Frequency Of Sexual Behaviors Research Articles

Cracking the code to female sexual satisfaction: the serial mediation of sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality from sexual self-efficacy

IntroductionSexual satisfaction has been shown to have a strong association with many aspects of sexual health and wellbeing. It is further considered a robust indicator of an individual’s health status and general wellbeing, revealing that a person can enjoy pleasurable and healthy sexual experiences, beyond the mere absence of sexual and reproductive health issues.ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the relationship between sexual satisfaction, sexual behaviors, sexual self-efficacy, and the importance personally attributed to maintaining an active and satisfying sexual life among young and middle-aged women aged 18–50.DesignA descriptive correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted.MethodsParticipants (N = 1,076 women) completed self-reports on sexual self-efficacy beliefs, frequency of sexual behaviors, the importance attributed to active and healthy sexuality, and multidimensional sexual satisfaction.ResultsThe supported mediation model indicated that sexual self-efficacy was related to sexual satisfaction directly and indirectly through sexual behavior and a serial path through sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality. The total effect was significant, and the full model explained 7.3% of the global sexual satisfaction variance (F = 17.218, p = 0.000), with the mediated effect accounting for 44.3%.ConclusionThis study confirms a partial serial mediation model by which sexual self-efficacy significantly predicts sexual satisfaction through sexual behaviors and the importance attributed to a healthy sexuality. Due to its significant contribution, the perceived importance of sexuality should be considered when studying correlates of sexual satisfaction. These findings have interesting implications for the development of strategies aimed at sexual health promotion and sexual education among women in early and middle adulthood.

Aphrodisiac Potentials of Aqueous Extract of Azanza Garckeana Fruit Pulp in Fluoxetine-induced Sexually-impaired Female Rats

This study aims to investigate the potential of Azanza garckeana, a plant traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, to reverse sexual dysfunction induced by an antidepressant ‘fluoxetine’ in female rats. Aqueous extract of A. garckeana fruit pulp was screened for its secondary metabolite compositions. Female rats were induced into sexual dysfunction using fluoxetine, then they were divided into six groups, and treated based on the group with oral administration of varying doses of A. garckeana extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight) and a reference medication (Tadalafil) for seven days. Sexual behaviour parameters were monitored and hormone levels (progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestrogen, and prolactin) were measured after the treatment period. Fluoxetine significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the frequencies of sexual behaviours in the rats, such as darting, hopping, lordosis, genital grooming, and licking behaviour, but increased the latencies of darting and hopping. However, the extract, at 250 and 500 mg/kg, significantly (p < 0.05) reversed these changes in the sexual behavior of fluoxetine-induced rats in comparison to the effects of Tadalafil treatment. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, and prolactin in the blood but decreased oestrogen levels, especially at a dose of 500 mg/kg. The results of this study suggest that the aqueous extract of A. garckeana fruit pulp can improve sexual behavior and reproductive hormone concentrations, thereby potentially restoring sexual competence in sexually-dysfunctioned female rats. These findings provide additional support for the traditional use of A. garckeana in managing female sexual dysfunction.

Is Consumption of Ginger in Daily Life Associated with Sexual Response?

Sexual dysfunction, a globally widespread concern, is associated with numerous negative outcomes. While some evidence indicates the potential of ginger supplementation to enhance sexual function, comprehensive research in this area remains scarce and the potential mechanism behind is unclear. The current study aimed to explore if and how consumption of ginger as part of a daily diet is associated with sexual desire, frequency of sexual behavior, as well as sexual arousal and disgust experienced during these behaviors. Chinese participants (N = 499; 250 women) from an online sample service (Credamo) answered a cross-sectional survey regarding their consumption of ginger, sexual behavior, and sexual desire. Ginger consumption was associated with higher sexual desire, and more frequent sexual behaviors, as well as feelings of sexual arousal during them. Sexual desire and feelings of sexual arousal during specific sexual activities mediated the association between the ginger consumption and the frequency of sexual behaviors, indicating potential pathways of the effects of ginger on sexual behavior. Interestingly, while ginger consumption showed no direct relationship with feelings of disgust during sexual behavior, sexual arousal during these behaviors did positively mediate the association between ginger consumption and feelings of disgust. The findings imply that ginger shows potential as an intervention for enhancing sexual behavior, but further experimental and longitudinal research is needed to fully understand the causal mechanisms underlying the effects of ginger on sexual health.

