Article Feed - This Week in Sexual Health

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Abstract

CDC recommendation for treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea (NG) were revised in December 2020 and include ceftriaxone monotherapy when chlamydial infection was excluded. We evaluated the impact of these revised treatment recommendations using data from a network of STD clinics prior to the change in guidelines.

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Article Details

Title:
Presumptive and Follow-Up Treatment Associated With Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Testing Episodes in Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics: Impact of Changing Treatment Guidelines for Gonorrhea, Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Network, 2015-2018.

Author(s):
Llata E; Braxton J; Asbel L; Huspeni D; Tourdot L; Kerani RP; Cohen S; Kohn R; Schumacher C; Toevs K; Torrone E; Kreisel K

Summary:
In December 2020, new rules said to use only ceftriaxone to treat a sickness called gonorrhea, if another sickness called chlamydia was not present. This study looked at how these new rules affected treatment before they were changed.

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pubmed id: 36194764 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Black and Latinx women have long endured racist healthcare practices and policies that influence their sexual health outcomes. Despite having increased health care access, Black and Latina women continue to have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections compared to their white counterparts. We utilised Critical Race Theory to examine the myriad ways in which Black and Latina women and their unmet needs may be invisible to healthcare providers and to better understand the compounding factors that may affect Black and Latina women's engagement with sexual health services. Eighteen individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare providers, administrators and policy advocates working to address sexual health needs of Black and Latina women in California. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Two primary themes and subthemes were developed during our analysis. Within the healthcare system there is a lack of recognition of (1) intersectional identities of Black and Latina women, including intersectional oppressions and systemic vulnerabilities; and (2) structural barriers that mediate their sexual health treatment engagement. Recognition of intersectional identities and addressing structural barriers can potentially improve the sexual health of Black and Latina women and support efforts to address disparities in sexual health care.

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Article Details

Title:
The invisibility of Black and Latina women in sexual health care: shifting from biological individualism to intersectionality.

Author(s):
Small L; Beltran RM; Cordero L; Lau C; Shanur S; Miyashita Ochoa A

Summary:
Black and Latinx women face unfair treatment in healthcare, which affects their sexual health. This research talks to healthcare workers to find out why these women feel unseen and how healthcare can improve. Recognizing their unique identities and fixing barriers can help improve their health.

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pubmed id: 36190726 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This article provides an evaluation of a health and well-being workshop-based intervention, "The Quest" for gay and bisexual men from British Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. A quantitative component assessed reported and intended sexual risk, drugs and alcohol use alongside measures of psychological well-being with pre and post-program data collected from 26 men. Fourteen men participated in focus groups that discussed experiences of the intervention. Significant improvements were found on measures of internalized homophobia, self-esteem and self-efficacy but not for health behaviors including safer sex or substance use. Qualitative feedback was generally positive especially around enhanced psychological well-being, identity integration, and enhanced self-awareness. There were some concerns over group size and whether non-BAME gay men were appropriate as facilitators. Theoretically informed, culturally competent interventions can demonstrate significant potential in enhancing the well-being of BAME gay and bisexual men but follow-up data are needed to show longer-term benefits.

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Article Details

Title:
A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of "The Quest," A Health and Well-Being Intervention for British-Based Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Gay and Bisexual Men.

Author(s):
Williamson IR; Papaloukas P; Jaspal R

Summary:
A health workshop called "The Quest" was held for gay and bisexual men from different ethnic backgrounds in Britain. After the workshop, the men felt better about themselves and more confident, but there were no big changes in their health habits. Some people liked the workshop, but there were concerns about the group size and the leaders.

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pubmed id: 36190698 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The present study used a minority stress theory framework to investigate the direct and indirect relations of minority stressors (transgender discrimination experiences, internalized transphobia, identity nondisclosure), sense of belonging, and hopelessness with depression and anxiety symptoms in a sample of 301 trans and gender-diverse adults living in the United States. This study also explored the moderating effect of having knowledge of antitrans legislative efforts in one's state of residence on the overall pattern of results through a nested model comparison of the hypothesized path analysis. Participants were recruited using Internet-based forums, listservs, and social media, and survey data were collected online. Significant moderation effects were found, such that for those who reported having knowledge of antitrans legislative efforts in their state of residence reported a stronger association of external stressors (discrimination) than internal stressors (internalized transphobia, identity nondisclosure) on sense of belonging and hopelessness than their peers who did not have any knowledge of such legislative efforts. Furthermore, hopelessness emerged as a stronger predictor for those who were aware of antitrans legislative efforts. Implications of study findings for counseling, advocacy, and future research are discussed.

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Article Details

Title:
A Dangerous Visibility: Moderating Effects of Antitrans Legislative Efforts on Trans and Gender-Diverse Mental Health.

Author(s):
Tebbe EA; Simone M; Wilson E; Hunsicker M

Summary:
The study looked at how stress from being treated unfairly affects feelings of belonging and sadness in transgender people. It found that knowing about unfair laws in their area made this stress worse. The research could help people understand and support transgender communities better.

