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Prevention Science : the Official... Dec 2023Youth in foster care experience disproportionate rates of abusive relationships, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Extant research points to...
Youth in foster care experience disproportionate rates of abusive relationships, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Extant research points to the need for interventions at multiple levels of the social ecology, however, there is a lack of evidence to guide the development of coordinated interventions for youth, foster parents, and child welfare professionals. The Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI) convened a multidisciplinary learning community to build a foundation for intervention development. The intentional learning and innovation process engaged several groups of stakeholders: young adults with lived experience (n = 41), foster parents (n = 14), and child welfare professionals (n = 52). Interviews, community listening sessions, and reflection exercises were designed to capture tacit and experiential knowledge and explore challenges and desired outcomes from different perspectives. Based on a thematic analysis of stakeholder perspectives, we identified overarching needs to normalize conversations about sexuality and relationships and shift away from risk-based and stigmatizing approaches. We also identified key strategies for designing coordinated interventions targeting youth, foster parents, and child welfare professionals: (1) Reflect on values about sexuality and relationships. (2) Validate youths' need for connection. (3) Focus on strengthening youth-adult relationships and ongoing conversations. (4) Build healthy relationship skills including communication about consent, condom use, and contraception. (5) Identify teachable moments and model problem solving. (6) Use interactive approaches for sharing health information and empower youth to choose methods that fit their needs.
Topics: Pregnancy; Child; Adolescent; Female; Young Adult; Humans; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality; Child Welfare; Communication; Informed Consent
PubMed: 36630023
DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01476-z -
Psychiatria Danubina Dec 2022Sexuality is a complex social and psychological phenomenon even more complicated in the setting of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
BACKGROUND
Sexuality is a complex social and psychological phenomenon even more complicated in the setting of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
In total 192 participants entered the study (96 couples) in the process of ART. Participants filled up anonymous questionnaire while waiting routine procedure. At the time of questionnaire males and females were in separate rooms without knowledge about partners answers.
RESULTS
The frequency of sexual intercourse was not related to the sociodemographic variables in women but was related to education level and work status. More educated men who were employed had more frequent sexual intercourses. Moreover, the frequency of the sexual intercourse was not related to the duration of the relationship nor the infertility treatment. The correlational analyses showed that the frequency of sexual masturbation was not related to the sociodemographic variables, except for place of living. Both women and men from more urban areas reported to engage in masturbation more often. The frequency of specific sexual activities did not differ between reports by women and men for vaginal, oral, anal, and foreplay activities. However, men reported engaging in masturbation more often than women.
CONCLUSION
The frequency of sexual activities is similar in women and men for vaginal, oral, anal, and foreplay activities. However, men reported engaging in masturbation more often than women. ART could only slightly affect quality of sexual life. Both partners should be informed.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Sexual Behavior; Coitus; Masturbation; Sexuality; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sexual Partners
PubMed: 36752256
DOI: No ID Found -
The Gerontologist Feb 2023While interest in sexuality\research is growing, in the past, it has been largely invisible in gerontology. By exploring the full range and dimensions of sexuality and...
Blueprint for Future Research Advancing the Study of Sexuality, Gender, and Equity in Later Life: Lessons Learned From Aging With Pride, The National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS).
While interest in sexuality\research is growing, in the past, it has been largely invisible in gerontology. By exploring the full range and dimensions of sexuality and their interrelationships with multiple factors, this article presents conceptual, substantive, and methodological advances for the field of sexuality in later life. Based on the Sexual Equity Framework, an extension of the Health Equity Promotion Model, this article highlights the heterogeneity and intersectionality of sexuality across the life course, examining how historical and contemporary contexts frame key dimensions of sexuality at multiple levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, sociocultural, and structural) and their relationship with sexual quality of life. Utilizing findings from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging and Sexuality/Gender Study, the heterogeneity and intersectionality of age, gender, race, and ethnicity are critical to understanding sexuality and its dimensions in later life. Many adults experience changes in sexual and gender identities over time. Affirming sexual and gender identities, social connections, and health-promoting behaviors are positively associated with sexual quality of life, while sexual stigma and marginalization have adverse consequences. The study of sexuality needs to be fully integrated into gerontology. The Sexual Equity Framework explicates the potential deleterious effect of historical and contemporary structures on sexuality as well the important roles of affirmation, agency, and resilience among older adults, and recognizes the important role of human rights to advance sexual quality of life. Important directions for future research, practices, and policies are outlined.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Gender Identity; Quality of Life; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality; Aging
PubMed: 36254775
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac146 -
Adicciones Apr 2018It was with great interest that we read the article published by Dolengevich-Segal (Dolengevich-Segal et al., 2017), which provides an interesting review of the emerging...
