Article Feed - This Week in Sexual Health

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Abstract

Prior research has rarely focused on sexual motives (e.g., motives for having sex) when studying sexual violence perpetration prevention. The current study examined the role of sexual motives alongside other risk factors like alcohol expectancies in predicting sexual violence.

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Article Details

Title:
Motives for Sex and Sexual Perpetration in College Men: An Exploratory Study.

Author(s):
Gesser N; Eby FG; Anderson RE

Summary:
The study looked at why people want to have sex and how it might relate to stopping sexual violence. It also checked if things like drinking alcohol can lead to sexual violence.

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pubmed id: 37455145 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Midwives provide reproductive healthcare to women, including during termination of pregnancy (TOP) after 12 weeks (late TOP). Their expertise, knowledge and woman-centred care approach sees them ideally placed for this role. However, the medical, social and emotional complexities of late TOP can cause midwives significant distress. An integrative review methodology was used to examine the research on midwifery care for late TOP and identify support strategies and interventions available to midwives in this role. Five databases and reference lists were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2021. A total of 2545 records were identified and 24 research studies included. Synthesis of research findings resulted in three themes: Positive aspects, negative aspects and carers need care. Midwives reported a high level of job satisfaction when caring for women during late TOP. Learning new skills and overcoming challenges were positive aspects of their work. Yet, midwives felt unprepared to deal with challenging aspects of late TOP care such as the grief and the psychological burden of the role. Caring for the baby with dignity had both positive and negative aspects. Midwives relied predominantly on close colleagues for help and debriefing as they felt poorly supported by management, judged by co-workers and lacked appropriate support to reduce the emotional effects of late TOP care. Midwives need support, although current evidence has not identified the most appropriate and effective strategy to support them in this role.

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Title:
Midwifery care for late termination of pregnancy: Integrative review.

Author(s):
Armour S; Keedle H; Gilkison A; Dahlen HG

Summary:
Midwives help women with health care during late pregnancy terminations, which can be tough for them. They enjoy learning new skills but feel very sad and stressed sometimes. They often talk to close co-workers for support because they don’t get enough help from their bosses.

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pubmed id: 37454584 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

We examined factors associated with sexual minority women's evaluations of belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Australia, and assessed whether a positive view of community participation impacted levels of psychological distress. 2424 cisgender sexual minority women participated in a national, online, cross-sectional survey of LGBTIQ adult Australians' health and well-being. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to investigate sociodemographic factors associated with sexual minority women's belonging to the LGBTQ community, feelings towards community connection, and associations between community connection and recent psychological distress. Most sexual minority women (58.9%) reported feeling that they are part of the LGBTQ community, and a majority of the participants felt positive about being connected to this community (68.5%). Participants who were bisexual, non-university educated, and who resided in an outer-suburban location were least likely to evaluate participation in the LGBTQ community positively. Feeling positive about community connection was associated with lower levels of psychological distress. Feeling a part of LGBTQ community was associated with lower psychological distress, but this link appears contingent upon positive feelings about community participation. Sexual minority women's' relationships to the LGBTQ community are often complex, and community connection and participation in and of itself is not a panacea for the negative outcomes associated with sexual minority stressors.

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Title:
Community connection is associated with lower psychological distress for sexual minority women who view community connection positively.

Author(s):
Lim G; Bourne A; Hill A; McNair R; Lyons A; Amos N

Summary:
The study looked at how sexual minority women in Australia feel about being part of the LGBTQ community and if feeling connected helps with stress. Most women felt they belonged and enjoyed being part of the community, which was linked to less stress. However, those who were bisexual, without a university education, or lived in less urban areas were less positive about their community participation.