A systematic review of methodologies for studying behavioral imprinting

AbstractBehavioral imprinting is a learning phenomenon by which animals acquire preferences for stimuli through perceptual exposure during critical periods, without substantial external reinforcement. Since being acknowledged in 1516 by Sir Thomas More in artificially incubated domestic chickens, imprinting has been reported in diverse species, across various sensory modalities, and during different life‐history stages. Due to this diversity, imprinting research uses highly varied methodologies, with distinctive differences between the methods employed for different types of imprinting. We systematically review relevant literature, identifying and describing the range of methodologies used to study imprinting across taxa and modalities. After compiling a representative dataset of 192 behavioral imprinting‐focused experiments, we categorize studies by imprinting sensory modality, focal species, ontogenetic stage addressed, and methods applied for both exposure and testing. The majority of studies in the sample focus on filial imprinting in precocial birds but nonfilial types, such as sexual or home range imprinting in altricial and non‐avian species, are also present, albeit at far lower proportions. Filial imprinting is studied across different sensory modalities, mostly through applying artificial stimuli, but nonfilial imprinting studies mainly use live animals as stimuli, without isolating the relevant sensory modalities. Most studies of filial imprinting measure preference by spatial proximity, following response, or the suppression of a fear response, whereas most studies of sexual imprinting employ the attempt frequency of sexual behaviors. Finally, we analyze the relative frequencies of methodological approaches in each imprinting category, to highlight potential biases due to uneven research effort rather than intrinsic biology. The patterns and biases in imprinting methodologies that we uncover hamper attempts to establish whether different forms of imprinting share mechanistic foundations, including whether imprinting constitutes a biologically meaningful learning category.

Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder and Problematic Pornography Use in Cisgender Sexual Minority Individuals: The Associations with Minority Stress, Social Support, and Sexualized Drug Use

ABSTRACT Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), recently recognized in the ICD-11 as an independent disorder, has been shown to be more prevalent in sexual minorities. However, we still lack studies investigating which factors contribute to CSBD and related behaviors in this group. In our cross-sectional study, we investigated the relationships between characteristics potentially contributing to CSBD and problematic pornography use (PPU) in sexual minority individuals: sexual minority stress (internalized sexual stigma, discrimination experiences, and openness about one’s sexual orientation), perceived social support, and sexualized drug use (also more prevalent in sexual minorities). We adjusted for gender, age, sexual orientation, and the frequency of sexual behaviors. Cisgender sexual minority participants (n = 198, 72.7% men, 27.3% women; Mage = 27.13, SD = 7.78) completed an online survey. We conducted a two-step linear regression. In the first step, we introduced sociodemographic variables and the frequency of sexual activities. In the second step, we placed the predictors of main interest: perceived social support, minority stress measures, and the frequency of sexualized drug use. Our results showed that social support was negatively related to CSBD, while experiences of discrimination due to sexual orientation and engagement in sexualized drug use were associated with higher CSBD symptom severity. Internalized sexual stigma related to greater PPU severity. The discussed relationships were weak to moderate in strength. Implications of current results for therapy and diagnosis of CSBD in sexual minorities are discussed. The role of minority stressors and other factors specific to sexual minorities requires further exploration to design well-suited therapeutic interventions.

