Current Sexual Health Research Articles

The need for and acceptability of a curriculum to train nursing and medical students in the sexual healthcare of clients with female genital mutilation/cutting in Tanzania

BackgroundFemale genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is tied to one of the most conservative cultures in the Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa. More than 200 million girls and women in 30 African, Asian and the middle Eastern countries have undergone FGM/C. However, healthcare professionals are not adequately trained to prevent and manage FGM/C-related complications including sexual health problems. This study aimed to assess the need and acceptability of a curriculum to train nursing and medical students in the sexual healthcare of clients with FGM/C in Tanzania.MethodsWe used a descriptive and cross sectional study design to collect and analyse information from 271 medical and 137 nursing students in Tanzania. A Qualtrics online survey was used to obtain quantitative data on training interest, previous training received, and the curriculum delivery method. Open-ended questions were used to explore their insights on significance to obtain the necessary competencies to treat and prevent FGM/C. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach.ResultsAlmost half of the participants reported they had little to no training in sexual healthcare for women with FGM/C (47%). In all, 82.4% reported the training to be acceptable. Following thematic analysis of open-ended questions, participants expressed a desire to improve their competencies to meet the current and future sexual and psychological health needs of women and girls who have undergone FGM/C.ConclusionIt is a necessary and acceptable to develop a curriculum to train healthcare students to diagnose, treat and prevent sexual health complications related to FGM/C. In our study, designing a culturally sensitive curriculum and its delivery method, that includes practical sessions with simulated patients, was considered the most beneficial and favorable.

(111) Evaluation of Sexual Education Needs in Spina Bifida Adolescents and Correlation Between Sexual Satisfaction with Depression and Anxiety

Abstract Introduction Spina bifida is a congenital disorder with many neurological sequelae, most notably, decreased sexual function and infertility. While some neuro-urological related factors have been extensively studied among patients with spina bifida, sexual health and infertility continue to be largely unaddressed in this population, especially in the adolescent population. Although previous studies show the need to address sexual health in spina bifida patients, they do not assess the level of sexual health knowledge adolescents possess or the degree to which their psychological functioning is impacted by sexual dysfunction. Although a validated sexual and reproductive empowerment scale exists for adolescents, it has not been utilized in spina bifida patients. This can be due to stigmas that patients with spina bifida may not be engaging in or desire sexual activity. Overall, the stigma of addressing sexual health in adolescents and the inadequacy of current sexual health curriculum, prevents adolescent spina bifida patients from accessing sexual health related information. Objective This study will assess the baseline sexual health literacy and sexual health needs of adolescents with spina bifida. The second aim of this study is to identify the barriers that adolescent spina bifida patients face when attempting to gather information regarding their sexual health. The third aim of this study is to determine whether sexual literacy and sexual empowerment scores are associated with self-reported depression and anxiety as measured by the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in this population. Methods English- and Spanish-speaking adolescent patients aged 15-21 presenting to a Spina Bifida Multidisciplinary Clinic for routine clinical care will be prospectively recruited for participation in a cross-sectional questionnaire study designed in REDCap. Correlation analysis will be utilized to identify the association between depression, anxiety, sexual health literacy, and sexual empowerment scores. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and then Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire will be utilized to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. Results Per literature review multiple studies show that adolescents with spina bifida do not have sexual health needs addressed by any provider or family member. Many of these patients feel that their providers assume they do not engage in sexual activity, or view them as asexual, and potential partners are hesitant to discuss sexual desire due to physical limitations. Studies done assessing sexual dysfunction and related emotional well-being, were based on interview studies and extrapolating significant themes. Upon an initial survey of 2 pediatric urologists at CHLA, we have found that many patients do not feel comfortable addressing sexual health and that there are no current tools for pediatric urologists to initiate sexual health related discussion. Currently no such validated comprehensive questionnaire exists to assess level of sexual health knowledge, sexual desires, and psychological state for adolescent spina bifida patients. Conclusions There is a need to establish a communication tool for providers to initiate discussion regarding sexual health in adolescents with spina bifida. Disclosure No.

The Impacts of Lifetime Violence on Women's Current Sexual Health.

