared the LGB data with data collected from 21,245 heterosexual women and men on the same mate selection criteria. Results showed that the participants' sex was the most important predictor of differences in mate selection and marriage preferences, while intrasexual variables (sexual orientation and relationship orientation) explained only a small part of the variance. We incorporated the results into the current discussion about partner preferences and sexual orientation.

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Article Details

Title:
Intersexual and Intrasexual Differences in Mate Selection Preferences Among Lesbian Women, Gay Men, and Bisexual Women and Men.

Author(s):
Klümper L; Hassebrauck M; Schwarz S

Summary:
This study looked at what lesbian, gay, and bisexual people like in partners and marriage, and how old they prefer partners to be. The results showed that being male or female is the biggest factor in these preferences, more than sexual orientation or whether people want short or long-term relationships. The study compares these findings with information from heterosexual people.

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pubmed id: 37558933 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Adolescents need support to make informed decisions about contraception. Few clinical questionnaires exist to help adolescents and their healthcare providers align contraception decisions with patient needs and preferences.

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Article Details

Title:
Development of a clinical questionnaire to support contraception decisions in an adolescent reproductive health clinic in Colorado.

Author(s):
Hoopes AJ; Akers AY; Jimenez-Zambrano A; Cain S; Maslowsky J; Sheeder J

Summary:
Teens need help choosing the right birth control. There aren't many tools for doctors and teens to work together to find the best option.

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pubmed id: 37554114 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The main aim was to determine the overall vaccine effectiveness (VE) against recurrent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) including specific VE associated with timing of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination using data from published studies.

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Article Details

Title:
Timing of HPV vaccination as adjuvant treatment of CIN2+ recurrence in women undergoing surgical excision: a meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Author(s):
Petráš M; Dvořák V; Lomozová D; Máčalík R; Neradová S; Dlouhý P; Malinová J; Rosina J; Lesná IK

Summary:
This study looked at how well vaccines work to protect against a certain kind of cell change in the cervix called CIN2+. They also wanted to find out how the timing of getting the HPV vaccine affects its protection.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37553234 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common problem in the United States; however, only 14% to 40% of women are screened by their health care clinicians. There are few data on how differences in clinician type affects screening rates.

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Article Details

Title:
Associations between gynecologic clinician type and routine female sexual dysfunction screening.

Author(s):
Berry WCE; Capbarat EV; Walker TV; Rosenberg SF; Keegan EA; Carter-Brooks CM; Cigna ST

Summary:
Female sexual dysfunction is a common issue, but not many women get checked for it by their doctors. There isn't much information on how the type of doctor affects how often women are screened.

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pubmed id: 37553089 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Heavy menstrual bleeding affects up to one third of menstruating individuals and has a negative impact on quality of life. The diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding is based primarily on history taking, which is highly dependent on traditional disposable menstrual products such as pads and tampons. Only tampons undergo industry-regulated testing for absorption capacity. As use of alternative menstrual products is increasing, there is a need to understand how the capacity of these products compare to that of standard products.

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Article Details

Title:
Red blood cell capacity of modern menstrual products: considerations for assessing heavy menstrual bleeding.

Author(s):
DeLoughery E; Colwill AC; Edelman A; Samuelson Bannow B

Summary:
Many people have heavy periods, which can make life harder. Doctors usually find out about this by asking questions about how much blood is absorbed by products like pads and tampons. But, since more people are using different products, we need to learn how well these new products work compared to the old ones.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37550075 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Females who engage in sex work (FSW) are at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and are eligible for HBV vaccination. The objective of this analysis was to explore coverage, uptake and correlates of HBV vaccination among FSW who attend sexual health services (SHS) in England.

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Article Details

Title:
Retrospective cohort study assessing coverage, uptake and associations with hepatitis B vaccination among females who engage in sex work attending sexual health services in England between 2015 and 2019.