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pubmed id: 37452686 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Abortion is significantly restricted by law in most Pacific Island countries, and this has profound implications for the lives and health of women from this region. There are limited data on how abortion is framed in the Pacific Islands: that is, interpreted, discussed, and made meaningful as an issue in public forums. How abortion is framed can have implications for how it is treated in public and political debate and policy, abortion stigmatisation, and inform advocacy strategies. We undertook a thematic analysis of 246 articles, opinion pieces, and letters to the editor that covered the topic of abortion in mainstream print media. We found three dominant framings. Abortion was often positioned in opposition to gender ideology and national identity, with gender and national identity constructed by many commentators according to socially conservative, Christian doctrine. Abortion was also constructed as the killing of the "unborn," with the fetus positioned as the key social subject. Alternatively, abortion was framed as often unsafe and a response to teenage pregnancy, with various solutions suggested in this context. Few commentators constructed women who experienced unwanted pregnancies and abortions as making decisions about their pregnancies in response to complex gendered and socio-economic conditions. Dominant framings of abortion as opposed to gender ideals, nationalism, and the killing of the "unborn" complicate simplified appeals to "choice" in advocacy efforts. Focusing on health and broader injustice experienced by women offer alternative framings.

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Title:
Framings of abortion in Pacific Island print media: qualitative analysis of articles, opinion pieces, and letters to the editor.

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

Summary:
Abortion is not allowed in many places in the Pacific Islands and this affects women's health. The study looked at 246 articles and found most people think of abortion as going against their country's beliefs or as taking a life, but some see it as a health issue related to unsafe teen pregnancies. Few people talked about how women might have abortions for complicated reasons like gender roles or money problems.

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pubmed id: 37436430 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a well-established component of the package of interventions required to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights. As the international community has increased its emphasis on equity and leaving no-one behind with the Agenda for Sustainable Development, attention has been drawn to the need for complementary CSE programmes to reach young people who are not in school, or whose needs are not met by in-school CSE programmes. CSE in out-of-school contexts presents unique considerations, especially those related to facilitation. In this manuscript, we present the protocol for a multi-country implementation research study in Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Malawi to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of context-specific actions to prepare and support facilitators to deliver CSE in out-of-school settings to defined groups of young people with varying needs and circumstances. This study will be led by the World Health Organization and the UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, in partnership with local research institutions. It will be nested within a multi-country programme led by UNFPA, in partnership with local implementing partners and with financial support from the Government of Norway. This study will shed new insight into what it takes to effectively deliver CSE in out-of-school contexts, to enhance progress towards the achievement of SDG 3 "Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages" and SDG 5 "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls".

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Article Details

Title:
Protocol for a multi-country implementation research study to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of context-specific actions to train and support facilitators to deliver sexuality education to young people in out-of-school settings.

Author(s):
Plesons M; De Meyer S; Amo-Adjei J; Casanova JV; Chipeta E; Jones N; Malata MP; Pincock K; Yadete W; Faugli B; Chandra-Mouli V

Summary:
The study is about teaching sex education to kids who aren't in school and how to help the teachers do this job well. It's happening in countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Malawi, with people from big organizations like the World Health Organization working together. The goal is to learn how to make sure everyone gets good health education and help girls and women be treated equally.

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pubmed id: 37436364 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to present a public health problem, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers a promising preventative intervention; however, its uptake remains low, so investigating determinants of use is essential. This article applies queer critical discourse analysis to a corpus of 121 TikToks sampled via the TikTok algorithm, coded and refined into three overarching content categories: 'what makes a PrEP user?', 'what is PrEP as a drug?', and 'sexual health and HIV'. Examples from within these categories reveal four underlying discursive themes: (1) stigmatisation of HIV as a 'gay disease' with a poor prognosis; (2) stigmatisation of gay men as unsafe, high-risk and untrustworthy; (3) stigmatisation of PrEP as increasing 'unsafe' sexual practices; (4) poor healthcare and education gay men and other beneficiaries of PrEP. These themes are influenced by a broad spectrum of homophobic and heteronormative discourses available with specific examples reflecting parts of this spectrum from predominantly perpetuating to occasionally challenging. The findings report complementary evidence obtained from other media platforms yet offer a unique take while suggesting useful avenues for future public health messaging relating to PrEP which may be used to inform the next steps against HIV.