Intimate partner violence (IPV), nonpartner sexual violence (SV), child sexual and physical abuse, and neglect have detrimental impacts on women's reproductive and sexual health. More empirical studies are needed to investigate the negative impacts of lifetime violence, including physical or sexual child abuse, nonpartner SV, physical, sexual, and psychological IPV on women's sexual health to better understand long-term impacts from IPV and physical or sexual child abuse. We used data from Wellness, Health and You, an ongoing health registry. A total of 1,213 women were included in data analysis. Our aim was to investigate the associations between lifetime IPV, nonpartner SV, child abuse, and women's current sexual health defined using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures of sexual health (e.g., sexual satisfaction, interest, and functioning), sexual assertiveness, female sexual subjectivity, and use of online resources to address sexual needs. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to investigate demographic factors (e.g., age and current relationship) as potential correlates of current sexual health. Women with lifetime experiences of physical, sexual, or psychological IPV, nonpartner SV, and child physical or sexual abuse reported lower sexual satisfaction compared to women with no history of lifetime violence (p < 0.0001). However, lifetime violence was not correlated with sexual interest, sexual functioning, sexual subjectivity, nor sexual assertiveness. Lifetime experiences of violence (i.e., IPV, nonpartner SV, child abuse) are associated with poorer sexual health. Asking questions about past sexual and physical violence/abuse in ways that support disclosure is important toward improving women's physical and sexual health and wellbeing.

Sexual Health and Sexual Expression in Women Transitioning to Long Term Residential Settings: Challenges and Individual Rights

Sexual health and sexual expression can be controversial topics at any age. Ageism in Western society makes this discussion, as it pertains to the elderly, even more taboo because sexual health is not usually a focus for healthcare providers serving the geriatric population (Bauer et al., 2015). However, sexual rights are human rights fully acknowledged by the World Health Organization, through its Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health (2021). The ability to fully express one’s sexuality is part of the human experience across the lifespan and any barrier to this expression will have an impact in one’s quality of life.&#x0D; Considering this, how do elderly women transitioning to long-term residential facilities (assisted living or nursing homes) rate their sexual health and their opportunities to express their sexuality? This presentation will describe the current state of affairs in these facilities as it pertains to services and supports related to sexual health, how residents rate the current sexual health related services and support, and current barriers to services that are more person-centered, dignified, and respectful of older people’s sexual expression, with specific emphasis on the LGBTQIA+ aging population. &#x0D;

Corrigendum to: Optimising the delivery of sexual health services in Australia: a qualitative study.

With a rise in sexually transmitted infections in Australia, it is important to evaluate and optimise current sexual health services to reduce barriers to access and increase testing. We aimed to describe the range of sexual health services in Australia, focusing on strategies to improve testing among priority populations, and any future strategies participants believed would improve service delivery. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with key informants working in Australian sexual health services from July to December 2020, and collected data on service characteristics and strategies to improve access. We used content analysis, then coded and categorised the data into recurring themes and sub-themes. We identified two major themes: 'Expanding Traditional Service Delivery' and 'Thinking Outside the Box'. The first theme outlines strategies that build upon pre-existing service delivery models, such as express clinics and an increased focus on confidentiality. The second theme outlines new strategies introduced to fill gaps in service delivery, such as self-testing and outreach. To improve access to HIV/STI testing, there is a need for multiple access points to cater for a range of populations and their preferences. Establishing strategies to accomplish this involves utilising a combination of expanding traditional service models and implementing new approaches to service delivery.

Facilitating parent-child sexual health communication: Recommendations from the New Brunswick “Ask Me Anything” survey

New Brunswick has high rates of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies among youth, indicative of high-risk sexual behaviours. Positive parent-child sexual health communication can help youth develop healthy sexual practices, though a lack of available resources to support caregivers in their role as sexual health educators for their children has been reported. This study investigated the current sexual health education practices and needs of parents, step-parents, and guardians to inform the development and/or adaptation of resources to support parents as sexual health educators. Parents, step-parents, and guardians were recruited via email, social media, and poster-based outreach ( N = 5,462). Using the “Ask Me Anything” survey containing 41 items, participants’ demographic characteristics, current sexual health education practices, and sexual health education needs were captured. Descriptive statistics analyzed demographic characteristics and survey variables. Most participants indicated that they were primarily responsible for children’s sexual health education and felt they had sufficient knowledge and comfort to provide it. Parents reported communicating about sexual health a moderate amount with their children and were ambivalent about their satisfaction with existing resources and the sexual health education provided in schools. One-third of participants expressed needing more resources to support school-based education and to identify age-appropriate topics. Understanding parental needs and attitudes regarding sexual health education highlights opportunities for improvement by provincial health authorities and school districts. Recommendations to support the development of resources to address the specific needs of New Brunswick parents and guardians are suggested.