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pubmed id: 36188191 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The primary label for people who are sexually attracted to children ("pedophile") is conflated with sexual offending behavior and tainted with stigma. In the present pre-registered mixed-method study, we therefore investigated attitudes and preferences regarding "pedophile/hebephile" and other labels among 286 people who report a stronger or equally strong sexual attraction to prepubescent and pubescent children than to adults. Overall, quantitative data showed acceptance of "pedophile/hebephile" as well as a range of alternative labels in a personal (Labeling Oneself) and a professional context (Being Labeled by Others). "Minor-attracted person" and "pedophile/hebephile" received generally higher support than other terms and appeared to be least divisive across three major online fora. Qualitative data revealed four themes: "Contested self-labels," "Person-first language and pathologizing sexuality/identity," "Stigma and shame," and "Reclaiming the pedophile label." Our results allow deeper insight into reasons for adopting certain labels over others, as well as difficulties of finding a non-stigmatizing label. We discuss limitations of the study and practical implications for clinical and research contexts.

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Article Details

Title:
Pedophile, Child Lover, or Minor-Attracted Person? Attitudes Toward Labels Among People Who are Sexually Attracted to Children.

Author(s):
Jahnke S; Blagden N; Hill L

Summary:
The study looked at how people who are attracted to children feel about being called "pedophile" or other labels. Many of them liked the term "minor-attracted person," and the study found reasons why choosing certain words matters and how some words can make people feel ashamed. It also talked about what this means for helping and studying these people.

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pubmed id: 36175817 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, has reemerged in many vulnerable groups around the world. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of syphilis among people who attended a specialized HIV clinic in Mexico from 2011 to 2015. Databases from the laboratory were analyzed, and the following four groups were formed: people seeking HIV-1 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), people in prison (PPr), people living with HIV (PLWH), and patients from primary care clinics (others). The diagnosis of syphilis was made using the reverse algorithm; antibody titers were examined to determine the stage of infection. Baseline data were analyzed and, with follow-up information, a retrospective dynamic cohort was formed. Factors associated with the seroprevalence of syphilis and active syphilis were evaluated by the chi-square test. Moreover, risk factors for the incidence of syphilis were described. A total of 81,863 baseline individuals were analyzed. The seroprevalence of syphilis was 9.9% in the VCT group, 8.2% in the PPr group, 37.0% in the PLWH group, and 8.7% in the others group; the prevalence of active syphilis was 1.7-13.1%. A total of 11,124 people were followed up. The incidence (cases per 100 person-years) was 3.5 among the VCT group, 16.0 among the PLWH group, and < 0.1 among both the PPr and others groups, respectively; moreover, the frequency of reinfections was 11.1-24.4%. The high prevalence and incidence of syphilis, active syphilis, and reinfections among men, transgender people, individuals aged 20-39 years, and people with a history of HIV or hepatitis B suggest that it is critical to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment measures to stop the reemergence of syphilis. There are also new factors such as methamphetamine use, group sex, or contacting partners over the internet that are associated with syphilis. In addition, HIV preexposure prophylaxis could contribute to the increased incidence of syphilis by providing false security in the prevention of STIs, thereby increasing risky sexual behaviors.

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Article Details

Title:
High Incidence, Reinfections, and Active Syphilis in Populations Attending a Specialized HIV Clinic in Mexico, a Dynamic Cohort Study.

Author(s):
Tumalán-Gil OD; Ruiz-González V; García-Cisneros S; González-Rodríguez A; Herrera-Ortiz A; Olamendi-Portugal M; Sánchez-Alemán MA

Summary:
The study looked at how many people had syphilis at an HIV clinic in Mexico from 2011 to 2015. The researchers found that a lot of people in certain groups, like those with HIV, had syphilis or could get it again. They also found new reasons why syphilis might spread, like drug use and meeting partners online, and said better ways to stop syphilis are needed.

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pubmed id: 36175816 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In England, the Children and Social Work Act (HMSO, 2017) bestowed compulsory status on relationships and sex education (RSE), which means that young people's right to receive RSE has been codified in law. This paper analyzes how this right is upheld and enacted within the Department for Education (DfE) (2019) statutory guidance on RSE for schools in England. The analysis suggests that the guidance features contradictory discourses in which young people's rights are ostensibly advanced, but remain structured by adult-centric, heteronormative understandings of sex and relationships. It upholds a decontextualized and legalistic approach to rights, responsibilities, informed choice, and decision making. A narrow conception of rights is particularly evident regarding young people's digital sexual cultures, which are predominantly framed in terms of risk and harm. We argue that scholars should investigate how educators are designing and delivering RSE in light of the guidance, and the opportunities for and obstacles to a genuinely "rights-based" approach to RSE. While the policy discussed in this article is specific to England, the discussion has wider relevance for practitioners and policymakers across cultural and geographic contexts as it draws upon a model for analyzing how young people's sexuality is presented and addressed in legislative and curricular documentation.

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Article Details

Title:
Department for Education Statutory Guidance for Relationships and Sex Education in England: A Rights-Based Approach?

Author(s):
Setty E; Dobson E

Summary:
In England, a law was made in 2017 to make sure kids learn about relationships and sex in school. This study looks at how these lessons are being taught, showing that while kids have a right to learn about this, the way it is taught is still mostly decided by adults and focuses a lot on risks, especially online. The paper suggests that teachers need to find better ways to teach these topics so kids truly understand their rights.