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Title:
Prep-Tok: a queer critical discourse analysis of TikToks regarding HIV-related pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Author(s):
Lewis J; Melendez-Torres GJ

Summary:
This research looked at TikTok videos to find out why people don't use a medicine called PrEP that can help prevent HIV. They found that many TikToks spread ideas that HIV is only a "gay disease," that PrEP encourages unsafe behavior, and that there's not enough good health education. The study suggests that different messages might help more people use PrEP and stop HIV.

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pubmed id: 37435990 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired in resource-limited settings (RLSs) where laboratory diagnostic access is limited. Advancements in point-of-care testing (POC) technology have the potential to bring STI testing to many RLSs. We define POC as performed near the patient and with results readily available to inform clinical practice. The World Health Organization Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases further outlines desirable POC characteristics with the REASSURED criteria.Despite advantages related to immediate test-and-treat care, integrating POC into RLS health care systems can present challenges that preclude reliance on these tests. In 2018, we incorporated molecular near-POC for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis and SDBioline treponemal immunochromatographic testing confirmed by rapid plasma reagin for syphilis diagnosis at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Laboratory in rural southwestern Uganda. We describe our experiences with STI POC as a case example to guide a narrative review of the field using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as a conceptual framework.Although POC and near-POC are described as easy to use, the challenges of limited person-power, health care processes, limited infrastructure/resources, high costs, and quality control obstacles can impede the impact of these tests. Increased investment in operators, training, and infrastructure, restructuring health care systems to accommodate increased POC access, and optimizing costs are all crucial to the successful implementation of STI POC in RLS. Expanded STI POC in RLS will increase access to accurate diagnoses, appropriate treatment, and engagement in partner notification, treatment, and prevention efforts.

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Article Details

Title:
Sexually Transmitted Infection Point-of-Care Testing in Resource-Limited Settings: A Narrative Review Guided by an Implementation Framework.

Author(s):
Chitneni P; Owembabazi M; Muyindike W; Asiimwe S; Masete G; Mbalibulha Y; Nakku-Joloba E; Manabe YC; Haberer JE; Matthews LT; Van Der Pol B

Summary:
In places with few resources, it can be hard to test for diseases that are passed on during sex. New test methods that are used right where people get treated can help, but they also have challenges like high cost and the need for better training. Improving these tests would mean more people get the right treatment and help stop the spread of these diseases.

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pubmed id: 37433000 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

An understanding of sexual (risk) behavior is necessary to successfully develop prevention and care strategies for the sexually transmitted infections (STI) high-risk group of male sex workers who have sex with men (MSW-MSM). However, limited scientific knowledge is available on sexual (risk) behavior of (home-based) MSW-MSM. This study aimed to gain an understanding of sexual (risk) behavior, factors influencing sexual (risk) behavior, and applied risk-reduction strategies of home-based MSW-MSM. For this qualitative study, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 home-based MSW-MSM in the Netherlands. The interviews' recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed with Atlas.ti 8. Condom use was reported to be high during anal sex, but low during oral sex and mostly determined by STI risk perception, trust in clients, and sexual pleasure. Many experienced condom failure, while few knew what to do after condom failure and were aware of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Many MSW-MSM had chemsex in the past 6 months in order to loosen up and enhance sexual pleasure. Some were not vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV), mainly due to the lack of information and awareness of HBV vaccination and low risk perception of HBV. The results of this study can be used to tailor future STI/HIV risk-reduction strategies for home-based MSW-MSM and to increase awareness and uptake of available STI/HIV prevention strategies such as P(r)EP and HBV vaccination.

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Article Details

Title:
Sexual (Risk) Behavior and Risk-Reduction Strategies of Home-Based Male Sex Workers Who Have Sex with Men (MSW-MSM) in The Netherlands: A Qualitative Study.