Measuring Sexual Motivation as a Trait Dimension: A multisample study of the Portuguese (European) Version of the Trait Sexual Motivation Questionnaire

The current study aimed at translating and validating the TSMQ into Portuguese-European (TSMQ-PT) and to investigate its psychometric properties. Three online studies were conducted with independent samples collected between September 2020 and March 2022. Study 1 tested the exploratory factorial structure (N = 325; 206 women); Study 2 explored the confirmatory factorial structure and construct validity (N = 450; 230 women); and Study 3 examined the temporal stability of the TSMQ-PT (N = 30; 15 women). Participants completed the TSMQ-PT for all three studies. In study 2, further completed the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale, and the Sexual Desire Inventory. Data revealed that the TSMQ-PT yielded a four-structure model, (i.e., Sexually Oriented, Comparison with Others, Seeking for Sexual Encounters, and Importance of Sex) comprising 13 items, with seven additional items for assessing existence and number of sexual partners, and frequency of sexual behaviors. The TSMQ-PT achieved good internal consistency levels (McDonald’s omega ranged from .71 to .89) and construct validity, and temporal stability over 10-11 months (values ranged from .80 to .87) supporting the trait-dimension of sexual motivation. Current findings support a brief, valid, and reliable self-report instrument for assessing sexual motivation in the Portuguese context.

(009) Comparing the Sexual Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) With and Without a History of Cancer

Abstract Introduction Studies have consistently described poor sexual outcomes for AYA cancer survivors – nearly half of which report some level of negative subjective impact of cancer on their sexual lives (Wettergren et al., 2016, Geue et al., 2015). Available data typically comes from long-term survivors, indicating a chronicity of sexual problems that persist long after treatment and recovery. Among AYA survivors, there remains a major unmet need for sexuality-based supportive care, which will likely have to be tailored to the social/developmental needs of a younger population. Objective 1) Compare a sample of AYA survivors to age- and partner-matched peers across a wide variety of sexual outcomes, including behavior, function, affect, and cognition. 2) Explore variables associated with maintenance of sexual problems within the AYA survivor population, i.e., potential intervention targets. Methods Women ages 18-39 with a history of cancer (31% hematologic, 18% breast, 16% gynecologic, 14% thyroid, 20% other) were matched with healthy controls based on age (within 5 years) and partner status (single vs. partnered) (total N=272). Survivors were diagnosed at age 26 (SD=7.88, range 2 to 39 years). 71% of survivors who reported knowing stage at diagnosis (stage 0-2, 54%). At the time of survey, 79% were partnered. We conducted independent samples t-tests to compare scores on sexual behavior (PROMIS), function (PROMIS), distress (Female Sexual Distress Scale [FSDS]), self-efficacy (Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale for Females), and sexual self schema (SSS), hypothesizing that survivors would have poorer sexual outcomes. Results Age at first intercourse and number of partners were comparable across groups. Survivors were more likely to report having children than controls [X2 (1, N = 192) = 5.63, p =.02]. Survivors evidenced a less varied behavioral repertoire (past 30 days) [t(262)=-2.64, p=.01] and engaged in vaginal intercourse significantly less often [t(205)=-1.97, p=.05]; this effect was more pronounced among partnered survivors. Despite lower frequency of intercourse, survivors reported using lubricant more often than the controls [t(211)=2.04, p=.04]. Survivors reported poorer sexual interest [t(281)=-4.89, p<.01], lubrication [t(281)=-4.12, p<.001], orgasm [t(279)=-2.65, p=.01], and satisfaction [t(278)=-3.07, p<.01]. Sexual affect and cognition were also poorer for survivors; they tended to have higher sexual distress [t(269)=5.05, p<.01], more embarrassed/conservative sexual self schema [t(268)=2.22, p=.03], and lower sexual self-efficacy [t(286)=-4.94, p<.01]. Conclusions Young adult survivors of cancer experience more sexual problems than peers, including a more restricted sexual repertoire, less frequent sexual behaviors, poorer sexual function, as well as more negative emotion and cognition regarding their sexuality. There has been insufficient attention to the unique needs and experiences of younger survivors. Disclosure No

Examining the Psychometric Properties of the HBI-19 Scale in a Sample of Women with Persistent Genital Arousal Symptoms