Author(s):
Hibbert M; Simmons R; Ratna N; Mandal S; Sabin C; Desai M; Mohammed H

Summary:
The study looked at how many female sex workers in England got vaccinated against hepatitis B, a virus they are at high risk for. It also checked what factors helped or stopped them from getting the vaccine.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37550014 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The present study sought to identify differences in the rates and predictors of risky sexual behavior among college students with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Current ADHD diagnosis, medication status among those with ADHD, executive functioning, substance use, comorbid anxiety, comorbid depression, and gender were identified as potential predictors of increased risky sexual behavior. Multiple group latent growth curve modeling was used to estimate trajectories of risky sexual behavior across four years of college among college students with ADHD (n = 99, n = 105) and a comparison group (n = 217) recruited from colleges throughout the eastern United States (M age = 18.23 years, 53% female, 70% White). First-year college students with ADHD reported significantly higher rates of sexual risk behavior than their peers without ADHD, with no significant differences found based on medication status. Students with ADHD who were taking medication for ADHD reported significant decreases in risky sexual behavior over time. Among college students with ADHD, anxiety was related to increased current risky sexual behavior in the medicated group, while depression was predictive of decreased future risky sexual behavior in the unmedicated group. Alcohol and cannabis use were significantly associated with increased mean levels of risky sexual behavior across all three groups, and cannabis use was associated with decreased future risky sexual behavior within the comparison group. Executive functioning deficits and male gender were predictive of risky sexual behavior within the comparison group. The results demonstrate that college students with ADHD, regardless of medication status, are at an increased likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior.

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Article Details

Title:
Longitudinal Examination of Sexual Risk Behavior in College Students With and Without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Author(s):
Weyandt L; DuPaul GJ; Shepard E; Labban JD; Francis A; Beatty A; Anastopoulos AD

Summary:
The study looked at college students with and without ADHD to see if there were differences in risky sexual behavior. They found that students with ADHD were more likely to take sexual risks, and using medicine for ADHD helped reduce these risks over time. Anxiety and substance use like alcohol and cannabis also affected risky behaviors differently for these students.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37548880 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) prepares young people to make informed decisions about their sexuality. A review by the Institute of Research and Evaluation that analysed 43 CSE studies in non-US settings found the majority to be ineffective and concluded that there was little evidence of the effectiveness of CSE. We reanalysed the review to investigate its validity. We found several weaknesses with the review's methodology and analysis: (1) there was an absence of a clearly articulated search strategy and specific eligibility criteria; (2) the authors put forth criteria for programme effectiveness but included studies that did not collect the data needed to show programme effectiveness and thus several studies were determined to be ineffective by default; (3) the analytical framework minimised positive intervention effects and privileged negative intervention effects; and (4) there were errors in the data extracted, with 74% of studies containing one or more discrepancies. Overall, our reanalysis reveals that the IRE review suffers from significant methodological flaws and contains many errors which compromise its conclusions about CSE. Our reanalysis is a tool for the international community to refute CSE opposition campaigns based on poor science.

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Article Details

Title:
A reanalysis of the Institute for Research and Evaluation report that challenges non-US, school-based comprehensive sexuality education evidence base.

Author(s):
VanTreeck K; Elnakib S; Chandra-Mouli V

Summary:
A study looked at 43 reports about sexuality education for kids outside the U.S. and said it wasn't helpful. But when other people checked that study, they found it didn't do a good job and made many mistakes, so its conclusions might be wrong.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37548507 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction caused by low androgen levels in penile tissue can lead to erectile dysfunction. The exact mechanism of endothelial dysfunction has not been thoroughly studied.

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Article Details

Title:
Low androgen levels induce ferroptosis of rat penile cavernous endothelial cells.

Author(s):
Shi HX; Zhao X; Yang H; Cheng Y; Jiang J; Jiang R

Summary:
Lower levels of a hormone called androgen in the penis can cause problems with blood vessels, leading to trouble with erections. Scientists are not sure exactly how this happens.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37547873 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Animal models are frequently used for translational research in Peyronie's disease (PD). However, due to lack of availability of guidelines, there is some heterogeneity in study design, data reporting, and outcome measures.

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Article Details

Title:
European Society of Sexual Medicine consensus statement on the use of animal models for studying Peyronie's disease.

Author(s):
Castiglione F; Çakır OÖ; Schifano N; Corona G; Reisman Y; Bettocchi C; Cellek S; Ilg MM

Summary:
Animal models are often used to study Peyronie's disease, but there aren't clear guidelines on how to do this research. This leads to differences in how the studies are set up and the results reported.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37547872 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Delayed ejaculation (DE) is a disorder that can cause significant distress for sexually active men. The etiology of DE is largely idiopathic, with even less being known about clinical factors associated with the condition.

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Article Details

Title:
Diagnoses and medications associated with delayed ejaculation.