Author(s):
Peters CMM; Evers YJ; Dukers-Muijrers NHTM; Hoebe CJPA

Summary:
This study looked at the sexual behavior of male sex workers in the Netherlands who work from home and have male clients. Researchers found that while they often use condoms for anal sex, they don't as much for oral sex, mainly due to trust and pleasure. The study suggests ways to help them use condoms better and to raise awareness about health protections like certain medicines and vaccines.

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pubmed id: 37420090 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Research regarding how people choose their long-term romantic partners is extensive, but the understanding of the psychological processes behind these choices, and predicting who people choose, is elusive. This review attempts to examine potential reasons for this elusive nature by first outlining the current state of the literature and then highlighting issues within the current paradigm. First among these issues is a focus on singular perspectives and little attempt to integrate these perspectives with others. Second, many studies focus on increasingly complex designs to explore the predictive utility of trait preferences, attempts which have had only limited success. Third, novel findings appear to be unintegrated with established findings, leaving the potential combination of these ideas unrealized. Finally, long-term romantic partner selection is a complex psychological phenomenon, but current theory and research methodologies are not sufficiently addressing this complexity. This review concludes with suggestions for future research direction, including a focus on the psychology behind the partner selection process and the potential of qualitative enquiry to reveal novel pathways behind these psychological processes. There is a need for an integrative framework that permits the coexistence of established and novel ideas, and multiple perspectives, from both current and future research paradigms.

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Article Details

Title:
A Critical Review of the Literature Regarding the Selection of Long-Term Romantic Partners.

Author(s):
Devenport S; Davis-McCabe C; Winter S

Summary:
This paper talks about how people pick romantic partners and why it's hard to understand. It says that different studies don't often work together, and we need to combine old and new ideas to learn more. The paper suggests using different research methods to better explain how people choose partners.

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pubmed id: 37420089 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In this paper, we present the person-based approach to measuring implicit attitudes toward gay men and lesbian women-this approach uses face stimuli rather than traditionally used symbols, and creates salient social categories through contextual variation techniques. Across 5 experiments using the Go/No Go Association Task ( = 364), we present evidence that the person-based approach can disentangle implicit gender-based attitudes from implicit sexuality-based attitudes, that these attitudes vary as a function of participant gender and sexuality, and that they are different to attitudes elicited by typically used stimuli. We demonstrate that implicit person-based attitudes toward straight and gay people are similar and are consistent with the literature (i.e. attitudes toward [lesbian] women are more positive than attitudes toward [gay] men). However, we reveal a reversed pattern of findings for person-based implicit attitudes (i.e. attitudes toward gay men are more positive than attitudes toward lesbian women). These findings suggest that the person-based approach uniquely captures nuanced implicit attitudes toward gay men and lesbians, raising important questions regarding previous findings.

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Article Details

Title:
Disentangling Gender-Based Attitudes from Sexuality-Based Attitude: The Person-Based Approach to Measuring Implicit Attitudes Toward Gay Men and Lesbian Women.

Author(s):
Anderson JR; de la Piedad Garcia X; Falomir-Pichastor JM; Kaufmann LM

Summary:
The researchers studied how people feel about gay men and lesbian women using pictures of faces instead of symbols. They found that people think differently about gay men and lesbian women than what some other studies showed. The study showed using faces gave more detailed results.

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pubmed id: 37417767 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Intraminority gay community stress theory posits that social stressors within sexual minority communities of men may be risk factors for mental health problems in gay and bisexual men. The recently developed 20-item Gay Community Stress Scale (GCSS) is a valid and reliable measure of gay community stress, but was not yet validated in the Netherlands. This study developed a Dutch-translated version of the GCSS and validated this scale in sexual minority men and sexual minority women, as it was hypothesized that sexual minority women may also experience intraminority stress. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were subsequently performed in independent samples of men and women, and produced a 16-item GCSS for men and a 12-item GCSS for women. The four-factor structure of the original GCSS was replicated in men and women, and encouraging support for discriminant and concurrent validity of the GCSS was found in both men and women. The total scale and subscales were internally consistent in men (α and ω ≥ .87) and in women (α and ω ≥ .78). The Dutch-translated GCSS seems to offer a valid and reliable way to assess intraminority stress in Dutch-speaking sexual minority men and sexual minority women, although further validation is warranted.