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pubmed id: 36171488 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Early or excessive sexualized behaviors and preoccupations with sexuality (SB) exhibited by juveniles who have sexually offended (JSO) are considered risk factors for sexual recidivism. However, research into SB among JSO is scarce. The present study retrospectively examined prevalence rates and patterns of SB among JSO prior to sexual offending and their relation to psychopathology and sexual recidivism. We systematically assessed information from psychiatric and psychological expert reports in case files of 230 JSO aged 12-18 years (M = 14.46, SD = 1.49) from a population sample of JSO with contact sexual offenses. A total of 93 (40.4%) JSO exhibited SB prior to the index sexual offense. Latent class analysis revealed three SB profiles: (1) "low/no SB" (n = 188), (2) "preoccupied SB" (preoccupation with sexuality, e.g., early pornography consumption, excessive masturbation; n = 29), and (3) "dysregulated SB" (exhibiting inappropriate sexualized behaviors toward others, e.g., sexualized speech, touching others inappropriately; n = 13). The preoccupied SB and the dysregulated SB groups showed higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders than the low/no SB. However, none of the JSO of the preoccupied SB or dysregulated SB groups reoffended sexually within 365 days after conviction for the sexual index offense (low/no SB: 12.8%). Overall, our findings do not support a general notion of the presence of SB as an indicator of high risk for persistent sexual offending among JSO. Instead, JSO with SB appear particularly burdened regarding a range of psychiatric disorders that should be treated accordingly.

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Article Details

Title:
Sexualized Behavior Among Adolescents Who Sexually Offended.

Author(s):
Krause C; Barra S; Landolt MA; Bessler C; Aebi M

Summary:
The study looked at kids who broke the law in a bad way and found that almost half showed certain behaviors before doing bad things. These behaviors were grouped into three types, and some kids in these groups had more health problems. The researchers found that this doesn't always mean the kids will keep doing bad things.

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pubmed id: 36171486 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This study explored how the reproductive health care experiences of women with female genital mutilation/cutting/circumcision (FGC) were shaped. We used Institutional Ethnography, a sociological approach which allows for the study of social relations and the coordination of health care. From qualitatively interviewing eight women with FGC, we learned that they felt excluded within the Canadian health care system because they were unable to access reconstructive surgery, which was not covered by Ontario's universal health coverage (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). We then talked with seven obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) and learned that while it was legal to perform certain genital (e.g., female genital cosmetic surgery) and reproductive (e.g., elective caesarean section) surgeries commonly requested by Western-born women, it was not legal for them to perform other genital surgeries often requested by immigrant populations (e.g., reinfibulation), nor were these covered by OHIP (e.g., clitoral reconstructive surgery). From participants' comparison of clitoral reconstructive surgery and reinfibulation to female genital cosmetic and gender confirming surgeries, it became clear that the law and policies within the health care system favored surgeries elected by Western adults over those wished for by women with FGC. We found that the law had an impact on the choices that OB/GYNs and the women they treated could make, shaping their respective experiences. This created ethical dilemmas for OB/GYNs and a sense of exclusion from the health care system for women with FGC.

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Article Details

Title:
How Canadian Law Shapes the Health Care Experiences of Women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting/Circumcision and Their Providers: A Disjuncture Between Expectation and Actuality.

Author(s):
Jacobson D; Grace D; Boddy J; Einstein G

Summary:
The study looked at how women with female genital cutting felt about their health care in Canada. They felt left out because they couldn't get certain surgeries that weren't covered by health insurance. Doctors could do some surgeries for Western women, but not the ones often needed by immigrant women, which made the women feel excluded and caused problems for the doctors.

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pubmed id: 36169778 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Recently, with the increase in demand, multiple intervention proposals aimed at improving the sexual health of people with intellectual disabilities have emerged. Among them is the SALUDIVERSEX program, which takes a positive approach to sexuality. It has an extended version, consisting of 16 sessions and whose efficacy has already been proven, and a reduced version of 10 sessions. Thus, the present study aimed to test the differential efficacy of the two versions. A total of 208 participants (103 women and 105 men) aged between 19 and 67 years (M = 37.23, SD = 10.66) completed a battery of instruments before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses showed that users who participated in the reduced version of the program presented a significantly higher rate of improvement in their sexual behaviors compared to those who participated in the extended version (Sexual response: β = - 0.46 ± 0.19, p = .034; Sex practices: β = - 0.52 ± 0.23, p = .037; Use condoms: β = - 1.56 ± 0.59, p = .017), as well as a significantly higher decrease in the risk of suffering sexual abuse (β = 3.95 ± 0.64, p < .001). However, no statistically significant differences in sexuality knowledge were obtained with respect to the improvement between the two versions (β = - 0.09 ± 1.21, p = .94). Meanwhile, the professionals who applied the program found that those who participated in the reduced version, although they presented a significantly greater increase in their knowledge about privacy (β = - 0.48 ± 0.08, p < .001), did not improve their concerns about their inappropriate sexual behaviors as much as the users of the extended version (β = - 1.35 ± 0.21, p < .001). Thus, although both versions were effective, the reduced version seems to do so to a greater extent and in a shorter time, which makes it the more recommendable option.

