Assessment Of Sexual Activity Research Articles

Definitions of Having Sex in Older Men and Women and Their Relationship with Sexual Well-Being

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to explore the sexual activities that older adults consider as having had sex and to examine correlates of the ways that older men and women define sex. A sample of 286 men and women aged 60 years and older who were involved in a romantic relationship were recruited online from Prolific and Facebook advertisements. Participants were presented a list of 19 different sexual activities and asked whether they would think they had sex if they engaged in each one of those activities. Results showed that penetrative sexual activities were found to be the most likely endorsed as having had sex, followed by genital non-penetrative activities, masturbation activities, and non-genital contact. Greater sexual frequency for a sexual activity was associated with endorsing that same activity as having had sex. A cluster analysis revealed five different groups of individuals based on the activities that they considered as having had sex. Only small differences in sexual wellbeing were found among these groups of individuals. The way older men and women define sex is complex and shows great variability. Our results have important implications for the operationalization and assessment of sexual activity. Other implications for healthcare and future research are discussed.

Assessment of sexual activity and menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women using the Menopause Rating Scale

Objectives: This study aimed to assess sexual activity and menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women and to correlate this with their vaginal maturation status (VMS).Methods: 120 women aged 45–60 years were assigned to four groups: premenopause (Pre-M), perimenopause (Peri-M), early postmenopause (Post-EM), and late postmenopause (Post-LM). The menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale. VMS was determined using the vaginal maturation index (VMI) and pH value. Sexual activity including sexual frequency and distress was measured using self-administered questionnaires.Results: A high proportion (48.2%) of Post-LM women reported low sexual frequency, and a high proportion (24.2%) of Peri-M women reported sexual distress. Physical/mental exhaustion and sexual problems were the most prevalent symptoms, followed by sleeping problems and hot flushes/sweating rated as severe or very severe. Physical/mental exhaustion and sexual problems became more frequent as menopausal stages progressed (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Hot flushes/sweating was more prominent in women in the Peri-M and Post-EM groups. The Post-LM group exhibited lower VMI and higher pH values than the Pre-M and Peri-M groups (p < 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively), and pH was positively correlated with sexual problems (r = 0.298, p < 0.01).Conclusions: Advancing menopausal status is associated with prevalent physical/mental exhaustion and sexual problems in middle-aged Chinese women. Hot flushes/sweating is among the most frequent menopausal symptoms rated as severe or very severe. In addition, urogenital symptoms are correlated with pH in these women.

Actitudes de la población general hacia las relaciones sexuales de las Personas con diversidad funcional: variables moduladoras

La población general no muestra la misma tolerancia hacia las relaciones sexuales entre personas del mismo sexo que entre heterosexuales, y lo mismo ocurre con las relaciones entre personas de diferente edad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue explorar si la tolerancia hacia las relaciones sexuales de las personas con diversidad funcional también depende de aspectos tales como la edad de los miembros de la pareja, la orientación sexual que tengan y sobre todo del tipo de discapacidad. Para ello, 450 personas rellenaron una escala de actitudes hacia las relaciones sexuales en personas con discapacidad donde se cruzaban dos variables (edad y orientación sexual). En una escala entre 1 (Totalmente inadecuado) y 5 (Totalmente adecuado), la puntuación media en la valoración de la actividad sexual en discapacidad fue de 3.93. Según el tipo, se valoró más adecuadamente el sexo entre discapacitados sensoriales, seguido de entre discapacitados físicos y en tercer lugar entre discapacitados intelectuales. Sin distinguir la discapacidad, se valoraron como más aceptables aquellas relaciones sexuales que, independientemente de la orientación sexual de la pareja ambos tuvieran edades cercanas mostrándose éste un factor modulador en la actitud. En conclusión, la población general mantiene actitudes positivas hacia las relaciones en discapacitados, aunque el colectivo de discapacitados intelectuales sigue siendo el peor considerado independientemente de la edad de los participantes, de su género y de si conocen o no a alguien con discapacidad. Estos resultados aconsejan la inclusión de módulos actitudinales en programas de educación afectivosexual dirigidos a la población en general.