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Article Details

Title:
Gay Community Stress in Sexual Minority Men and Women: A Validation Study in the Netherlands.

Author(s):
Assink M; Bos HMW

Summary:
Researchers studied stress in gay communities and made a Dutch version of a test to measure it. They found the test worked well for both men and women who are sexual minorities in the Netherlands. The test can help understand how stress affects these groups, but more research is needed.

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pubmed id: 37417742 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

United Kingdom (UK) pharmacy curricula have previously been shown to be hetero- and cis-normative. A possible reason may be that educators hold binary beliefs and attitudes toward sexuality and gender norms, and that these are manifest in teaching practice and discourse. The purpose of this study is to investigate these attitudes and beliefs. A cross-sectional survey using the 16-item heteronormative attitudes and beliefs scale (HABS) was distributed to educators at UK universities teaching on undergraduate Master of Pharmacy degree programs, with 123 surveys returned. Total HABS scores and subscales measuring normative beliefs (NB) and essential sex and gender (ESG) were calculated with non-parametric statistics comparing scores based on demographic and contextual characteristics of the sample. The mean total HABS score was 40.06, for NB it was 16.46 and ESG it was 23.60 indicating moderate-low normative beliefs and attitudes. Two demographic categories reached statistical significance: gender ( = .049 total HABS score) and sexuality ( = < .001 total HABS score, = .008NB subscore and = < .001 ESG subscore) ( < .05) indicating that female and queer identifying educators have significantly lower heteronormative attitudes and beliefs. Findings indicate that UK pharmacy educators do not hold normative values and beliefs; curricula are influenced by the normative structures within higher education.

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Article Details

Title:
Evaluating Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs of United Kingdom Pharmacy Educators.

Author(s):
Mawdsley A; Willis SC

Summary:
The study looked at what pharmacy teachers in the UK think about gender and sexuality. It found that many teachers do not have strict ideas about these topics, but the university system still affects what is taught. Female and queer teachers often have more open views.

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pubmed id: 37417739 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The World Health Organization's (WHO) global public health mandate includes a focus on expanding access to HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and treatment monitoring to improve the clinical management of HIV, achieve sustained viral suppression, and prevent HIV-related incidence, morbidity, and mortality. This article documents key moments in research and WHO policies that have informed how ART is applied within HIV programs, including as a prevention tool with the potential to support efforts to address HIV-related discrimination. For more than 20years, WHO has promoted the benefits of HIV treatment including as part of the approach to prevent the mother-to-child transmission (vertical transmission) of HIV. WHO guidance has followed, and continues to follow, the evolving evidence. In 2023, WHO continues to clarify that there is zero risk of sexual HIV transmission when a person living with HIV has an undetectable viral load and an almost zero or negligible risk of sexual transmission when a person living with HIV has a viral load of ≤1000copies/mL - helping to evolve the focus of community campaigns and health worker training to include a focus on 'virally suppressed' while also continuing to emphasise the ultimate goal of achieving an undetectable viral load. This evolution does two things: first, it strongly reasserts the evidence around there being no chance of transmission if a person has an undetectable viral load; and second, it provides an extremely strong degree of confidence that, similarly, individuals who are virally suppressed will not pass on the virus sexually. WHO is now encouraging positive and clear messaging to highlight that the consistent use of ART prevents onwards HIV transmission.

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Article Details

Title:
Role of viral suppression in HIV treatment and prevention and its potential in addressing harmful laws and discrimination.

Author(s):
Seale A; Baggaley R; Vojnov L; Doherty M

Summary:
The World Health Organization (WHO) helps people get tested and treated for HIV to make sure the virus is under control and not spread to others. WHO has been teaching people for over 20 years that taking medicine correctly can stop the virus from being passed on, even when a mother is having a baby. Now, WHO wants everyone to know that if someone with HIV takes their medicine and their virus level is very low, they won't spread it to others.