ABSTRACT Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is a highly distressing, yet poorly understood health concern characterized by persistent, unwanted, and unpleasant genital arousal sensations in the absence of psychological arousal and desire. PGAD/GPD symptoms can be reduced by engaging in frequent sexual behaviors, meaning that hypersexual behavior may be present as a feature of PGAD/GPD in some cases. Given this association and the current lack of measures designed for assessment of PGAD/GPD specifically, the present study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI-19) in a sample of women with PGAD/GPD symptoms. Specifically, the factor structure of the HBI-19 was explored via Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) as well as evaluation of model fit indices and reliability indices (Cronbach’s alpha). EFA revealed a two-factor structure for the HBI-19 in the sample of women with PGAD/GPD symptoms, differing from the originally validated three-factor structure. RMSEA as well as TLI values suggested poor fit for all three models examined, including the two-factor model, while SRMR suggested good fit for the two-factor and three-factor model and suggested poor fit for the one-factor models. These findings suggest measurement non-invariance at the configural level and indicate that hypersexual behavior is best understood as a possible feature of PGAD/GPD as opposed to a core element of PGAD/GPD.

The Impact of Loosening COVID-19 Restrictions and Live-in Partner Status on Sexual and Mental Health in a Canadian Sample

Objectives We examined changes in frequency of sexual behaviors, dyadic sexual desire, relationship satisfaction, and COVID-19 stress in Canadians across the pandemic, considering partner status. Methods Participants completed online questionnaires. Results Participants with live-in partners and single participants decreased in dyadic sexual behaviors. In August–September 2020, participants with live-in partners engaged in more dyadic sexual behaviors than single participants. In November 2021, all partnered participants engaged in more dyadic sexual behaviors than single participants. Decreases in COVID-19 stress were observed. Conclusions Findings suggest that despite decreases in COVID-19 stress, there may be long-lasting pandemic impacts on sexual behaviors.

Research on the Necessity of AIDS Intervention for College Students Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Despite abundant research on AIDS prevention and intervention, many residual factors influence the actual impact of the intervention at a population level. Misconceptions held by subjects lead to patterns of behavior, which do not reflect levels of cognition. Cognition and behavioral patterns relating to HIV were investigated without intervention in freshmen before and after a two-year study period. A total of 461 freshmen studying at the university in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, were enrolled in September 2019. Data management and analysis were performed by SPSS 25.0 software. Throughout the two years' study, no significant changes in the cognitive level regarding AIDS were found while the frequency of sexual behavior increased significantly. A trend of inconsistency between cognition and behavior was identified. During a two-year period without intervention, it was found that the sexual behavior of university students gradually increased, perceptions regarding AIDS-related subjects were incomplete and awareness of HIV infection risk was still weak. A phenomenon described as the separation of knowledge from behavior was detected. Misconceptions that influenced behavioral patterns were identified as critical factors. Therefore, we propose that cognitive behavioral therapy may change the actual impact of AIDS prevention interventions.

DETERMINANTS OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN LOMBOK ISLAND

This study aims to assess the risk factors for sexual behavior on adolescents in lombok Island. The research used a cross-sectional design. Samples taken by purposive sampling at Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) in Lombok Island amounted to 415 students. Data collection using questionnaires. The variables measured are as follows: sexual behavior, gender, age, alcohol consumption pattern (liquor), cigarette consumption pattern, parental education level, parental divorce status, peer influence, and social media influence. Descriptive data analysis and Chi-square with significant level p 0,05 and Odds Ratio (OR) with Confidence Interval (CI) 95%. There has been a strongly significant relationship between sexual behavior by sex, age, cigarette consumption patterns, alcohol consumption patterns, peer influence, social media influence, parental education level, and divorce status of parents (p 0,05). The deviant behavior caused by internal and contextual environments leads to an increase in sexual behavior frequency.