"They have their own people": Emotional connections, community belonging, and Chinese gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) college students' needs for sexual health support.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) college students in China have unique sexual health challenges, including a higher risk of HIV infection, stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) population, and limited access to LGBTQ-affirmative sexual health support. Nonetheless, previous research or policymaking has rarely addressed the students' needs for sexual health support from their perspectives. This study aims to explore GBMSM college students' perceptions and attitudes to current sexual health resources, the challenges they encounter, and their expectations to acquiring LGBTQ-affirmative sexual health information and services. The exploration was carried out through field visits and in-depth interviews with 26 GBMSM college students and eight relevant stakeholders in five cities in China. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied to the interview transcripts and fieldwork memos. Four themes emerged around the preference and needs of GBMSM students in dealing with their sexual health challenges: the association between tackling sexual health challenges and entering LGBTQ communities, the roles of emotional attachment in shaping the preference for HIV-related care and support, the desired modes of acquiring sexual health support, and the current unmet service needs. We discovered that the information-and-care-seeking behaviors of GBMSM college students are highly influenced by and connected to their participation in online and in-person LGBTQ communities. Due to the overall stigmatizing sociocultural environment of LGBTQ in China, GBMSM college students tend to rely on LGBTQ communities, seeking trust and a sense of belongingness for tackling their sexual health challenges. Conventional school-based sexual health educational programs, which often apply top-down, stigma-and-fear-based, and non-LGBTQ-inclusive teaching strategies, rarely help GBMSM college students to solve sexual health problems in real life. GBMSM college students are eager to have LGBTQ-affirmative "health managers" who can understand their emotional experiences and interpersonal contexts and assist them with sexual health issues. However, such support is generally perceived as limited by the students. Our study highlights these unmet needs of the GBMSM students and emphasizes the importance of developing future LGBTQ-affirmative sexual health programs among Chinese GBMSM college students and young GBMSM in general.

Classroom voices: youth perspectives to direct school-based sexual health education

ABSTRACT Sexual health education is a well-known, evidence-based intervention that can improve adolescent health outcomes, increase protective health behaviours, and decrease risky health behaviours. Providing sexual health education in schools offers opportunities to discuss critical health topics and can improve the school environment. However, not all sexual health education is taught equitably. As part of a mixed-methods study to describe school-based sexual health education, we conducted focus groups and interviews with recent high school graduates in a geographically and ethnically diverse state in the US Southwest. Thirty-one young people shared their experiences, explored the content they had been taught, and offered recommendations to improve sexual health education. Three key themes emerged: young people wanted and needed sexual health education taught in school; current sexual health education is not helpful and sometimes harmful; and the individuals who teach sexual health education are critically important. These findings can help address barriers to school-based sexual health education delivery, particularly for schools within communities with limited resources. The results support including youth as stakeholders in the planning and evaluation of school-based sexual health education, and the development of sexual health education teacher training with the goal of improving youth health outcomes.

Girls under surveillance: Engaging Zimbabwean parents on young people’s sexual health

Background: Parents play an important role in shaping young people’s sexual lives and behaviours with implications for their current and future sexual and reproductive health. This study examined the perspectives of rural Zimbabwean parents on young people’s sexual health. Design: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 19 (6 men and 13 women) participants. Setting: Interviews were conducted in a rural district in Zimbabwe. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Community Field Officers who were the parents or caregivers of teenage learners in two rural secondary schools. Transcripts were coded and thematic analysis conducted by reading, re-reading, interpretation and reflection on the coded texts. Results: Parents approached the question of young people’s sexual health by placing young women’s sexuality under surveillance and regulation. Puberty and female bodily changes triggered concern about heterosexual relationships informed by protectionist and moralising discourses. Abstinence and self-control were promoted as expectations for female sexuality based on cultural norms concerning purity and female virginity. Female sexual purity provided a claim to status, was differentiated from other forms of femininity and was an important cultural and economic resource. In a context of economic precarity, the institutions of marriage and bride wealth, whereby female virginity status is valued, provide opportunities for future economic security and reinforce cultural norms concerning respectability. Conclusion: Working with parents to address the ways in which gender and cultural norms operate within the local social and economic context is vital to understand the enduring processes by which young female sexuality is placed under surveillance while reinforcing gender inequalities.