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pubmed id: 37407497 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The background of this paper starts with the history and significance of the author's relationship to the Campaign, U=U; Undetectable equals Untransmissable as an Indigenous woman and well-known advocate living with HIV. The methods used in this paper explored an adaptation of a thriving indigenous Health Framework implemented in New Zealand for over 40years. We anticipate the methods used in this paper along with the U=U Campaign will make the U=U relevant to other Indigenous Peoples. The common threads of the cultures are our creation stories and our rendition of the Health Circle or the Four Pillars. We interviewed and surveyed key community members, family, people living with HIV, and social workers that work in those communities over a period of 6months; 36 people participated. We shared personal stories anecdotally of her experiences. The results were a health model comparison of U=U from a Māori worldview. Each aspect of the Four Pillars or cornerstones of the model is explained from a personal experience perspective, which is inclusive and reflects a process familiar to Indigenous Peoples and worldviews. We are using stories to relay that information from that particular worldview. In conclusion, after much deliberation, discussions with key people, and personal experiences, we can tie the concept of U=U to an intrinsic framework that other Indigenous Peoples and communities can easily interpret.

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Article Details

Title:
U=U: the life force given by the mother's breast.

Author(s):
Tamati RM

Summary:
The paper talks about how an Indigenous woman with HIV used New Zealand’s health methods to help other Indigenous people understand that if you have HIV and it's under control, you can't pass it on to others. They interviewed people and shared stories to connect this idea with Indigenous culture and show it in a way that fits their beliefs and traditions.

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pubmed id: 37394477 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The clinical knowledge that people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load and therefore cannot transmit HIV sexually, known as Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U), has reached a critical mass of adults, but it is relatively silenced within adolescent HIV care and support. We argue that understanding the full range of opportunities enabled by viral suppression, including the elimination of transmission risk, could transform adolescents' understanding of living with HIV, incentivise optimal treatment engagement and support and sustain their positive mental health. However, the reluctance to discuss U=U with adolescents means that we are not providing them with adequate access to the information and tools that would help them to succeed. We need to recognise, value, and invest in the mediating role of building viral load literacy, illustrated by conveying U=U in ways that are meaningful for adolescents, to accelerate viral suppression. Rather than protect, rationing access to information on U=U only increases their vulnerability and risk to poor HIV and mental health outcomes.

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Article Details

Title:
Let's talk about U=U: seizing a valuable opportunity to better support adolescents living with HIV.

Author(s):
Bernays S; Lariat J; Ameyan W; Willis N

Summary:
Some kids with HIV don't learn about U=U, which means if their virus is undetectable, they can't pass it on. Teaching them this could help them stay healthy and feel better. Giving them this information helps them make good choices and prevents health problems.

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pubmed id: 37380170 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