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Article Details

Title:
Analysis of the Differential Efficacy of the Reduced Version Over the Extended Version of an Affective-Sexual Education Program for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.

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

Summary:
This study looked at two programs that help people with intellectual disabilities learn about sexual health. The short version of the program helped people improve faster and be safer, while both versions helped teach about privacy. The short version was better overall because it worked well in less time.

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pubmed id: 36169777 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Sexual risk behaviors often co-occur. Understanding the heterogeneity in patterns of sexual behavior among youth and how context of majority and minoritized status may be related to these behaviors can inform targeted STIs/HIV interventions. Data are from the Boricua Youth Study, a longitudinal study of two probability samples of Puerto Rican youth recruited in the South Bronx (SBx) and the metropolitan area in Puerto Rico (PR). We identified patterns of sexual behaviors among young adults (ages 15-24) with sexual experience (N = 1,203) using latent class analysis. Analyses examined context differences and the prospective relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (childhood maltreatment/violence, family/parental dysfunction) and patterns of sexual behaviors (age at first sex, number of sex partners, sex with a high-risk partner, condom use, sex while intoxicated, oral sex, anal sex). We identified five classes of sexual behaviors: (1) currently inactive (16.51%); (2) single partner, low activity (13.49%); (3) single partner, inconsistent condom use (32.19%); (4) single partner, sex without a condom (27.65%); and (5) multirisk (10.16%). Young adults from the SBx (minoritized context), those who identified as male, and those with higher child maltreatment/violence ACEs were more likely to be in the multi-risk class relative to the single partner, inconsistent condom use class. Those from the SBx were also more likely to be in the single partner, sex without condom class, relative to the single partner, inconsistent condom use class. Differences in young adults' patterns of sexual behaviors between the two contexts, one representing the minoritized context (SBx) contrasted to the majority context (PR), were not explained by ACEs. Findings highlight the heterogeneity in the patterns of sexual behaviors among Puerto Rican young adults as well as how such patterns vary based on sociocultural contexts. Exposure to child maltreatment/violence ACEs was related to the riskier patterns; however, they did not explain why riskier patterns of sexual behaviors were found in the SBx compared to PR. Results underscore the need for tailored interventions and more in-depth examination of differences across contexts.

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Article Details

Title:
Does Context and Adversity Shape Sexual Behavior in Youth? Findings from Two Representative Samples of Puerto Rican Youth.

Author(s):
Ramos-Olazagasti MA; Elkington KS; Wainberg ML; Feng T; Corbeil T; Canino GJ; Bird HR; Scorza P; Wildsmith E; Alegria M; Duarte CS

Summary:
This study looked at the sexual behaviors of young people in Puerto Rico and the South Bronx. Researchers found different patterns in how these young people behave, like having only one partner or taking more risks. They discovered that bad experiences in childhood influenced some behaviors, but it didn't explain all the differences between the two places.

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pubmed id: 36169776 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The HIV epidemic affects men who have sex with men (MSM) disproportionally in Brazil, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for preventing HIV in this population. However, low perceived risk of HIV may influence the acceptability and decision to use PrEP. This study estimated the association between self-perception of HIV risk and acceptability of daily oral PrEP among Brazilian MSM. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used for behavioral and biological surveillance to recruit 4,176 MSM 18 years or over in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. Results were weighted using Gile's estimator in RDS Analyst software. Adjusted odds rations (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multivariate logistic regression. Acceptability of daily oral PrEP was high (69.7%) among the 3,544 MSM available for analysis. Most participants self-reported low or moderate risk of HIV infection (67.2%) and a small proportion (9.3%) reported high risk. A dose-response relationship was observed between acceptability of PrEP and self-reported risk: PrEP acceptability was 1.88 times higher (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.24-2.85) among MSM whose perceived risk of HIV infection was low or moderate, and 5 times higher (OR 5.68; 95% CI: 2.54-12.73) among those who self-reported high risk compared to MSM reporting no HIV risk. MSM with the highest risk perception of HIV reported higher rates of PrEP acceptability. Given the availability of daily oral PrEP in the public health care system in Brazil, we suggest emphasizing counseling about self-perception of HIV risk as part of routine HIV prevention services.

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Article Details

Title:
Perceived Risk of HIV Infection and Acceptability of PrEP among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil.

Author(s):
Soares F; Magno L; da Silva LAV; Guimarães MDC; Leal AF; Knauth D; Veras MA; de Brito AM; Kendall C; Kerr LRFS; Dourado I

Summary:
The study looked at how men who have sex with men in Brazil view their risk of getting HIV and if they are likely to use a medicine called PrEP to help prevent it. Most men said they felt a low or moderate risk of getting HIV, but those who felt more at risk were more likely to say they would use PrEP. The researchers suggest talking to people about how they see their risk could be an important part of HIV prevention.