Sexuality and ageing: A mixed methods explorative study of older adult’s experiences, attitudes, and support needs

Introduction: Sexuality contributes to health and wellbeing, but it is often overlooked as an important occupation for older adults. Older adult studies focus on decreased participation and functioning in sexual acts. This study aimed to obtain perspectives and explore understandings and experiences of sexuality and of support needs, for typically ageing adults. Method: Seventy-five older adults aged 60 years and older participated in the online cross-sectional survey. Participants were primarily from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Closed questions were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and reflexive thematic analysis was used for open questions. Results: Throughout the ageing process, older adults continued to value their sexuality, expression, desire, and identity, though meanings and participation changed. Changes and challenges were overcome through openness, exploration, curiosity, valued relationships, and adaptations to ways of doing. Older adults identified being dissatisfied with current sexual health supports, resources, and services. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals need to develop intervention knowledge to address diverse needs, and better support older adults in sexuality through open discussion, addressing psychological, social, and health concerns as part of everyday practice. The development of standardized assessments and resources with consumer collaboration will ensure resources address multifaceted components of sexuality, and older adults’ needs.

English

Health communication campaigns along with the targeted social health indicator such as the at-risk group can make an impactful difference in preventive care and chronic disease health maintenance. The logistic regression technique is employed to examine if Rwanda&rsquo;s health media campaign impacted household health behavior and whether this impact was influenced by literacy aptitude and current sexual health practices.&nbsp; Interactive effects of health campaigns were found on household sexual behavior among at-risk households in Rwanda. Tests on model validity and reliability favor the models and give statistically greater confidence in the results. Key words: HIV, AIDS, health campaign, HIV campaign, AIDS campaign.

Do gendered racial microaggressions influence the relationship between body appreciation and Black emerging adult women’s condom use behaviors?

Background: Sexual protective behaviors, such as consistent condom use and intention, are important preventative measures against the transmission of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. Current sexual health research has yet to explore the interaction between contextual factors, such as gendered racial microaggressions, and the role of personal factors (i.e., body appreciation) on Black women’s sexual risk and protective behaviors in the United States. Guided by objectification theory, we hypothesized that sexually objectifying gendered racial microaggressions moderated the body appreciation and condom use behaviors relationship. Participants: The current study consisted of 114 Black emerging adult women in the southern United States. Results: Results showed significant interactions between the frequency of sexually objectifying gendered racial microaggressions and body appreciation on consistent condom use and condom use intention. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggested the need for sexual health researchers and interventionists to further explore the influence of gendered racial microaggressions and body appreciation on condom use behaviors.

A new approach for on-demand premature ejaculation

For quite some time, off-label use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is the primary choice of pharmacological treatment of lifelong premature ejaculation (PE). Unfortunately these treatments do not exert on-demand effects and have to be taken chronically. Although several new approaches have been introduced the last decade, on-demand treatment appears a big bottleneck (Olivier and Olivier, 2019). In our research on sexual behavior in male rats, we developed a model for male sexual behavior that is able to replicate the effects of SSRIs in men with lifelong premature ejaculation. After extensive weekly sexual training of large cohorts of male Wistar rats, a portion of them displays stable and high levels of sexual behavior in 30-min. tests with an estrus female, presented by very stable levels of high ejaculation frequencies and short ejaculation latencies. These fast-ejaculating rats are used for drug testing. SSRIs exert the profile as shown in men with lifelong PE, no acute effects but only sexual inhibition after chronic administration. We found that adding a very selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist Atlas987 (10-mg/kg IP) to the SSRI paroxetine (5-mg/kg IP) led to acute (on-demand) inhibition of sexual behavior in male rats, evidenced by a strong reduction in the ejaculation frequency and doubling of ejaculation latency. A similar profile was found with the reference 5-HT1A-receptor antagonist WAY100,635 (0.3 mg/kg IP) plus 5 mg/kg paroxetine. Based on these and additional findings we are in the process of developing a new approach to treat lifelong premature ejaculation with an on-demand medication: Enduro, which is a combination of an SSRI (paroxetine) with a 5-HT1A-receptor antagonist (Atlas987). Olivier JDA,Olivier B. Antidepressants and sexual dysfunction; translational aspects. Current Sexual Health Reports, 11: 156-166, 2019 No conflicts of interest

Sexual Health Education- Using Animated Videos to Teach Teenagers and Young Adults