While key barriers to abortion care accessibility have been established, little is known about the experiences of people having abortions in the Netherlands. Stories of individual abortion-seekers can help counteract stereotyping, diminish abortion stigma, and improve accessibility. This study's research question is: What experiences do abortion-seekers in the Netherlands have with abortion care and what new insights can the I-poem method of analysis provide? This qualitative feminist study used transcripts of semi-structured, in-depth interviews with abortion-seekers from previous research to create I-poems. Using a grounded theory method, the I-poems were coded deductively to validate previous findings, and inductively to generate new insights. The I-poems revealed that although abortion-seekers felt autonomous, their decision-making was complicated by doubt concerning their partner's views and/or suitability as a parent, feelings of shame, and a lack of support. The abortion-seekers were often slowed by obstacles in policy and care; waiting caused feelings of fear and panic and routine pre-abortion ultrasounds led to anxiety. They often did not know what to expect from their body or the abortion procedure. I-poems show how autonomous choice in abortion care is socially constructed rather than purely individual. Abortion providers must pay special attention to external factors complicating the decision-making process such as partner discordance (even in stable relationships) and anxiety due to waiting times and routine pre-abortion ultrasound. Future action on normalisation of information provided on all aspects of choosing an abortion is necessary to realise informed choice and reduction of abortion stigma. Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. In some countries, people can easily get an abortion. In others, it is illegal or difficult to access. In the Netherlands, abortion is accessible and legal before 24 weeks of pregnancy and can be performed upon request of the abortion seeker. This policy is often seen as liberal, as it allows people to make their own decisions about their bodies. Still, abortion stigma is present in Dutch society. Stigma around abortion refers to negative attitudes and beliefs that society has towards people who have had abortions or are considering having one.Research by Holten et al looked at how easy it is for abortion seekers in the Netherlands to access abortion services. The study highlighted that people in the Netherlands still face barriers to accessing abortion services. For example: the law and regulations regarding abortions and the fact that people had difficulty in talking about their abortion due to stigma.The abovementioned study gives a broad view on challenges in the accessibility of abortion in the Netherlands, but the individual experiences are not portrayed.The goal of this study is to learn about the personal experiences of abortion-seekers in the Netherlands. It aims to understand what it's like for these people to access abortion services and what we can learn from their individual stories by using a method of analysis called I-poem. I-poems are a type of poem created by the researcher by looking for sentences using the first-person pronoun "I" in interview texts. I poems show the personal experience or point of view of the person interviewed. This type of poem is often used to express emotions or share personal stories or observations.This study used interviews with people who have had abortions to create I-poems. The grounded theory method was used to analyse the I-poems in two ways: confirming what was found in previous studies, and also providing new insights from the data.The study found that the people contemplating having an abortion had a hard time making the decision to have an abortion because they had doubts, were worried about what their partner would think, felt ashamed to talk about it with friends and family, and didn't have enough support. They also faced challenges like having to wait for the abortion because of clinic schedules and laws and getting ultrasounds before the procedure, which made them anxious. It was also found that the people contemplating abortion were unsure of what to expect from the abortion procedure and how their body would react, which made the decision even harder.The study concludes that even when people felt in control of their decision, the decision-making process was still difficult. The decision is not just personal, but is also affected by society, partners, and healthcare policies. The waiting time and the ultrasound before the abortion made the process harder, and abortion seekers were not aware of what to expect from the procedure. More information and education on all aspects of having an abortion should be provided to help people to make better informed decisions and reduce the abortion stigma. Further research on experiences of routine ultrasound before abortion in the Netherlands is needed to improve abortion care.

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Article Details

Title:
The difficult process of autonomous choice: using I-poems to understand experiences of abortion-seekers in The Netherlands.

Author(s):
Holten L; van der Wolf R; van der Pijl MSG

Summary:
This study looked at people's experiences with getting an abortion in the Netherlands. It found that even though abortion is allowed there, people still face challenges. They may worry about what others think, feel ashamed, and not know what to expect from the procedure, which makes the decision harder.

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pubmed id: 37378954 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Earlier age of anal sex debut (ASD) has been linked with contemporary and long-term health outcomes, including vulnerability to HIV acquisition. The goal of this study was to utilize a life course approach to examine associations between earlier ASD and recent health behaviors among sexual minoritized men (SMM) living with HIV. A total of 1156 U.S. SMM living with HIV recruited from social and sexual networking apps and websites completed online surveys as part of a longitudinal eHealth intervention. Data from baseline surveys were analyzed to determine associations between age of ASD and adult health outcomes, including mental health, HIV viral load, and substance use. The median age of ASD among these participants was 17 years old, consistent with other work. Earlier ASD was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of past 2-week anxiety (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.07-1.97) and past 3-month opioid use (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.13-2.26); no significant associations were found for recent depression, HIV viral load, or stimulant use. Earlier ASD may function as an important proxy measure for deleterious health outcomes in adulthood, particularly recent anxiety and opioid use. Expansion of comprehensive and affirming sexual health education is critical to early engagement of individuals with a higher risk of HIV acquisition, with plausible downstream health benefits lasting into adulthood among SMM living with HIV.