Sexual function, absorption, and attachment styles

ABSTRACT Introduction Absorbed states refer to states of focused attention in which individuals get engrossed and fascinated by sensory and imaginary experiences to the point of a transient alteration in the usual awareness of self, space, and time. As such, the propensity to enter absorbed states indicates a greater tendency to experience altered states of consciousness by a variety of triggers, including sex. The personality tendency to experience absorbed states is commonly given the name absorption or self-forgetfulness. Previously, higher self-forgetfulness was found to correlate with higher desire in both sexes, and with greater coital frequency in men. A proposed explanation is that absorbed states may favor fascination and emotional engagement with partners or potential partners. Given that fantasy can be a focus of absorbed attention, people more prone to absorbed states might have richer and more intense sex fantasies. However, there is also evidence that disorganized attachment is associated with propensity to experience absorbed states. Given that insecure attachment has been related to sexual difficulties, the findings are difficult to reconcile. Objectives To test for independent associations of self-forgetfulness (absorption) with sexual function, anxious attachment, and avoidant attachment. Method During a laboratory study, 324 Portuguese (312 women, 112 men) reported their frequency of sexual behaviors in the past month and how satisfied they were with their sex lives. Sexual desire was assessed with the desire dimensions of the Female Sexual Function Index and the International Index of Erectile Function. Propensity for absorbed states was assessed by the self-forgetfulness subscale of the Temperament and Character Inventory – Revised. Multiple regressions were run with self-forgetfulness as dependent variable. The independent variables were anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and in separate regressions, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, penile-vaginal intercourse frequency, noncoital sex frequency, and solitary masturbation frequency. Results In women, self-forgetfulness was independently associated with: 1) higher desire (β = .15) and more attachment anxiety (β = .13), 2) more sexual satisfaction (β =.16) and more attachment anxiety (β = .17), 3) greater masturbation frequency (β = .13) and more attachment anxiety (β = .15). In men, self-forgetfulness was independently associated with: 1) higher desire (β = .23) and more attachment anxiety (β = .19), 2) greater coital frequency (β = .19) and more attachment anxiety (β = .22), 3) greater noncoital sex frequency (β = .24) and more attachment anxiety (β = .20). Conclusion Propensity for absorbed states can favor sexual function, but can also be part of the psychological dynamics of insecure attachment. In the former case, the tendency to experiencing absorbed states might lead to greater fascination by attractive people and to a richer erotic fantasy. In the latter case, absorbed states might be part of psychological defenses against stressors related to intimate relationships, such as dissociation and use of fantasy as a means of “escape” of reality, which have no relevance for sexual function, or might even be detrimental. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Sexuality was my antidepressant or anxiolytic during covid19 lockdown. Sexual behaviours as a coping strategy during the first covid-19 lockdown in France

We investigate sexual behaviours as a means of coping with negative emotions during the first covid19-related lockdown in France. We hypothesize that sexual behaviours have been used by the most psychologically fragile individuals to cope with the constraints, pressures, and threats associated with the health situation. We are interested in the overall use of sexual behaviours for coping purposes. We also distinguish dual relationships (with partners) from masturbatory behaviours. 2234 participants (mean age: 31.4yo, Female: 68.3%) participated to an on-line non-interventional survey during the first French covid-related lockdown. We assessed frequency of sexual behaviours in order to cope with stress, depression and anxiety. Main results show an increase in the use of sexuality as way of coping with negative emotions for 17.1% of the subjects (n = 382). Masturbatory behaviours were the most impacted (+12%, n = 269). Women differed from men both in the overall use of sexual behaviours as a coping strategy and in the more specific use of partnered sex. In line with our hypotheses, increasing use of sexual behaviours as a coping strategy during lockdown is more important when subjects present psychological vulnerabilities, such as anxiety symptoms or depressive symptoms.

Individual Differences in Testosterone and Self-Control Predict Compulsive Sexual Behavior Proneness in Young Males.

The ability to control sexual urges and impulses is essential to achieve individual and social harmony. Failing to regulate sexual behavior can lead to the interference with daily life goals, sexual diseases transmission and moral violations, among others. The dual control model of sexual response proposes that an imbalance between sexual excitation and sexual inhibition mechanisms may lead to sexual dysregulation, thereby explaining problematic sexual behavior. Interindividual differences in self-control and testosterone levels are likely to modulate sexual regulation mechanisms, but these individual features have scarcely been studied in the context of compulsive sexual behavior. This study investigated the role of sexual excitation and inhibition, self-control and testosterone levels in predicting individuals’ proneness to display compulsive sexual behavior. Seventy healthy young males provided a saliva sample for testosterone measurements and filled in questionnaires on self-control, sexual excitation, sexual inhibition, sexual compulsivity and sexual behavior. High testosterone levels and low self-control were associated with higher sexual compulsivity scores. Additionally, testosterone levels and sexual inhibition negatively predicted the frequency of sexual behavior with a partner. The results of our study highlight the joint role of psychological traits and testosterone levels in compulsive sexual behavior proneness, providing implications regarding the prevention and treatment of this condition in young males.