Author(s):
Mulloy E; Zhang A; Balladelli F; Del Giudice F; Glover F; Eisenberg ML

Summary:
Delayed ejaculation (DE) can make men feel upset because it takes a long time for them to finish during sex. We don't know much about why DE happens or what other health problems might be related to it.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37547871 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Due to the sensitivity and potential embarrassment of discussing erectile dysfunction (ED) in person, men are seeking treatment online.

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Article Details

Title:
Characteristics of direct-to-consumer platforms offering erectile dysfunction treatment.

Author(s):
Brink SM; Iarajuli T; Shin D

Summary:
Some men feel embarrassed to talk about problems like erectile dysfunction with doctors in person. So, they are looking for help on the internet instead.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37547870 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Synchronous behaviors between individuals are nonverbal signs of closeness and common purpose. In the flow from initial attraction to intimate sexual interaction, attention and synchrony move from distal to proximal to interactive and are mediated by sensitized activation of neural systems for sexual motivation, arousal, and desire and those that recognize and mimic common facial and body movements between individuals. When reinforced by sexual pleasure and other relationship rewards, this results in the strengthening of attraction and bonding and the display of more common motor patterns. As relationships falter, nonverbal behaviors likely become asynchronous.

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Article Details

Title:
From distal to proximal to interactive: behavioral and brain synchrony during attraction, courtship, and sexual interaction-implications for clinical assessments of relationship style and quality.

Author(s):
Pfaus JG; Safron A; Zakreski E

Summary:
People who are close often move in the same way without speaking. When people are attracted to each other, their actions and feelings become more in sync. If relationships start to have problems, their movements might not match anymore.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37544764 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Hypnobirth is a technique that incorporates elements from hypnosis and is used to prepare women for birth. It aims to promote a normal birth and create a positive birth experience by equipping women with knowledge and tools to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain during labor. The objective of this study was to investigate women's experiences in using this technique during childbirth.

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Article Details

Title:
Women's experiences with hypnobirth - A qualitative study.

Author(s):
Uldal T; Østmoen MS; Dahl B; Røseth I

Summary:
Hypnobirth is a method that helps women get ready for having a baby by using ideas from hypnosis. It tries to make birth feel normal and positive by helping women feel less scared and in less pain. This study looked at how women felt about using hypnobirth when they had their babies.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37541096 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Infertility has been linked with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction in reproductive-aged women, with longer periods of infertility associated with a greater risk.

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Article Details

Title:
History of infertility and sexual dysfunction in midlife women: Is there a link?

Author(s):
Saadedine M; Faubion SS; Kling JM; Kuhle C; Shufelt CL; Mara K; Enders F; Kapoor E

Summary:
Women who can't have babies might have more problems with their sexual health. The longer they can't have babies, the bigger the problem might be.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37537692 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In Georgia, maternal mortality is relatively high, and Black women are three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as white women. Doulas can improve perinatal health and reduce disparities, but doula accessibility in Georgia is unclear.

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Article Details

Title:
"I want…to serve those communities…[but] my price tag is…not what they can afford": The community-engaged Georgia doula study.

Author(s):
Mosley EA; Lindsey A; Turner D; Shah P; Sayyad A; Mack A; Lindberg K

Summary:
In Georgia, more moms are dying during or after pregnancy, and Black women are at a higher risk than white women. Doulas can help keep moms healthier, but it's not known if moms in Georgia can easily find doulas.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37533301 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Black/African American (B/AA) and Hispanic/Latino (H/L) men who have sex with men (MSM) are significantly less likely than white MSM to initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). A peer-driven intervention (PDI) may be an effective approach to addressing this disparity. In this study, we explored community member perspectives of a PDI to promote PrEP uptake among B/AA and H/L MSM.

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Article Details

Title:
Perspectives of a peer-driven approach to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV prevention among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men.

Author(s):
Tao J; Sosnowy C; Arnold T; Kapadia J; Parent H; Rogers BG; Almonte A; Chan PA

Summary:
Some groups of men are not starting a medicine called PrEP as much as others, and this study looks at how using friends and community members might help. The goal is to see if this method can help more Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men take PrEP.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37532286 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Increased carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been shown to be associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), but studies evaluating the efficacy of CIMT in predicting drug response are lacking in the literature.

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Article Details

Title:
Carotid artery intima media thickness can predict the response to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in patients with moderate erectile dysfunction.