Cervical cancer risk perceptions, sexual risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections among Bivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccinated and non-vaccinated young women in Uganda - 5\xa0year follow up study

BackgroundPrevious studies were conflicting regarding the associations between HPV vaccination, cervical cancer risk perceptions, high-risk sexual behaviors and STIs. This study compared the HPV-vaccinated and non-vaccinated young women in Uganda regarding cervical cancer risk perceptions, high-risk sexual behaviors, syphilis and HIV infections 5 years after vaccine implementation.MethodsThis was a population-based comparative cross-sectional survey conducted in Uganda. The 438 participants were sexually active young women aged 15–24 years and mean age was 18.6 (SD 1.4). The majority (53.0%) were HPV-vaccinated in 2008 without assessment of sexual activity prior to HPV vaccination. Upon verbal assessment of sexual activity at the time of follow-up, data were collected using a questionnaire and laboratory testing of blood samples for syphilis and HIV infections.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the HPV-vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups regarding the prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors, syphilis and HIV infections. Cervical cancer risk perceptions and age at sexual debut were nonetheless significantly lower among the vaccinated group compared to their non-vaccinated counterparts. However, HPV vaccination was not significantly associated to cervical cancer risk perceptions and early age at sexual debut in multivariate logistic regression analysis.ConclusionsWe found no associations between HPV vaccination, cervical cancer risk perceptions, high-risk sexual behaviors, syphilis and HIV infections among young women in Uganda 5 years after vaccine implementation. Young girls in the study population were found to be sexually active at a young age, affirming the importance of targeting girls of younger age for HPV vaccination.

Realities in the sexuality of the cuban elderly

Objective : To identify references on the main sexuality characteristics of people aged 60 or over .&#x0D; Method: An analysis of the contents of published articles was carried out in Cuban and foreign scientifi publications from the year 2000 and onward. Information was obtained from Yearbooks, International Conference Reports and works considered as classical in the subject.&#x0D; Results : Population ageing and sexuality are not properly considered by health systems. There are only a few references that explore sexuality in the elderly and his aspirations, feelings, and ways of thinking on his healthcare and, more specifially, sexuality needs. Intimacy within an elderly couple is generally disregarded from the social and family points of view.&#x0D; Conclusions : The assessment of sexual activity in the elderly lacks a multidisciplinary approach since most of the predominating criteria are permeated by cultural inflences, taboos, myths and habits that negatively inflence it. Evidence points out to the existence of sexual activity and dysfunctions among the elderly, which indicates the need for a healthcare staf that has is properly trained for approaching any&#x0D; issue related to this activity of life. The determining role of the health sector in this fild as coordinator of all the sectors and actors related to human sexuality and the ageing process, is not fully appreciated

Realities in the sexuality of the cuban elderly

Objective : To identify references on the main sexuality characteristics of people aged 60 or over .&#x0D; Method: An analysis of the contents of published articles was carried out in Cuban and foreign scientifi publications from the year 2000 and onward. Information was obtained from Yearbooks, International Conference Reports and works considered as classical in the subject.&#x0D; Results : Population ageing and sexuality are not properly considered by health systems. There are only a few references that explore sexuality in the elderly and his aspirations, feelings, and ways of thinking on his healthcare and, more specifially, sexuality needs. Intimacy within an elderly couple is generally disregarded from the social and family points of view.&#x0D; Conclusions : The assessment of sexual activity in the elderly lacks a multidisciplinary approach since most of the predominating criteria are permeated by cultural inflences, taboos, myths and habits that negatively inflence it. Evidence points out to the existence of sexual activity and dysfunctions among the elderly, which indicates the need for a healthcare staf that has is properly trained for approaching any&#x0D; issue related to this activity of life. The determining role of the health sector in this fild as coordinator of all the sectors and actors related to human sexuality and the ageing process, is not fully appreciated

Assessment of sexual activity and dysfunction in medically underserved women with gynecologic cancers