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pubmed id: 36169773 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is being incorporated into services frequented by adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa who are at a significant risk of HIV. In non-PrEP studies, positive provider-client rapport has been shown to improve patient decision-making and use of medication in clinical care. We examined AGYW and healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives on the value of and strategies for building positive provider-client rapport. We conducted in-depth interviews from January 2018 to December 2019 with 38 AGYW and 15 HCPs from two family planning clinics in Kisumu, Kenya where PrEP was being delivered to AGYW as part of the Prevention Options for Women Evaluation Research (POWER) study. We used semi-structured interview guides and audio-recorded interviews with participant consent. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using thematic content analysis. HCPs and AGYW emphasised the importance of positive provider-client rapport to meet AGYW support needs in PrEP service delivery. HCPs described how they employed rapport-building strategies that strengthened AGYW PrEP uptake and continuation, including: (1) using friendly and non-judgmental tones; (2) maintaining client confidentiality (to build client trust); (3) adopting a conversational approach (to enable accurate risk assessment); (4) actively listening and tailoring counselling (to promote client knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy); and (5) supporting client agency. Positive provider-client relationships and negative experiences identified in this analysis have the potential to facilitate/deter AGYW from using PrEP while at risk. The strategies to enhance provider-client rapport identified in this study could be integrated into PrEP provider training and delivery practices.

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Article Details

Title:
Provider-client rapport in pre-exposure prophylaxis delivery: a qualitative analysis of provider and client experiences of an implementation science project in Kenya.

Author(s):
Omollo V; Roche SD; Mogaka F; Odoyo J; Barnabee G; Bukusi EA; Katz AWK; Morton J; Johnson R; Baeten JM; Celum C; O'Malley G

Summary:
Healthcare providers and young women in Kenya found that having a good relationship helps young women take their HIV-prevention medicine, PrEP, properly. Providers used friendly speech, kept secrets safe, listened well, and supported the girls to trust and continue using PrEP. Improving these relationships can help the girls stay healthy.

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pubmed id: 36169648 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Emerging studies focus on minority stressors emanating from society's stigmatization of particular relationship forms (i.e., couple-level minority stressors). The present study examines how same-sex couples experience one such couple-level minority stressor: limitations to participation in families of origin. Qualitative data are drawn from a sub-sample of same-sex couples (N = 18) who participated in a large-scale study of minority stress among 120 same-sex couples distributed equally across two study sites (Atlanta and San Francisco) in 2012 and 2013. Instances of limitations to participation in families of origin ranged in severity, falling into three distinct areas: 1) , where some family members were accepting and others were not, 2) where some family members said they were accepting but behaved as though they were not and, 3) , where some family members were blatantly unwelcoming or hostile. These types of exclusion were also evidenced in dyadic minority stress processes of stress proliferation (e.g., stress discrepancies and stress contagion) causing additional stress for both partners. These narratives portray struggles associated with experiences of couple-level minority stress faced by people in same-sex relationships.

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Article Details

Title:
Limitations to Participation in Family of Origin Among Same Sex Couples: A Couple-Level Minority Stressor.

Author(s):
Hoff CC; Gonzali AV; Alston-Stepnitz E; Frost DM; LeBlanc AJ

Summary:
This study looks at the stress same-sex couples feel when their families don't accept them. It found that some families pretend to accept them, while others are openly unwelcoming. This rejection causes the couples a lot of extra stress.

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pubmed id: 36165779 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Coping strategies have been studied as protective factors against stress for individuals. However, the psychometric properties of the most widely used coping self-report questionnaires, the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS-21), have not been examined in a sexual minority population (men and women that identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual or LGB). In this study, we conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) simultaneously to assess the factor structure of the CISS-21 questionnaire in LGBs. Also, we tested the measurement invariance of CISS across sex and sexual identity in the LGB sample ( = 2850, 52.00% woman, mean age = 32.46 years). The results show that a four-factor structure consisting of task-oriented coping (TOC), emotion-oriented coping (EOC), distraction-oriented coping (DOC), and social diversion-oriented coping (SOC) explained the data best. The results also show acceptable internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Subsequently, multi-group analyses established measurement invariance across sex and sexual identity. These results indicate that the CISS-21 could be used as a simple, reliable, and valid scale for measuring coping strategies in LGBs, and that it allows valid score comparisons from different sex and sexual identity groups.

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Article Details

Title:
The Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations in a Sexual Minority Population.

Author(s):
Song C; Buysse A; Zhang WH; Lu C; Zhao M; Dewaele A

Summary:
Researchers studied a questionnaire called CISS-21 to see if it works well for people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. They found that the questionnaire can reliably measure different ways of coping with stress for these groups. This means people from different sex and sexual identities can use it, and it will give good results.