Author(s):
Kilic M; Caglayan V; Sambel M; Erdogan A; Onen E; Kurtoglu U; Erkan A; Avci S; Ekici O

Summary:
The research talks about how thicker blood vessels in the neck might be linked to problems with erections. But, there aren't enough studies about how well this thickness can help predict if medicine for erections will work.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37529683 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

There has been tremendous growth in regenerative medicine during the last decade. For erectile dysfunction (ED), after the inclusion of low-intensity shockwave therapy as a treatment modality for ED management by the European Association of Urology sexual health guidelines, intracavernosal injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained popularity between urologists and patients as a novel ED therapeutic modality with initial promising results. However, limited clinical data exist regarding efficacy and safety in patients with ED. Furthermore, despite numerous preclinical studies in other tissues and organs, the mechanism of action for restoring erectile function remains undetermined.

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Article Details

Title:
Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies.

Author(s):
Poulios E; Mykoniatis I; Pyrgidis N; Kalyvianakis D; Hatzichristou D

Summary:
Scientists have found new ways to help men with a condition called erectile dysfunction. One new treatment, using injections, might help, but they need to study it more to know if it's safe and how it works.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37528499 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The association between pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) tone in women with persistent noncancer pelvic pain (PNCPP) is unclear.

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Article Details

Title:
Are pelvic pain and increased pelvic floor muscle tone associated in women with persistent noncancer pelvic pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author(s):
Kadah S; Soh SE; Morin M; Schneider M; Ang WC; McPhate L; Frawley H

Summary:
The researchers are trying to understand if there is a link between pelvic pain and the tightness of muscles in women who have pelvic pain that doesn't go away. They are focusing on women with pain that is not caused by cancer.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37507352 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The aim of this integrative review is to map the literature on the impact of abortion doulas on women and abortion care providers. This review followed a modified Whittemore and Knafl framework and PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Proquest, EMBASE, and PsycINFO) were searched using key terms: abortion and doula. Search was limited by date (2012-2022), type (primary research only), and language (English only). Of the 99 papers found, only 4 met inclusion criteria. The four papers - drawn from 2 studies - were analysed using NICE Appraisal checklists. In total, data from 328 participants (n = 314 women, n = 5 physicians, n = 5 staff members, n = 4 abortion doulas) was analysed. Of the 314 women, 160 women received doula support and 154 did not. Two qualitative papers showed women and abortion providers reported a beneficial impact of abortion doulas, but the two quantitative (RCTs) papers showed null impact for a doula support intervention vs. usual care on women's physical and psychological outcomes. Women reported wanting support during the abortion; however, the evidence is not yet clear on whether a doula is required to address this need for women undergoing a surgical abortion in clinic. It may be that abortion support is important in ways that are difficult to measure.

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Article Details

Title:
The impact of abortion doulas on women and providers' outcomes: An integrative review of the evidence.

Author(s):
Jefford E; Marsden J; Ebert L

Summary:
This study looked at how abortion doulas help women and people who provide abortion care. Some said doulas were helpful, but others found no big changes for women with or without doulas. It’s still not sure if doulas are necessary, but support might still be important.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37506666 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Antenatal care is essential to promote maternal health. Prior research has focused on barriers women face to attending antenatal care, and improving quality of care is seen as a precondition for better attendance. Digital health tools are seen as a promising instrument to increase the quality of healthcare. It is less clear to what extent the use of digital health tools in low- and middle-income counties would be perceived as beneficial by end-users. The aim of this research was to explore women's experiences with antenatal care, and whether digital health tools would change their perceptions of quality of care. This qualitative research utilised an interpretative phenomenological approach on data from semi-structured in-depth interviews collected in 2016 with 19 randomly selected pregnant women from six different dispensaries in Magu District. Findings showed that pregnant women are motivated to attend antenatal care and are grateful for the services received. However, they also articulated a need for improvements in antenatal care services such as the availability of diagnostic tests and more interactions with healthcare workers. Participants indicated that a digital health tool could help in storing patient files and improving communication with health workers. Our results indicate that pregnant women are positive about the use of digital health tools during antenatal care but that the implementation of such a tool should be implemented in parallel to structural service delivery improvements, such as testing availability.

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Article Details

Title:
Pregnant women's perceptions of antenatal care and utilisation of digital health tools in Magu District, Tanzania: a qualitative study.

Author(s):
van Pelt S; van der Pijl M; A C Ruiter R; Ndaki PM; Kilimba R; Shields-Zeeman L; B F de Wit J; Massar K

Summary:
Pregnant women think going to check-ups before birth is important and they are happy with the help they get. They believe digital tools could help keep track of their health records and talk better with doctors, but they also want more tests and time with health workers.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37503741 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and physical activity has been established in several previous studies, but there is little information on the specific forms of activity that affect ED.