BackgroundSexual dysfunction is a common long-term side effect of treatments for gynecologic cancer. Studies of sexual problems in gynecologic cancer survivors overrepresent White non-Hispanic, highly educated, and married women. Less is known about the sexual health needs of women in medically underserved populations. We therefore conducted a study to characterize sexual activity and sexual function in this population. MethodsWe recruited patients attending two gynecologic oncology clinics in a large public healthcare system that primarily serves uninsured and low-income patients. Participants were invited to complete a one-time survey to assess sexual function, sexual communication, sexual distress, relationship adjustment, depression, anxiety, prior help-seeking and help-seeking preferences, and reasons for sexual inactivity. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate models to predict sexual activity status and sexual dysfunction. ResultsAmong 243 participants, the majority (n=160, 65.8%) were not sexually active in the past 4weeks, most often due to lack of a partner or lack of desire for sex. Just over one-fourth of sexually active participants were identified as likely cases of sexual dysfunction. Greater endorsement of depressive symptoms predicted both sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunction in multivariate analyses. Prior help-seeking for sexual problems was uncommon; however, a significant minority of participants expressed interest in receiving care for sexual problems. ConclusionsGynecologic cancer survivors in our medically underserved population have high rates of sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunction. Future research should identify feasible strategies to address barriers to sexual healthcare in low-resource settings.

Assessment of Sexual Activity and Contraceptive use Among Young Ages of Jimma Teachers Training College Students, Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia, Cross Sectional Study

Background: Young age in Ethiopia are estimated to be 19.3% of total population. Despite their number, they lack access to the reproductive health service information like sexuality and family planning methods. Most of them get their peers whose views are often inaccurate and based on remorse. The aim of this study was to assess sexual activity and contraceptives use among young ages of Jimma teachers training college students. Methods: Cross sectional study design with quantitative methods of data collection was employed from February to March 2013 using pre tested self-administering questionnaire. Results: Data was extracted from 257 respondents that makes response rate 100%. Out of the total of 257 study participants, 127(49.45%) of the students were from 20 -22 years age, 89 (34.63%) were males, 230(89.49%) were Oromo, 106(41.24%) of them were Muslim, 237(89.49%) of them were unmarried, 189 (77.04%) of them were from farmer families and 168(65.4%) were from illiterate family. Half 118(45.9%) were currently sexually active, 95(80.5%) those sexually active were using any types of contraceptive. Conclusion and Recommendation: 45.9% of the study participants were sexually active, and among those sexually active 80.5% were using any types of contraceptive methods. Age of the respondents, sex, religion and educational level of the family found to be associated with sexual activity , and age of the respondents, marital status, age at first sexual intercourse, parent occupation and educational level of the family were found to be associated with contraceptive sue. Further prospective studies with both qualitative and quantitative method of data collection is recommended .

HIV Intervention for Providers Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Clinician-Delivered HIV Risk-Reduction Intervention for HIV-Positive People

Clinician-delivered prevention interventions offer an opportunity to integrate risk-reduction counseling as a routine part of medical care. The HIV Intervention for Providers study, a randomized controlled trial, developed and tested a medical provider HIV prevention training intervention in 4 northern California HIV care clinics. Providers were assigned to either the intervention or control condition (usual care). The intervention arm received a 4-hour training on assessing sexual risk behavior with HIV-positive patients and delivering risk-reduction-oriented prevention messages to patients who reported risk behaviors with HIV-uninfected or unknown-status partners. To compare the efficacy of the intervention versus control on transmission risk behavior, 386 patients of the randomized providers were enrolled. Over six-months of follow-up, patients whose providers were assigned the intervention reported a relative increase in provider-patient discussions of safer sex (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.06 to 2.09), assessment of sexual activity (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.05 to 2.45), and a significant decrease in the number of sexual partners (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.92). These findings show that a brief intervention to train HIV providers to identify risk and provide a prevention message results in increased prevention conversations and significantly reduced the mean number of sexual partners reported by HIV-positive patients.