Attachment Orientations, Sexual Behavior, and Relationship Satisfaction in Young, Mixed-Sex Couples: A Dyadic Approach

We examined if and to what degree attachment orientations of both partners moderate the link between different behavioral characteristics of the sexual relationship and relationship satisfaction in the early stages of romantic attachment. A sample of 126 young, mixed-sex couples (N = 252, mean age = 23.3, SD = 2.4; average relationship duration = 1.9 years, SD = 0.9) filled out questionnaires assessing attachment anxiety and avoidance, a range of intimate and sexual couple behaviors, and relationship satisfaction. Exploratory factor analyses revealed two behavioral factors: Intimate behavior (kissing, cuddling) and sexual behavior (oral sex, coitus). Although frequency of sexual behavior was not directly associated with relationship satisfaction, we found a significant positive interaction with anxious attachment, indicating that higher frequencies of sexual behavior were associated with greater self-reported relationship satisfaction in more anxiously attached individuals. Exploration of the effects of intimate behaviors on relationship satisfaction revealed significant positive associations as well, but, unexpectedly, only for avoidantly attached individuals. These results call for a dyadic and differentiated approach to the study of sexuality in couples and are in line with prior findings that the impact of intimate and sexual behaviors on relationship satisfaction varies depending on attachment orientations.

HIV transmission in sero-discordant couples with the HIV-positive partner in Xinjiang: incidence and associated predictors.

To control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among sero-discordant couples, we explored the HIV seroconversion and its contributing factors. We recruited negative partners in HIV sero-discordant couples to established a prospective cohort between January 2010 and June 2015 from areas with severe HIV epidemic in Xinjiang. Follow up once every 3 months, serological tests and risk behavior surveys every 6 months. Variables were screened by LASSO regression and a Cox proportional hazards model was established. A total of 1162 negative partners of sero-discordant couples were recruited. The seroconversion occurred in 42 negative partners during follow-up period, with a seroconversion rate of 2/100 (95% CI = 1.21-2.27), and the median time for seroconversion was 0.92 years. The Cox model showed that frequency of sexual behavior for nearly six months, consistent condom use, knowledge of the transmission route for HIV, a history of sexually transmitted diseases, recent CD4 + T lymphocyte count were all significant contributing factors to the seroconversion in negative partner of HIV sero-discordant couples. In addition, the Cox model was used to evaluate the risk factors of seroconversion for HIV negative partners. The seroconversion rate of HIV negative partners in Xinjiang was lower. The LASSO Cox model may accurately predict the risk of HIV transmission in sero-discordant couples.

P–470 Sex in the time of Covid–19: Examining the sexual behavior and sexual desire of female adults in Hong Kong