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Article Details

Title:
The association of various physical activities with erectile dysfunction: NHANES 2001-2004.

Author(s):
Zhou H; Xu M; Xu Z; Li M; Ren C; Chen X; Liu X

Summary:
Some studies have shown that exercise can help with erectile dysfunction (ED), but they don't say which types of exercise work best.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37502219 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The current series of studies are the first to examine brain responses to social aggression signals as a function of male and female sexual orientation. For the first set of studies (1a, 1b), axillary sweat had been collected from 17 heterosexual men and 17 heterosexual women aggressively responding to frustrating opponents (aggression condition) and while playing a construction game (control condition). Sweat samples were pooled according to sex and condition, and presented via a constant flow olfactometer to 17 gay and 23 heterosexual men (Study 1a), and 19 lesbian and 25 heterosexual women (Study 1b). Ongoing EEG was recorded from 61 scalp locations, chemosensory event-related potentials (CSERPs; P2, P3-1, P3-2) were analyzed, and neuronal sources calculated (low resolution electromagnetic tomography). Within the second set of studies (2a, 2b), pictures of males' and females' weak angry and neutral facial expressions were presented to 21 gay and 23 heterosexual men (Study 2a), and 19 lesbian and 26 heterosexual women (Study 2b), and ERPs (N170, P3) were analyzed. Gay men showed larger P3-1 amplitudes than heterosexual men upon presentation of male aggression sweat, accompanied by activation of the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG, BA 10). Gay men also displayed longer N170 latencies in response to men's compared to women's angry facial expressions, while heterosexual men did not. In women, sexual orientation did not affect the processing of aggression sweat or anger expressions. Gay men showed preferential processing of chemosensory aggression signals (P3-1 amplitudes), indicating fine-tuned socioemotional sensitivity, related to activation of brain areas involved in emotion regulation (IFG). They further process the relative relevance of visual aggression signals (N170 latency). These results were in line with theories proposing a common evolutionary pathway for same-sex attraction and traits easing social integration.

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Article Details

Title:
Sexual Orientation Affects Neural Responses to Subtle Social Aggression Signals.

Author(s):
Lübke KT; Storch D; Pause BM

Summary:
This study looked at how people's brains reacted to signs of anger based on whether they were gay or straight. For men, gay men showed more brain activity to aggression cues than straight men, but there was no difference for women. The findings suggest that gay men might be more sensitive to social and emotional signals.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37501010 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

As an interface between health and education, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) offers a potent tool among other interventions to accelerate healthy transition of adolescents into adulthood. With increasing interest in in-school CSE provision/delivery, young people in out-of-school contexts may be left behind. This study forms part of implementation research to understand if the activities used to train and support the facilitators are feasible, appropriate, acceptable, and effective in enabling them to engage a defined group of young people, deliver CSE to them in the out-of-school context, and assist them in obtaining relevant services. This paper presents findings of mapping of out-of-school CSE interventions in Ghana, ongoing or completed between 2015 and 2020, and then discusses a needs assessment of two purposively selected groups of vulnerable out-of-school youth: young people living with HIV and AIDS (YPLHIV) and those living in detention (YPiD). We conducted 10 interviews with YPLHIV and three focus group discussions with YPiD in November 2020. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using both deductive and inductive approaches. The mapping yielded 29 interventions (18/62% were ongoing) focused extensively on the delivery of CSE-related knowledge and information; none were aimed at building facilitators' capacity and most targeted the northern regions. Among YPLHIV, living positively after diagnosis, disclosure skills and use of HIV/AIDS health services were critical. YpID sought clarification on personal hygiene, consent in sexual relationships, medium/channel to deliver CSE, and issues around same-sex sexual intercourse. Both groups sought skills in dealing with stigmatisation and discrimination. Implications of the findings for our own and other interventions are highlighted.

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Article Details

Title:
Reaching young people living with HIV & AIDS and young people in detention with comprehensive sexuality education (CSE): a preparatory formative study in Ghana.

Author(s):
Amo-Adjei J; Yenyi A; Ahanotu B; Okyere J

Summary:
This study looked at teaching young people outside of school about important topics like health and relationships in Ghana. They talked to different groups, including young people with HIV and those in detention, to find out what they needed. The study found that these kids wanted to learn more about staying healthy and dealing with being treated differently by others.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37493474 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Abortion assistance funds constitute an important part of the healthcare safety net by covering some of abortion patients' out-of-pocket costs. Few studies have examined the other ways abortion assistance fund staff and volunteers support callers who need help obtaining care.