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pubmed id: 36165778 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Susan Sontag, in her classic 1967 essay, "The Pornographic Imagination," argued: "Tamed as it may be, sexuality remains one of the demonic forces in human consciousness …. "In the last half-century, Sontag's demonic force of sexuality has transformed pornography and the "pornographic imagination"-let along social relations between women and men. In this essay, I adopt Walter Benjamin's concept of phantasmagoria-a magic-lantern show of optical illusions, rapidly changing size and blending into one another-as the metaphoric commodity form of postmodern capitalist society, fetishism-on-display. I examine the evolution of technological forms of pornographic representation over the last two centuries, including the magiclantern, daguerreotype, photography, stereoscope and film as well as the internet, erotic toys, electronic devises, VR and sex robots. These developments are set against a background of equally profound legal and cultural developments that have recast the sexuality of postmodern America. I argue that these (and other) developments have recast patriarchy and, in some important ways, the sexual relations between "consenting" adults. I conclude reflecting on the current intellectual and political debate about pornography between "pro-sex" and "anti-sex" feminists. With the enormous increase in the production and availability of pornography, I ask, perhaps "quantity" can give way to improved "quality"? I ask whether today's sexual phantasmagoria can fashion a "new" feminist sexuality-and a more humane pornography?

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Article Details

Title:
Pornography and the Erotic Phantasmagoria.

Author(s):
Rosen D

Summary:
The essay talks about how things like photos, movies, and the internet have changed how people see and use pornography over the years. It also looks at how these changes affect how men and women interact, and discusses different views on whether more choices in pornography can lead to better or kinder ones.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36157715 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Following the "call for action to research", various aspects of maternity care should be examined so that perinatal care can be improved based on evidence. Clinical midwifery is the most common way of attending births in high-income countries. Midwives are the experts for normal labor and birth and play a central role in caring for women giving birth in a hospital setting. The aim of this scoping review was to explore midwives' action-guiding orientation in their care provision during hospital births in high-income countries. Four databases (CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE and PSYNDEX) were searched systematically for studies in English or German on midwives' action-guiding orientation during hospital labor and birth, published between 2000 and February 2022. Only studies from peer-reviewed journals were included. Reporting followed the PRISMA-ScR statement for scoping reviews. From a total of 1572 studies, 26 studies with 4 different research designs were included in the narrative synthesis. The synthesis shows 7 central concepts that emerge in the studies: medicalization of birth versus woman-centered care; midwives' knowledge and experience; midwives' professional identity; midwives' confidence or autonomy in practice; intra-professional and multi-professional relations; continuity of care and relationship with the woman; and working conditions and cultural context. The central concept most reflective of midwives' action-guiding orientation was "medicalization of birth versus woman-centered care." Other elements that affect midwives' action-guiding orientation and represent influencing factors at the micro, meso, and macro levels of obstetric care must be considered if one is to understand the profession and work of midwives.

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Article Details

Title:
Midwives' action-guiding orientation while attending hospital births - A scoping review.

Author(s):
Luegmair K; Ayerle GM; Steckelberg A

Summary:
This research paper looked at how midwives help women during births in hospitals in rich countries. It found that midwives focus on taking care of the mother, balancing between medical help and focusing on what the woman needs. They also need to think about other things like teamwork, experience, and their work environment to do their job well.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36152453 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Over the last two decades, Afghanistan has been a leading country of origin for asylum seekers and refugees arriving in Australia. It is widely recognized that humanitarian migrants experience poorer sexual and reproductive health than the broader population. In turn, a body of research has emerged exploring the sexual and reproductive health of the local Afghan community. However, this has predominantly focused on youth or perinatal experiences, and less attention has been given to the broader relational and social dimensions of sexuality. Accordingly, this research aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of married Afghan women and men as they navigate and negotiate sex, sexuality, and intimate relationships following settlement in Melbourne, Australia. A total of 57 Afghan women and men participated in six focus group discussions and 20 semi-structured interviews. Male participants described the ways that having increased access to sex and sexually explicit materials in Australia is creating opportunities for them to establish more fulfilling sex lives. Many women also described a growing awareness of sexuality, although often expressed difficulty prioritizing and claiming more pleasurable sexual encounters for themselves. However, concerns about sexual freedom are also creating new challenges for the Afghan community living in Australia in relation to sex and relationships. For example, men expressed fears about women exercising sexual liberties outside of the home, and this appeared to place women's everyday behavior under increased scrutiny. Women also voiced concerns about how easily men can access sex outside of marriage within Australia, and described how this amplified their sense of obligation to be sexually compliant and meet their husband's desires. This study provides new insights into the ways that Afghan community members are moving between societies, and how their understandings of sexual participation, pleasure, desire, health, consent, and capacity for self-determination are being challenged, reshaped, and reconstructed throughout this process.

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Article Details

Title:
Sex, Sexuality, and Intimate Relationships Among Afghan Women and Men of Refugee Background Living in Melbourne, Australia: Experiences, Opportunities, and Transcultural Tensions.