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Article Details

Title:
Association Between Age of Anal Sex Debut and Adult Health Behaviors Among Sexual Minoritized Men Living with HIV.

Author(s):
Diaz JE; Preciado E; Chiasson MA; Hirshfield S

Summary:
The study looked at how starting anal sex earlier affects health in men living with HIV. It found that men who started anal sex younger were more likely to feel anxious and use opioids recently. The study suggests that better sexual health education could help improve health for these men as they grow older.

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pubmed id: 37378702 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Transgender and gender expansive emerging adults experience multiple forms of gender minority stress, which affect their mental health and wellbeing. Belongingness has been identified as a factor that fosters resilience among this population, with potential protective effects. Few studies have explored the role of thwarted belongingness and its potential moderating effect on the relation between gender minority stress and mental health. This study recruited a sample of 93 transgender and gender expansive emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 21 to examine whether thwarted belongingness significantly moderates the relations between gender minority stressors and mental health symptoms. We found evidence that thwarted belongingness moderates the relation between social rejection and depressive symptoms and the interaction effect between thwarted belongingness and victimization was significantly associated with psychological stress. For both of these associations, high levels of thwarted belongingness amplified the positive relation between gender minority stress and mental health symptoms. In contrast, at low levels of thwarted belongingness, the relation between rejection and depression was negative and the association between victimization and psychological stress was no longer statistically significant. Findings suggest that factors that minimize or interrupt thwarted belongingness among transgender and gender expansive emerging adults may be points of intervention to improve mental health outcomes in this population.

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Title:
Transgender and gender expansive emerging adults: The moderating role of thwarted belongingness on mental health.

Author(s):
Watts KJ; Matijczak A; Tomlinson CA; Wagaman MA; Murphy JL; O'Connor K; McDonald SE

Summary:
The study looked at how feeling like you don't belong affects the mental health of transgender young adults. It found that when people feel left out and also face stress from being a gender minority, their mental health can get worse. Helping these young adults feel like they belong could make their mental health better.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37378301 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

We investigated the prevalence of problematic masturbation using different criteria. We also investigated if masturbation-related distress was associated with sexual abuse history, family attitudes towards sexuality during childhood, and depression and anxiety symptoms. Here, 12,271 Finnish men and women completed a survey reporting masturbation frequency, desired masturbation frequency, sexual distress, childhood sexual abuse, sex-positive family background, as well as depression and anxiety symptoms. Among both sexes, those whose masturbation frequency did not match with desired frequency experienced more sexual distress. Different conceptualizations of problematic masturbation resulted in different proportions of individuals categorized as having it (i.e., 8.3% of men and 2.7% of women experienced self-perceived problematic masturbation, that is masturbating more than they desired and experiencing sexual distress; 2% of men and 0.6% of women masturbated more frequently than average and meanwhile experienced self-perceived problematic masturbation; 6.3% of men and 2.1% of women masturbated less frequently than average but still experienced self-perceived problematic masturbation). Moreover, among both sexes, self-perceived problematic masturbation was positively associated with childhood sexual abuse, depression, and anxiety, while negatively associated with a sex-positive family background. Our results point to the complexity of defining problematic masturbation. Causes of sexual distress related to masturbation need to be carefully examined case by case to choose an appropriate clinical approach.

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Article Details

Title:
Actual and Desired Masturbation Frequency, Sexual Distress, and Their Correlates.

Author(s):
Huang S; Nyman TJ; Jern P; Santtila P

Summary:
Researchers studied how many people had problems with masturbation and if there was a link to childhood experiences or feelings of sadness and worry. They found that people who didn’t feel good about how much they were masturbating had more stress, and this was linked to tough childhood experiences and negative family attitudes about sex. The study shows that understanding these problems is complicated and needs careful attention.

Meta:
pubmed id: 37365448 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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February 9th, 2025

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