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Article Details

Title:
Abortion assistance fund staff and volunteers as patient navigators following an abortion ban in Texas.

Author(s):
White K; Leyser-Whalen O; Whitfield B; Dane'el A; Andrea A; Rupani A; Kumar B; Moayedi G

Summary:
Abortion assistance funds help people pay for abortions when they can't afford it. People working or volunteering for these funds also help callers in other ways, but not many studies have looked into how they do it.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37491624 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Contraception-use communication between sexual partners is important to reduce unwanted pregnancies and protect sexual and reproductive health. There is a dearth of research focused on developing countries where sexual and reproductive health conversations are often considered taboo. Using the Behaviour Change Wheel, this qualitative study examines the facilitators and barriers to having assertive contraception-use conversations with a male partner for Indonesian women and then identifies behaviour change techniques as potential intervention strategies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Indonesian women aged 18 to 29 years who had been sexually active and were currently in a committed dating relationship with a male partner. Using thematic analysis, 13 themes were identified. Facilitators of assertive contraception-use communication include knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and contraception, communication skills, closeness of the relationship with one's partner, other people's experiences of sex and contraception, and social media norms concerning the open discussion of sex and contraception. Fear of initiating the conversation about contraception was a barrier. Partner's attitude towards having contraception-use conversations and the taboos surrounding contraception in Indonesian culture acted as both facilitators and barriers. Suggested strategies to promote contraception-use communication include using social media to break the stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health matters, normalising assertive conversations about contraceptive use with sexual partners, empowering women to be more assertive about their preferences for contraception, and teaching strategies to promote assertive contraception-use communication among young women and men in Indonesia.

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Article Details

Title:
Using the behaviour change wheel to examine facilitators and barriers to assertive contraception-use conversations for Indonesian women.

Author(s):
Adiputri L; Gutman LM

Summary:
Talking about using contraception is important for preventing unwanted pregnancies and keeping healthy. This study looked at what helps or makes it hard for women in Indonesia to talk about using contraception with their partners. They found that knowing about health, being able to communicate well, and having a close relationship help, but fear and cultural taboos can make it harder.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37489998 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that young migrants are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence. As young migrants often lack family and social networks, professionals are often the recipients of disclosures of sexual violence. This study aimed to explore how professionals experience young migrants' disclosures of sexual violence. A qualitative design was used, based on 14 semi-structured interviews with a range of professionals from the public sector and civil society in southern Sweden. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The overarching theme developed was 'coming across the hidden problem of sexual violence in an excluded population' supported by three sub-themes: 'linking structural marginalisation and vulnerability to sexual violence'; 'realising that sexual violence is one among many other concerns'; and 'taking pride in backing up young people betrayed by society'. Professionals expressed a strong sense of responsibility due to the complex vulnerabilities of young migrants and their lack of access to services. This, coupled with the lack of clarity about how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence, can lead to moral distress. There is a need to strengthen support for professionals, including recognition of ethical dilemmas and the establishment of formal connections between organisations making access more straightforward and predictable.

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Article Details

Title:
Coming across a hidden problem in an excluded population in Sweden: professionals' experiences of young migrants' disclosures of sexual violence.

Author(s):
Andersson Nystedt T; Svensson P; Herder T; Asamoah BO; Ouis P; Agardh A

Summary:
Young migrants can easily get hurt in bad ways, like sexual violence, because they have few people to help them. Many times, they tell professionals about these bad experiences, who then feel it's really important to help but find it hard to know exactly what to do. There should be more support and clear plans to help these workers assist young migrants better.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37489949 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Both the National Abortion Federation Canada and Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights operate national toll-free hotlines that provide information, financial support, and travel assistance to abortion seekers. We aimed to characterize callers to both hotlines before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Article Details

Title:
Seeking support for abortion care from national hotlines in Canada: Caller characteristics and call outcomes, 2019-2021.