It was with great interest that we read the article published by Dolengevich-Segal (Dolengevich-Segal et al., 2017), which provides an interesting review of the emerging phenomenon known as chemsex and the different drugs used in this type of practice.We would like to highlight the importance and usefulness of this paper, given the progressive increase in the prevalence of drug use in the context of sexual activity among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Western Europe (Fernández-Dávila et al,. 2016). This situation raises the need to launch epidemiological studies to assess the phenomenon - not only, however, from the point of view of mental health, but also from the field of infectious diseases and toxicology. We must not forget that this type of practice involves an increase in the risk of infection by sexually transmitted diseases and the problems that drug use can cause from the toxicological point of view. Both are causes of emergency room (ER) consultation, and more training in how to tackle the problems arising from chemsex should be provided.
Topics: Europe; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Unsafe Sex
PubMed: 29353303
DOI: 10.20882/adicciones.1062 -
BMC Psychiatry Nov 2023Autistic people have communication, sensorial, and social difficulties, which on many occasions, make their adaptation on the sexual and affective levels difficult. For...
BACKGROUND
Autistic people have communication, sensorial, and social difficulties, which on many occasions, make their adaptation on the sexual and affective levels difficult. For this reason, it is important to know the opinion of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families, to offer this perspective to professionals to facilitate adapted health education programs in mental health units.
METHODS
This qualitative descriptive design presents the experiences of autistic individuals and their families in relation to the affective-sexual experiences from individual, family, and social perspectives. Two focus group sessions were held with eight family members and seven individual semi-structured interviews with autistic young adults. The transcripts were qualitatively analysed using content analysis.
RESULTS
Four themes (Family and social dynamic; Social behaviour of the autistic individual; Affective-sexual relationships; Addressing affective and sex education) and 13 related categories emerged from these results. Communication and social interaction problems act as barriers for young adults when developing affective-sexual relationships, leading to the emergence of negative feelings and experiences that reinforce avoidance behaviours, further intensifying their difficulties in interacting with others. Families, especially mothers, exhibit a poor perception of their ability to provide affective-sexual guidance, leading to anxiety and frustration. There are also reports of poor sex education and lack of support systems.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
The experiences of young people and their families are sometimes conflicting when it comes to affectivity and sexuality, but the parental role emerges as relevant in the sex education process. Families play a pivotal role in sex education, which is why professionals should provide them with support and information through health education programmes, foster empathetic communication and promote sexual and emotional development that is adapted to the characteristics and interests of autistic people.
Topics: Female; Humans; Young Adult; Adolescent; Autistic Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality; Mothers
PubMed: 37978476
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05380-w -
Reproductive Health Sep 2019Communication on sexuality within the family has been considered a determinant factor for the sexual behaviour of young women, contributing to delaying sexual...
BACKGROUND
Communication on sexuality within the family has been considered a determinant factor for the sexual behaviour of young women, contributing to delaying sexual initiation. Taking into account that young women are increasingly exposed to sexualized messages, they need clear, trustful and open communication on sexuality more than ever. However, in Mozambique, communication about sexuality is hampered by strict social norms. This paper evaluates the case of an intervention aimed at reducing the generational barrier for talking about sexuality and to contribute to better communication within the family context.
METHODS
The intervention consisted of three weekly one-hour coached sessions in which female adults and young interacted about sexuality. Realist evaluation was used as a framework to assess context, mechanisms, and outcomes of the intervention. Interviews were conducted among 13 participants of the sessions.
RESULT
The interaction sessions were positively appreciated by the participants and contributed to change norms and attitudes towards communication on sexuality within families. Recognition of similarities and awareness of differences were key in the mechanisms leading to these outcomes. This was reinforced by the use of visual materials and the atmosphere of respect and freedom of speech that characterized the interactions. Limiting factors were related to the long-standing taboo on sexuality and existing misconceptions on sexuality education and talks about sex.
CONCLUSION
By elucidating mechanisms and contextual factors our study adds knowledge on strategies to improve transgenerational communication about sexuality.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adult; Child; Communication; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mozambique; Pilot Projects; Sex Education; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality; Young Adult
PubMed: 31533752
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0809-3 -
Journal of Behavioral Addictions Sep 2022The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of indicators consistent with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD)-defined and...
Who feels affected by "out of control" sexual behavior? Prevalence and correlates of indicators for ICD-11 Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD).
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of indicators consistent with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD)-defined and operationalized according to the ICD-11 guidelines-in a large (n = 4,633; 50.5% male; 49,5% female) probability-based German national sample.
METHODS
Participants were asked if they had ever experienced "intense and recurring sexual impulses or sexual urges that I had difficulty controlling and resulted in sexual behavior" over a period of several months. Those who reported this experience were queried about the associated distress.