ABSTRACT Introduction Sexual and reproductive health is an important determinant of overall wellness. Sexual health goes beyond preventing STI or unwanted pregnancy; rather, it improves the quality of life, promotes healthy relationships, and enhances positive body image. However, sexual education has been considered a taboo in most homes and cultures. Even among more liberal societies, it remains an uncomfortable discussion for most. Current formal sexual health curriculum are often inadequate and limited to topics such as STI prevention and contraception. Recently, the rise of social media and technology has increased accessibility to sexual education content. Adolescents are increasingly aware of the importance of normalizing discussions on sexual preparation. However, even with the increased awareness, there remains a challenge to provide quality and effective sexual health education. Parents and teachers may not feel adequately prepared to discuss the breadth of sexual health with teenagers and young adults. Using animated videos for education appear to be a powerful tool to increase knowledge and promote healthy discussions on this topic. Objective The purpose of this review was to 1)investigate the current utilization of animated videos to teach sexual health topic, 2)analyze the effectiveness of using animated videos to teach this topic 3) Identify some current challenges to effective utilization and 4) propose some future trends and best practices for using these videos. Methods Online databases including PubMed and google scholar were accessed, with search keywords “sexual health,” “animated videos,” “challenges” “web based teaching” Results Animated videos can be helpful tools to supplement and enhance the traditional method of sexual health education. A few online platforms use animated videos to provide a comprehensive sexual health education. However, limited research is available on the effectiveness of incorporating this innovative, multimodal learning tool into sexual education curriculum. Using animated videos has been shown to improve adolescent knowledge by stimulating thoughts, feelings, concerns, and willingness to learn. Employing effective learning tools to communicate essential sexual health topics may reduce adolescent vulnerabality to sexual abuse, coercion, sexually transmitted infections and improve health and wellness. In addition, with increasing global accessibility to technology these videos can impact a large number of teenagers. Conclusions Increased access to technology and digital media allows the health care team to incorporate creative methods in the provision of comprehensive sexual health education. Animated videos can be an effective method for teaching this topic by providing a fun and informative method of delivering vital information without the added discomfort that may be associated with traditional methods. This empowers teenagers and young adults to take control of their sexual health, become responsible and well informed adults and promote overall health and wellness. Disclosure No

A systematic review of international students&#x2019; sexual health knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes.

The demand for higher education has increased student mobility across the world. Studying abroad provides an opportunity for young adults to engage in sexual behaviours, some of which may be risky. Yet, little is known about international students' current sexual health knowledge or practices. The aim of this review was to identify their sexual health knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes. A search of five databases yielded 21 studies that met inclusion criteria. These studies used quantitative (n =13), qualitative (n =7) and mixed methods (n =1) and included a total of 4666 international and exchange students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Findings were grouped into three themes: sexual health knowledge, sexual behaviours, and sexual health attitudes. Asian international students had poorer levels of knowledge, suggesting a need for culturally appropriate sex education. They were less sexually experienced and were older than domestic students at first age of sex. Fewer engaged in risky sexual behaviours when compared to domestic students. They also reported fewer sexual partners and higher condom usage. However, culture influenced the sexual behaviours and attitudes of international students; in particular, Asian female international students, who tested risk-taking behaviours, such as casual sex, in more liberal Western countries. Appropriate intervention and further education are needed to decrease international students' sexual health risks.

Optimising the delivery of sexual health services in Australia: a qualitative study.

With a rise in sexually transmitted infections in Australia, it is important to evaluate and optimise current sexual health services to reduce barriers to access and increase testing. We aimed to describe the range of sexual health services in Australia, focusing on strategies to improve testing among priority populations, and any future strategies participants believed would improve service delivery. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with key informants working in Australian sexual health services from July to December 2020, and collected data on service characteristics and strategies to improve access. We used content analysis, then coded and categorised the data into recurring themes and sub-themes. We identified two major themes: 'Expanding Traditional Service Delivery' and 'Thinking Outside the Box'. The first theme outlines strategies that build upon pre-existing service delivery models, such as express clinics and an increased focus on confidentiality. The second theme outlines new strategies introduced to fill gaps in service delivery, such as self-testing and outreach. To improve access to HIV/STI testing, there is a need for multiple access points to cater for a range of populations and their preferences. Establishing strategies to accomplish this involves utilising a combination of expanding traditional service models and implementing new approaches to service delivery.