Author(s):
Demont C; Doctoroff J; Neron B; Foster AM

Summary:
There are two hotlines in Canada that help people who need abortions by giving them information and support. The study wanted to learn more about the people who called these hotlines before and after the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37487495 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Sexual minority individuals assigned female at birth (SM-AFAB) are at increased risk for problematic alcohol use compared to heterosexual women. Despite evidence that drinking locations and companions play an important role in problematic alcohol use among heterosexuals, few studies have examined these social contexts of alcohol use among SM-AFAB. To address this gap, the current study examined two aspects of social contexts in which SM-AFAB drink (locations and companions). We utilized two waves of data (six-months between waves) from an analytic sample of 392 SM-AFAB ages 17-33 from a larger longitudinal study. The goals were: (1) to identify classes of SM-AFAB based on the contexts in which they drank; (2) to examine the associations between drinking contexts, minority stressors, and problematic alcohol use; and (3) to examine changes in drinking contexts over time. Using latent class analysis, we identified four classes based on drinking locations and companions (private settings, social settings, social and private settings, multiple settings). These classes did not differ in minority stress. Drinking in multiple settings was associated with more problematic alcohol use within the same timepoint and these differences were maintained six months later. However, drinking in multiple settings did not predict subsequent changes in problematic alcohol use when problematic alcohol use at the prior wave was controlled for. Based on these findings, SM-AFAB who drink in multiple settings may be an important subpopulation for interventions to target. Interventions could focus on teaching SM-AFAB strategies to limit alcohol consumption and/or minimize alcohol-related consequences.

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Article Details

Title:
Associations between Drinking Contexts, Minority Stress, and Problematic Alcohol Use among Sexual Minority Individuals Assigned Female at Birth.

Author(s):
Dyar C; Feinstein BA; Albright J; Newcomb ME; Whitton SW

Summary:
The study looks at alcohol use among people assigned female at birth who are not straight. It found that where and with whom they drink affects their alcohol problems. Drinking in many different places was linked to more alcohol problems, and the study suggests helping these people by teaching them to drink less and avoid problems.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37484479 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Adolescents and men are two populations that perform poorly within the HIV cascade of care, having worse AIDS-related health outcomes, and experiencing higher levels of HIV-related stigma. This paper explores institutional health system discrimination as experienced by adolescent boys with perinatally-acquired HIV, situating them within the social and gendered contexts of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Life history narratives ( = 36) and in-depth semi-structured interviews ( = 32) with adolescent boys living with HIV aged 13-22 were conducted in 2017-2018. In-depth semi-structured interviews with biomedical and traditional health practitioners ( = 14), analysis of health facility files ( = 41) and clinic observations were also conducted. Together, triangulated sources point to an incongruence between the complex needs of adoelscent boys and young men living with HIV and their experiences within the health system. Two institutional discrimination-related deterrents to retention in care were identified: (1) lack of confidentiality due to health facility layouts and practices that visibilised people living with HIV; and (2) mistreatment in the form of shouting. This article contributes to the limited literature on the experiences of young men within the HIV continuum of care, focusing on how stigma influences how young men experience and engage with the health sector.

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Article Details

Title:
'Remember there is that thing called confidentiality': experiences of institutional discrimination in the health system among adolescent boys and young men living with HIV in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Author(s):
Gittings L; Hodes R; Kom P; Mbula S; Pantelic M

Summary:
The study talks about how young boys with HIV in South Africa face problems when they go to the doctor. They often don't get good care because people can see who has HIV, and the staff sometimes shout at them. This makes them not want to go to the doctor for their treatment.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37480578 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

A notable portion of men who have sex with men engage in exchange sex-i.e. the trading of sex for money, drugs, shelter or other material goods. Despite the risks for physical and sexual violence, threatening behaviour and robbery that male sex workers confront, very little is known about their experiences of such actions by clients. To gain more insight into male sex workers' experiences of interpersonal violence, we analysed qualitative interview data from 180 men who have sex with men from 8 US cities who engaged in sex work with clients they had met primarily through dating/hookup websites and apps. Participants discussed their experiences of a range of untoward behaviours by clients including physical violence, sexual violence, threats and robbery. Healthcare and social services providers can play a significant role in violence prevention among male sex workers. The decriminalisation of sex work could also potentially reduce the risks many sex workers face by facilitating their reporting of harms suffered.

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Article Details

Title:
Experiences of interpersonal violence among a diverse sample of male sex workers.