Abstract Study question How are sexual behavior and sexual desire of Hong Kong women affected during the Covid–19 pandemic? Summary answer The Covid–19 pandemic has a negative impact on the sexual life of adult women, in particular, single women who do not have a live-in partner. What is known already Since the beginning of the Covid–19 pandemic, there have been ongoing debates on whether lockdown measures would do more harm on individuals or families who are already living in fear of virus infection. Some studies have shown that despite social distancing and measures that limit contact and interaction, women, particularly those who are either married or have a stable partner, were found to be sexually more active and reported stronger emotional bonding with their partners during lockdown. This study attempts to examine any significant changes in sexual behavior and sexual desire of adult females in Hong Kong during the pandemic. Study design, size, duration This is a cross-sectional online study examining the sexual behaviors among female adults. The survey was conducted in Hong Kong between July and August 2020, in which the city has been locked down. Participants/materials, setting, methods Six hundred and two Chinese female adults (mean age = 32±7.09) were recruited through social media and community networks. Respondents completed the Desire Domain of the Female Sexual Function Index and self-reported frequency of sexual behavior before and during the Covid–19 pandemic. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to compare sexual behavior and sexual desire across demographic groups. Linear regression was conducted with sexual behavior and sexual desire as criterion variable and demographic characteristics as predictors. Main results and the role of chance Women reported significantly lower frequency of sexual behavior during the Covid–19 pandemic compared to previously (t = 8.25, P < .001). Less often did women feel sexual desire or interest during the pandemic (t = 7.05, P < .001) and a lower degree of sexual desire or interest was reported (t = 11.16, P < .001). During the pandemic, women who were married or cohabitated reported significantly more frequent sexual behavior than did single women with partners (P < .01), while the two groups were comparable in terms of the frequency and intensity of having sexual desire. Linear regression analyses showed a statistically significant reduction in frequency of sexual intercourse during Covid–19 with increasing age (B = -.19, P < .001), and being single with (B = -.26, P < .001) or without partner (B = -.40, P < .001), taking into account all other demographic characteristics. Single women reported significantly less often did they feel sexual desire or interest during Covid–19, while age (B = -.26, P < .001) and being single without a partner (B = -.22, P < .001) predicted significantly lower intensity of sexual desire during Covid–19. Limitations, reasons for caution Women with either primary or secondary education level are not adequately represented as recruitment was carried out via community network and social media platform, which are more likely to be more accessible by a population who is more tech-savvy and has more access to email. Wider implications of the findings: We are still in the middle of the pandemic and there is still paucity of data illustrating its impact on sexual life. Current findings could give insight to stakeholders to develop sexual health counselling services that address the negative effect on sexual intimacy arising from sexual behavioral change. Trial registration number Not applicable

P-470 Sex in the time of Covid-19: Examining the sexual behavior and sexual desire of female adults in Hong Kong

Abstract Study question How are sexual behavior and sexual desire of Hong Kong women affected during the Covid-19 pandemic? Summary answer The Covid-19 pandemic has a negative impact on the sexual life of adult women, in particular, single women who do not have a live-in partner. What is known already Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been ongoing debates on whether lockdown measures would do more harm on individuals or families who are already living in fear of virus infection. Some studies have shown that despite social distancing and measures that limit contact and interaction, women, particularly those who are either married or have a stable partner, were found to be sexually more active and reported stronger emotional bonding with their partners during lockdown. This study attempts to examine any significant changes in sexual behavior and sexual desire of adult females in Hong Kong during the pandemic. Study design, size, duration This is a cross-sectional online study examining the sexual behaviors among female adults. The survey was conducted in Hong Kong between July and August 2020, in which the city has been locked down. Participants/materials, setting, methods Six hundred and two Chinese female adults (mean age = 32±7.09) were recruited through social media and community networks. Respondents completed the Desire Domain of the Female Sexual Function Index and self-reported frequency of sexual behavior before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to compare sexual behavior and sexual desire across demographic groups. Linear regression was conducted with sexual behavior and sexual desire as criterion variable and demographic characteristics as predictors. Main results and the role of chance Women reported significantly lower frequency of sexual behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic compared to previously (t = 8.25, P < .001). Less often did women feel sexual desire or interest during the pandemic (t = 7.05, P < .001) and a lower degree of sexual desire or interest was reported (t = 11.16, P < .001). During the pandemic, women who were married or cohabitated reported significantly more frequent sexual behavior than did single women with partners (P < .01), while the two groups were comparable in terms of the frequency and intensity of having sexual desire. Linear regression analyses showed a statistically significant reduction in frequency of sexual intercourse during Covid-19 with increasing age (B = -.19, P < .001), and being single with (B = -.26, P < .001) or without partner (B = -.40, P < .001), taking into account all other demographic characteristics. Single women reported significantly less often did they feel sexual desire or interest during Covid-19, while age (B = -.26, P < .001) and being single without a partner (B = -.22, P < .001) predicted significantly lower intensity of sexual desire during Covid-19. Limitations, reasons for caution Women with either primary or secondary education level are not adequately represented as recruitment was carried out via community network and social media platform, which are more likely to be more accessible by a population who is more tech-savvy and has more access to email. Wider implications of the findings We are still in the middle of the pandemic and there is still paucity of data illustrating its impact on sexual life. Current findings could give insight to stakeholders to develop sexual health counselling services that address the negative effect on sexual intimacy arising from sexual behavioral change. Trial registration number Not applicable