RESULTS
Overall, 4.9% of men [95% CI = 3.9-6.1] and 3.0% of women [95% CI = 2.3-3.9] reported experiences consistent with ICD-11 diagnostic requirements for lifetime diagnosis. In the 12 months preceding the study, 3.2% of men [95% CI = 2.4-4.2] and 1.8% of women [95% CI = 1.2-2.5] reported experiences consistent with CSBD requirements. Compared to controls and participants who reported elements of compulsive sexuality but without accompanying distress, strict religious upbringing was most prevalent in the CSBD group. The CSBD group was more likely to view sexual practices like men having sex with men as unacceptable and to report the belief that pornography has negative impacts on their sex life and life in general. Compared to the other two groups, the CSBD group was significantly more likely to have received psychiatric treatment for depression or another mental health problem during the past 12 months.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
The current study provides novel and important insights into the prevalence and characteristics of CSBD in the general population.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Paraphilic Disorders; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Compulsive Behavior; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality
PubMed: 36006765
DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00060 -
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent... Feb 2013During adolescence, individuals develop increased ability to have emotionally and physically intimate relationships. The type of intimate relationship will make a... (Review)
Review
During adolescence, individuals develop increased ability to have emotionally and physically intimate relationships. The type of intimate relationship will make a difference as to whether the adolescent engages in protective behaviors or avoids risky behaviors. However, in reviewing the literature on the association of relationship type and sexual risk and protective behaviors, four methodological challenges were noted. These challenges limit our understanding of the impact of relationship type. These four challenges are: (a) inconsistent definitional frameworks; (b) lack of adolescent voices; (c) lack of consideration of gender; and (d) poor differentiation between individual and relationship risk. These issues direct the course of future work in this area and are necessary to advance the field of adolescent sexual health, particularly with regard to the development and testing of appropriate interventions designed to reduce untoward outcomes of adolescent sexuality.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Female; Heterosexuality; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 22088315
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2011.09.010 -
Bundesgesundheitsblatt,... Nov 2021Until 2020, there was no representative sex survey for Germany with published data. The GeSiD study "Health and Sexuality in Germany" is the first nationwide,... (Review)
Review
Until 2020, there was no representative sex survey for Germany with published data. The GeSiD study "Health and Sexuality in Germany" is the first nationwide, representative sex survey. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief introduction to the German health and sexuality (GeSiD) survey.A total of 4955 persons (2336 men, 2619 women) aged 18-75 years were interviewed between 2018 and 2019. The computer-assisted face-to-face interviews had an extensive self-completion section and asked about a wide range of sexual behaviour and sexual health topics. Data on sexual identity, relationships, sexual behaviour, and sexual health were assessed. Data show, among other things, that only a minority of respondents had ever talked to a healthcare provider about HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Data show a clear need for education, information dissemination, and training in the area of sexual health.
Topics: Female; Germany; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34636943
DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03433-7 -
Archives of Sexual Behavior May 2022Many women born with disorders or differences of sex development (DSD) report sexual problems, in particular women who have undergone extensive genital reconstruction....
Many women born with disorders or differences of sex development (DSD) report sexual problems, in particular women who have undergone extensive genital reconstruction. Examining cognitions and emotions that hinder or promote sexuality may facilitate understanding these sexual problems and may contribute to the development of specific interventions. In this study, sexual self-concept, body image, and sexual functioning were investigated in relation to genital surgery. To conduct the study, the women's Sexual Self-Concept Scale was translated to Dutch. Evaluation of psychometric properties was conducted in a sample of healthy Belgian and Dutch women participating in an anonymous web-based survey (N = 589, Mdn age, 23 years). The resulting three-factor structure corresponded largely to that of the original version. Compared to control women, women born with a DSD who were included in the Dutch DSD study (N = 99, Mdn age, 26 years) described themselves as being less interested in sex and less sexually active. These women also harbored more negative emotions and cognitions regarding their sexuality and were less satisfied with their external genitalia. In women with a DSD, sexual self-concept was associated with compromised outcomes on sexual functioning and distress. Women who were in a steady relationship, and/or had been sexually active in the past 4 weeks had a more positive sexual self-concept, took a more active role in their sexual relationship, experienced more sexual desire and arousal and less sexual distress than women who were not involved in a partner relationship. Findings in this study indicate that cognitions and emotions related to sexual self-concept play a role in sexual functioning of women with a DSD. A cognitive behavioral counseling approach with focus on coping and exploration of their own sexual needs could prove useful in this group.
Topics: Adult; Body Image; Female; Humans; Self Concept; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Development; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Sexuality; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 35362786
DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02188-1