Bridging the sexual health gap for black adolescent females: why social work practitioners should consider father–daughter relationships

ABSTRACT Current sexual health outcomes disproportionately represent Black adolescent and young adult females. The significance of this conceptual review is to first highlight reduced access to traditional forms of sexual health resources and the urgency for innovative social work intervention. Secondly, I present an overview of fatherhood literature that points to the value of Black father–daughter relationships pertaining to sexual health. Recent policies have insufficiently addressed the sexual health needs of many young Black females, and the Black father, despite historically damaging images of his engagement, may offer immediate support to a daughter’s sexual health decision making processes. While large scale structural changes are needed for developing effective health policies, in the interim, benefits of Black father engagement through sexual communication training and education may support the healthy sexual decisions of daughters.

Examining LGBTI+ inclusive sexual health education from the perspective of both youth and facilitators: a systematic review

ObjectivesTo critically appraise and synthesise the evidence in relation to both the receipt and delivery of LGBTI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) inclusive sexual health education.DesignA systematic review and narrative...

268An online survey of sexual health, knowledge and behaviour of young South Australians

Abstract Background Since 2010 rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs-chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis) have been increasing among young Australians. Most STIs are diagnosed in young people aged 16-29 and rates of diagnosis are higher among Aboriginal people than non-Aboriginal people. Little information exists to understand social and behavioural issues associated with increasing rate of STIs, especially in South Australia and among Aboriginal peoples. Methods We undertook an online cross-sectional survey of sexual health, knowledge and behaviour of young South Australians aged 16-29 years during a six-week period in 2019. Descriptive analysis, univariate and adjusted logistic regression models were used to compare Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants. Results In total 2,380 South Australians participated in the “Let’s Talk About It” (LTAI-2019); 52% were female, the median age was 20 years (IQR:17-24) and 10% of participants identified as Aboriginal. Regression analysis suggested among both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants being female (aOR 2.41, CI:1.07-3.51, &amp; 3.03, 2.17-4.23 respectively) and not using a condom during last sexual encounter (2.33, 1.03-5.29 &amp; 1.62, 1.15-2.27) were associated with ever being tested for an STI and having two or more sexual partners in the past 12 months (1.37, 0.67-7.45 &amp; 3.13, 1.31-7.45) was associated with testing positive for an STI. Conclusions LTAI-2019 is the first study to describe factors associated with STIs among young South Australians. It is evident that young people are engaged in behaviours which increase their risk of acquiring STIs. Public health action which considers these behaviours particularly those that target young Aboriginal people is required. Key messages LTAI 2019 is the first study to describe current sexual health, knowledge, behaviours and access to health services for STIs and related issues amongst young South Australians. It provides evidence that is useful for informing both public health practice and policy, and the development of STIs preventative health programs.

Interpersonal violence in a deprived Scottish urban area with aggregations of physical health risks and psychiatric morbidity: an ecological study

BackgroundGlasgow, Scotland, has previously shown exceptional levels of violence among young men, shows aggregations of health conditions, with shortened life expectancy. Health conditions can be both causes and consequences of violence, of shared community-level socio-economic risk factors, and can result from large-scale social forces beyond the control of populations with high levels of violence. The aim of the study was to provide an in depth understanding of the Public Health problem of violence among young adult men in Glasgow East.MethodEcological investigation of violence and its associations with health conditions in areas of contrasting socioeconomic deprivation. National survey of 1916 British men aged 18–34 years, augmented by a sub-sample of 765 men in Glasgow East (GE). Participants completed questionnaires covering current physical and sexual health, psychiatric symptoms, substance misuse, lifestyle, and crime and violence.ResultsThe 5-year prevalence of violence was similar in both surveys but fights involving weapons (AOR 3.32, 95% CI 2.29–4.79), gang fights (AOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.77–2.98), and instrumental violence supporting criminal lifestyles were more common in GE, where 1 in 9 men had been in prison. Violent men in both samples reported poorer physical and sexual health and all types of psychiatric morbidity except depression, with multiple high-risk behaviours for both future poor health and violence. Associations between drug and alcohol dependence and violence in GE could not be entirely explained by deprivation.ConclusionViolence in deprived urban areas is one among many high-risk behaviours and lifestyle factors leading to, as well as resulting from, aggregations of both psychiatric and physical health conditions. Poverty partly explained raised levels of violence in GE. Other factors such as drug and alcohol misuse and macho attitudes to violence, highly prevalent among men in this socially excluded community, also contributed. Multi-component preventive interventions may be needed in deprived areas and require future investigations into how multiple co-existing risk factors produce multimorbidity, including psychiatric disorders, substance misuse, poor physical health and violence.