Validation of the Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) in Portugal: Assessing Dyadic Interdependence and Associations with Sexual Behaviors

BackgroundThe Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) are self-report measures of expectant couples’ attitudes towards sex during pregnancy. AimThis study aimed to examine dyadic non-independence of MSP/PSP scores in a sample of expectant couples, while providing an evaluation of factor structure, validity, and reliability of the Portuguese versions of the MSP/PSP. The association between partners’ attitudes and frequency of sexual behaviors was also examined. MethodsA total of 189 expectant couples completed a survey that included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the MSP/PSP, frequency of sexual behaviors, as well as validated measures of attitudes to sex, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, depression, and perceived social support. OutcomesDyadic interdependence was tested via Pearson correlation between MSP/PSP scores; between-dyads variability was tested via intraclass correlation of the unconditional model including only MSP/PSP scores using a multi-level model. Associations between attitudes and sexual behavior were tested using regression analysis (between-dyads outcomes) or APIM (mixed outcomes).Factor structure, internal consistency, and validity (convergent, discriminant, and concurrent) of the Portuguese versions of the scales were assessed. ResultsMSP/PSP scores were interdependent within-dyads. Male partners presented significantly more positive attitudes towards sex during pregnancy than pregnant women. Attitudes were linked to indices of sexual well-being for both partners (sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction) and, for both partners, more positive attitudes were associated with higher frequencies of most partnered sexual behaviors. The Portuguese MSP/PSP scales showed good factor structure, and good to excellent indices of reliability and validity. Clinical ImplicationsThe Portuguese MSP/PSP is adequate for use in couples. The scales can be used to screen partners with negative attitudes towards sex during pregnancy and evaluate how these attitudes relate to intra- and inter-individual sexual well-being during pregnancy. Strengths & LimitationsA strength of this study is the inclusion of both expectant partners and the use of dyadic analysis. Couples who participated in the study were all in mixed-gender/sex relationships, although this was not defined as an inclusion criterion. Future studies should use the MSP/PSP in more diverse samples in order to further determine how the scale performs for couples with different characteristics. ConclusionScores in the MSP/PSP are interdependent between mixed-sex/gender expectant couple members. More positive attitudes towards sex during pregnancy are linked to higher frequencies of partnered sexual behaviors and to both partners’ greater sexual well-being.Tavares Inês M., Heiman Julia R., Rosen Natalie O., et al. Validation of the Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) in Portugal: Assessing Dyadic Interdependence and Associations with Sexual Behaviors. J Sex Med Rev 2021;18:789–799.

Sexual Satisfaction in Obese People

Obesity has numerous consequences for the psychosocial and physical functioning of the individual which most often include comorbidities, disorders, and negative social attitudes influencing self-image. These factors indirectly associate obesity with problems in the sphere of sex life. Empirical evidence on this issue is relatively unambiguous but studies that focus on the positive dimensions of sex life do not provide clear-cut conclusions. Previous studies have often been carried out in specific groups and various socio-cultural conditions. The current study analyzed the relationship between sexual satisfaction and a variable describing preferences, expectations, and needs of obese people and non-obese people. Satisfaction was analyzed taking into account two components. One reflected the degree of discrepancy/convergence between the desired and actual frequency of sexual behavior. The other reflected the degree of pleasure felt in connection with actual sexual behavior. The sample consisted of 148 obese people and 128 non-obese people. Three measures were used: the Sexual Activity Questionnaire, Sexual Stimulus Scale, and Sexual Needs and Reaction Scale. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of sexual satisfaction in either dimension. The results of the regression analysis showed a more complex structure of correlations between satisfaction, preferences, expectations, and needs in obese people compared to non-obese people. Also, the activity of the partner, including experiences during full penetration, was found to be most important for pleasure (as one of the dimensions of satisfaction) in the test group.