Author(s):
Siegel K; Cabán M; Brown-Bradley CJ; Schrimshaw EW

Summary:
This study looked at men who have sex for money or other things, and the dangers they face, like being hurt or robbed. Researchers talked to 180 men doing this work and learned about their bad experiences. The study suggests that healthcare workers can help stop the violence and that making sex work legal might make reporting problems easier.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37480576 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In Vanuatu, the use of the terms such as 'men who have sex with men' (MSM) and 'transgender' has increased over the past decade. This paper draws on twenty months ethnographic research in Port Vila, the country's capital, to analyse what happens on the ground when MSM and transgender categories are taken up to identify people or to narrate the self. The focus is on who uses these terms, in what ways they are experienced, and what is rendered visible (or not) by their use. This research departs from approaches framing 'non-heteronormative' categories as related solely to gender and sexuality. It argues that MSM and transgender categories are used in various ways to refer not only to sexual practices and/or gender identity, but also to health risk behaviours, transactional sex and LGBT rights advocacy. The analysis offered suggests we view MSM and transgender categories as technologies that, depending on the interactional context, contribute to bureaucratic tasks or to maintaining or, on the contrary, changing established socio-political relations.

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Article Details

Title:
'They're not as MSM, they're a ': using the categories 'men who have sex with men' and 'transgender' as technologies in Vanuatu.

Author(s):
Servy A

Summary:
In Vanuatu, more people are using the terms "men who have sex with men" and "transgender." This study looks at how these words are used in everyday life to describe people or how people see themselves. It also shows that these words talk about health risks, jobs, and rights, not just gender or who you love.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37477899 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This formative study was undertaken between June 2020 and April 2021 to provide evidence to inform the design and delivery of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in Malawi for young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) and young people with disabilities (YPWD). The study included a desk review of the situation of these two groups and a mapping of CSE programmes and delivery approaches in Malawi. The study findings show that YPWD and YPLHIV in Malawi are marginalised groups, face stigma and discrimination, and are more vulnerable to abuse, warranting CSE that addresses their needs. Yet, they are often left out of sexuality education such as school-based programmes (due to early school drop-outs) and out-of-school programmes, as well as traditional modes. Furthermore, in instances where they have access to sexuality education, there is little evidence to suggest that the sexuality education that they receive is designed to address their needs, thus raising questions about its relevance. There is need for tailored CSE that addresses the needs of these groups and that is delivered using an approach that is easily accessible to them.

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Article Details

Title:
Comprehensive sexuality education for out-of-school young people living with HIV and young people with disabilities: findings from a formative research study in Malawi.

Author(s):
Malata MP; Chipeta EK; Mhango P; Kamanga R; Lupenga D

Summary:
A study in Malawi found that young people with HIV and disabilities face problems like stigma and often miss out on important sexuality education. They need special programs that fit their needs better and are easier for them to access.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37477590 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Recent work in family planning has shifted from an instrumentalist perspective on quality in contraceptive counselling, which views quality as a means to encourage contraceptive uptake, to privilege quality of care as a valued end in itself. In this context of shifting narratives about quality, it is important to understand how health systems and providers navigate potential conflicts between instrumentalist definitions of quality versus a person-centred definition that considers meeting clients' contraceptive needs and preferences as an important end goal in and of itself. However, we know little about how providers and other health system stakeholders interpret the concept of quality in counselling, and how their experiences with different quality monitoring systems influence their ability to provide person-centred care. This qualitative study draws from 51 in-depth interviews with public healthcare providers and health facility administrators in Ethiopia, Mexico and India. Across all three countries, except for some cases in India, administrators were concerned with encouraging uptake of contraceptives in order to meet local and national level goals on contraceptive uptake and maternal health. In contrast, providers were more concerned with responding to client desires and needs. However, participants across all levels shared the opinion that successful counselling should end with contraceptive uptake. We conclude that the instrumentalist view of quality counselling continues to prevail across all three countries. Our findings suggest that encouraging healthcare providers and administrators to meet even relatively broad targets set by government reinforces an instrumentalist approach, as opposed to an approach that privileges person-centred care.

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Article Details

Title:
Balancing client preferences and population-level goals: a qualitative study of the ways in which public health providers and facility administrators interpret and incentivise quality of care in contraceptive counselling in Ethiopia, Mexico and India.

Author(s):
Suchman L; Vallin J; Quintero Veloz X; Kanchan L; Gebrehanna E; Uttekar B; Reed R; Santos L; Holt K

Summary:
This study looks at how healthcare workers in Ethiopia, Mexico, and India think about quality in family planning services. It found that administrators mostly focus on increasing the use of contraceptives to meet health goals, while providers focus on what each client needs. However, both groups agree that successful counselling should lead to using contraceptives.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37477573 Indexed on February 9th, 2025