Author(s):
Russo A; Lewis B; Ali R; Abed A; Russell G; Luchters S

Summary:
This study looked at how Afghan men and women living in Australia feel about sex and relationships. They found that men are finding more ways to enjoy sex, but both men and women have worries about freedom and behavior. Women are also feeling pressure to meet their husbands' wants.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36149540 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Immigrant women in Sweden often have unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. Successful contraceptive counselling may improve their sexual and reproductive health and rights. The unique Swedish model, with midwives as the main providers of contraceptive counselling, is important for immigrant women's health at both individual and societal levels. This study explored immigrant women's perspectives on receiving contraceptive counselling from midwives in Sweden, in order to obtain deeper knowledge about the factors they perceive as important in the counselling situation. Nineteen in-depth individual interviews were conducted from December 2018 to February 2019, followed by qualitative manifest and latent content analysis. Trust emerged as the overall important factor in the contraceptive counselling meeting. Knowledge was lacking about the midwife's professional role as a contraceptive counsellor. Contraceptive counselling was seen as a private matter not easily shared with unfamiliar midwives or interpreters. Previous experiences of contraceptives and preconceptions were important considerations for contraceptive choice, but communicating these needs required trust. Women also wanted more knowledge about contraceptives and SRH care and rights. Cultural and social norms concerning when and why to use contraceptives needed to be acknowledged in the midwife encounter. Although immigrant women want more knowledge about contraception, a trustful relationship with the midwife is needed to be able to make informed contraceptive choices. Midwives may need increased awareness of the many factors influencing immigrant women's choices to ensure their contraceptive autonomy. Policy changes that promote new ways of counselling and ability to provide continuous care are needed.

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Article Details

Title:
Immigrant women's perspectives on contraceptive counselling provided by midwives in Sweden - a qualitative study.

Author(s):
Kolak M; Löfgren C; Hansson SR; Rubertsson C; Agardh A

Summary:
Immigrant women in Sweden have unmet needs for sexual and reproductive health. Trusting relationships with midwives are important for good contraceptive counselling. These women want more knowledge about contraceptives, but need to trust the midwife to make informed choices.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36129725 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Menstrual health is important for adolescent girls and is particularly compromised in displaced communities due to restricted access to information and lack of private spaces to manage menstruation. Menarche is the biological and social milestone of girls' adolescence, marking the onset of puberty and confirming womanhood in many communities. It also marks a difficult transitional period influenced by socio-cultural beliefs and expectations. Menstrual preparedness is critical for this transition, and the lack of accurate, timely, age-appropriate information might impact current, and future reproductive health and well-being. This paper investigates the menstrual preparedness status of adolescents living in Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank and Jordan. These are long-term refugee camps characterised by a variety of social, economic, and political constraints affecting the health of women and girls. We conducted 39 in-depth interviews and 23 focus-group discussions with adolescent girls. The study reveals inadequate menstrual preparedness among the participants, especially in pre-menarche. Among the barriers to adequate menstrual preparedness is a predominance of practical concerns, such as the use of sanitary pads and hygienic practices, socio-cultural norms that promote secrecy and taboo around menstruation, and divergent notions of timeliness of information among girls, their mothers, and teachers. The study contends that addressing the taboo around menstruation requires joint efforts by the family, school, and social services. Menstrual preparedness should begin early and encompass biological, practical, emotional, and psychological components. The paper advocates for Comprehensive, Contextually Relevant, Timely Menstrual Preparedness (CCTMP) policies and initiatives, empowering adolescent girls, their mothers, and educators.

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Article Details

Title:
Coming of age: a qualitative study of adolescent girls' menstrual preparedness in Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank and Jordan.

Author(s):
Ghandour R; Hammoudeh W; Giacaman R; Holmboe-Ottesen G; Fjeld HE

Summary:
The research paper talks about how young girls in Palestinian refugee camps need better information and help to manage their periods. Many girls don't get the right information in time, which can hurt their health and well-being. The study suggests that families, schools, and communities should work together to provide the right support.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36129456 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to expand previous findings regarding paradoxical effects of negative mood on sexual desire. This was done by considering the full range of depressed mood and anxiety symptoms and using methods that are unaffected by recall bias and that don't require participants to infer causal associations between their mood and sexual desire. A convenience sample of 213 university students completed daily questionnaires for approximately two months. Multilevel random-effects models were used to estimate average effects for the entire sample and to test for variability across participants in the associations between negative mood and sexual desire, controlling also for potential influences of the menstrual cycle. Previous findings showing that some women report decreased sexual desire and others increased sexual desire when depressed or anxious were confirmed. More importantly, for both depressed mood and anxiety, results demonstrated the presence of within-person paradoxical associations, whereby there were some women for whom both low and high levels of negative mood were associated with the same change (an increase or a decrease) in sexual desire. Related to these diverse response patterns, paradoxical associations between negative mood and sexual desire were also present at low levels of negative mood. The discussion underlines the importance of considering individual variability and multifactorial nonlinear models when studying sexual desire.

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Article Details

Title:
Sexual Desire in Women: Paradoxical and Nonlinear Associations with Anxiety and Depressed Mood.

Author(s):
Bittoni C; Kiesner J

Summary:
The study looked at how feeling sad or anxious affects people's interest in sex. Some women feel less interested, while others feel more interested in sex, and this can happen with different levels of sad or anxious feelings. The study found that it's important to understand that everyone is different and models need to be considered when studying these feelings.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36123564 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Although heterosexual oral and anal sexual behaviors have been reported in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about how they are understood and perceived, particularly, in West Africa. We undertook a qualitative exploration of local terminologies and sexual scripts associated with heterosexual oral and anal sex in preparation for a quantitative survey. We held focus group discussions (18) and interviews (44) with younger and middle-aged men and women from the general population and female sex workers (FSWs) in selected communities in Ibadan. Most participants had heard of oral and anal sex. Younger adults aged 18-25 years, particularly male participants and FSWs, appeared more informed than older adults in the general population. Sexually explicit movies were the most cited source of information. Oral and anal sexual behaviors were considered sensitive, with different local names, meanings, and interpretations. Participants advised against the use of slang terms in research. We identified six different scripts employed by participants in discussing oral and anal sex practices: protecting sexual relationship, financial reward, an alternative to vaginal sex, pleasure, male dominance and control, and risk, stigma, and disgust.

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Article Details

Title:
Heterosexual Oral and Anal Sex: Perceptions, Terminologies, and Attitudes of Younger and Older Adults in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Author(s):
Morhason-Bello IO; Mitchell K; Jegede AS; Adewole IF; Francis SC; Watson-Jones D

Summary:
The study looked at what people in Ibadan know and think about oral and anal sex. They found that younger people and those watching certain movies knew more about it, and participants used different words and ideas to talk about these types of sex.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36123563 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

There is a fervent social debate ongoing that relates to the ownership of child-like sex dolls. On the one hand, some proponents of dolls suggest that they offer a safe sexual outlet for minor-attracted people (MAPs) and could be used in efforts to prevent the sexual abuse of children. On the other side of the debate, child-like dolls are seen as articles that sexualize children, encourage deviant fantasies, and increase offending risk. To date, no empirical analyses have been undertaken with people who own such dolls. In this paper, we present data from child-like sex doll owners (n = 85) and MAPs who do not own dolls (n = 120) recruited from online forums visited by people who own sex dolls or forums for people with sexual attractions to children. Specifically, we compared their psychological characteristics and proclivities for sexual aggression. Among non-owners, 79.2% of participants declared an interest in owning a sex doll, which is higher than the 20-40% rate reported in adult-attracted samples of non-owners. We found few differences between the groups on most personality variables, with doll owners being less antisocial and anxiously attached than non-owners, but exhibiting more schizotypal traits. Related to offending proclivities, doll ownership was associated with lower levels of sexual preoccupation and self-reported arousal to hypothetical abuse scenarios, but higher levels of sexually objectifying behaviors and anticipated enjoyment of sexual encounters with children. We discuss these data in relation to a functional model of child-like sex doll ownership among MAPs.

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Article Details

Title:
Exploring the Ownership of Child-Like Sex Dolls.

Author(s):
Harper CA; Lievesley R

Summary:
There is a big debate about people owning child-like dolls. Some think these dolls can help stop people from hurting real children, while others believe they make things worse. The study compared people who have these dolls and those who don't, finding some differences in personality and behavior.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36121584 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Studies examining the etiology of problematic sexual behavior (PSB) among pre-teen children often rely on identifying correlational relationships without examining potential causal mechanisms. This study describes an exploratory analysis of a potential mediational model where child sexual abuse (CSA) and child physical abuse (CPA) predict the onset of PSB through their impact on the emergence of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and self-dysregulation. The caregivers of 189 children between the ages of 3 and 11 years presenting for mental health treatment in the United States completed a battery of measures designed to assess each of the variables in the model. Cross-sectional, regression-based mediational analyses showed that the overall model performed adequately ( = 0.33, = 0.11, = 3.07, = .004). CSA exerted a direct effect on PSB that was not mediated through either PTS or self-dysregulation. However, no direct effect for CPA was found. Rather, CPA exerted a significant effect on the display of self-dysregulation, which in turn was associated with PSB. These results are discussed in light of clinical implications and directions for further research.

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Article Details

Title:
Etiological Pathways to the Emergence of Preteen Problematic Sexual Behavior: An Exploratory Mediational Model.

Author(s):
Allen B

Summary:
This study looked at how bad things that happen to kids, like abuse, might lead to behavior problems by making them feel stressed or unable to control themselves. They found that when kids experienced sexual abuse, it directly caused behavior problems. But when kids experienced physical abuse, it led to problems controlling themselves, which then caused behavior problems.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36120955 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Low sexual desire in women is usually studied as a problem, one that is located within women. However, other possibilities exist, including known gender inequities related to heteronormative gender roles. In this study, we provide the first test of the theory that heteronormativity is related to low sexual desire in women partnered with men, focusing specifically on inequities in the division of household labor. In two studies with women who were partnered with men and had children (Study 1, N = 677; Study 2, N = 396), performing a large proportion of household labor was associated with significantly lower sexual desire for a partner. Together, the results suggest that this association was mediated by both perceiving the partner as a dependent and perceiving the division of labor as unfair. These results support the heteronormativity theory of low sexual desire in women partnered with men, and show that gender inequities are important, though understudied, contributors to low desire in women partnered with men.

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Article Details

Title:
Gender Inequities in Household Labor Predict Lower Sexual Desire in Women Partnered with Men.

Author(s):
Harris EA; Gormezano AM; van Anders SM

Summary:
The study found that when women do most of the housework, they often have lower interest in being close with their partner. This happens because they might feel like their partner relies too much on them and that the chores are shared unfairly. The research shows that unfair sharing of chores can play a big role in why some women don't feel like being close with their partners.

Meta:
pubmed id: 36112330 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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