High Levels Of Sexual Activity Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitude and Use of Contraceptives Among Women of Reproductive Age in a Nigerian Rural Community

BACKGROUND: The use of contraception, encompassing various methods such as hormonal pills, condoms, intrauterine devices, and natural techniques like abstinence, plays a pivotal role in family planning and reproductive health. Despite its importance, the utilization of contraceptives, particularly in low-resource nations like Nigeria, has remained notably low. This is concerning, considering the positive impact of contraception on maternal and child health and its contribution to national development by curbing population growth. In Nigeria, awareness of contraception is relatively high, but the adoption of modern contraceptive methods is alarmingly low, with only 10% of females utilizing them. This rate is notably insufficient given the high levels of sexual activity, especially among adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, regional disparities exist within Nigeria, with the south-south geopolitical zone exhibiting a higher prevalence of modern contraceptive use at 15.5%. Factors influencing contraceptive usage include education, religious beliefs, and awareness of available methods. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, the prevalence of modern contraceptives was notably higher at 36.8% in 2017, underscoring the impact of education and knowledge of contraceptive options. Increasing contraceptive use is crucial for Nigeria, a lower-middle-income country, as it not only aids in averting unplanned pregnancies and maternal mortality but also in controlling population growth. AIM: The study aimed to shed light on contraceptives' profound health advantages to both women and families. By investigating the knowledge, attitude, and use of contraceptives within the context of the study community, it sought to contribute to the promotion and enhancement of contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in the rural community of Sagbama, South-south Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age, over a period of 3 months in Sagbama Community, Bayelsa state. Multi-stage sampling was employed. Data was obtained using interviewer-administered semi-structured 31-item questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Bivariate analysis with p-value <0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Among the 314 respondents, the mean age was 29.96 years. Nearly half were married (48.4%), with varying numbers of children. The majority had some form of education, with 46.8% having secondary education. Most respondents (95.9%) had heard of contraceptives, primarily from friends (76.4%) and hospitals (58%). The most well-known contraceptive methods were male condoms (95.9%), contraceptive pills (79.9%), and implants (72.3%). Positive attitudes toward contraceptive use were observed in 83.4% of respondents, driven by the desire to prevent unwanted pregnancies and space births (80.9%). Of sexually active women (81.4%), 53.3% used contraceptives, with male condoms (44%) and pills (15.7%) being the most common methods. Reasons for non-use included a perceived lack of need (28.6%) and fear of side effects (26.5%). CONCLUSION: Despite high knowledge levels, the use of contraceptives among women of reproductive age in the community was poor. Education and addressing misconceptions are essential to promote effective contraceptive use. Comprehensive health and sex education involving both men and women should be provided to dispel misconceptions and encourage correct contraceptive use.

Knowledge of prevention and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among young men

Background: Today, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has become the most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Major consequences of contracting the virus include both mild skin lesions and a range of cancers, the most frequent of which are cervical cancer, penile cancer, oral cavity cancer, throat cancer, and anal cancer, undoubtedly demonstrating its high oncogenic potential. Aim of the study: The objective of this study is to determine the level of knowledge among men aged 18–26 years with regard to HPV prevention and treatment. Materials and methods: An online survey was conducted using a questionnaire developed by the authors. The questionnaire was comprised of 16 closed-ended questions and 5 questions pertaining to demographics. Chi-squared tests or Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Only 27.5% of the respondents correctly answered a question regarding the number of types of the virus, and 33% correctly determined the percentage of the cases where an active infection turns into a chronic state. However, a high level of awareness of the routes of infection was demonstrated, with more than half of the respondents (63%) answering this question correctly. Additionally, more than two-thirds (67.9%) of the men indicated correctly that one of the factors facilitating infection is a young age at the time of the first contact with the virus. Nearly all respondents (90%) indicated that using condoms is an effective form of prevention. Conclusions: The results expressly indicate an insufficient level of knowledge regarding HPV among young men. Due to the high level of sexual activity in this age group, increased education with regard to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is needed.

Sexual Activity and Contraceptive use among University Female Undergraduates in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

High sexual activity with low contraceptive use among young women could give rise to complications such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This study was aimed at determining sexual activities and contraceptive usage among female undergraduate students. It was a cross-sectional study using pretested self -administered questionnaires to collect data on socio-demographic variables, sexual activities and contraceptive use. Out of the four hundred and thirty one (431) students studied, three hundred and four (70.5%) were sexually active. The average age of sexual debut was 19.5 years. One hundred and twenty-seven (41.8%) had more than one sexual partner. Money was the reason for sex in more than one- third (37.4%). Contraceptive awareness and usage among the respondents was (96.1%) and (85.0%) respectively. The male condom was the commonest (52.4%) contraceptive used. Majority (65.9%) of the respondents believed contraceptive use could prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. There was a significant relationship between awareness of contraception and level of study (P =0.003). The study showed a high level of sexual activity, contraceptive knowledge and usage. There was a significant relationship between contraceptive awareness and academic level; as well as usage and protection against STD. Girl child education, provision and promotion of utilization of reproductive health services should be sustained to safeguard the sexual health of young women.

Sex in the Time of COVID-19: Results of an Online Survey of Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men's Experience of Sex and HIV Prevention During the US COVID-19 Epidemic.

This paper presents data from a recent cross-sectional survey of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the US, to understand changes in sexual behavior and access to HIV prevention options (i.e. condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)) during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The Love and Sex in the Time of COVID-19 survey was conducted online from April to May, 2020. GBMSM were recruited through advertisements featured on social networking platforms, recruiting a sample size of 518 GBMSM. Analysis considers changes three in self-reported measures of sexual behavior: number of sex partners, number of anal sex partners and number of anal sex partners not protected by pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or condoms. Approximately two-thirds of the sample reported that they believed it was possible to contract COVID-19 through sex, with anal sex reported as the least risky sex act. Men did not generally feel it was important to reduce their number of sex partners during COVID-19, but reported a moderate willingness to have sex during COVID-19. For the period between February and April–May 20,202, participants reported a mean increase of 2.3 sex partners during COVID-19, a mean increase of 2.1 anal sex partners (range − 40 to 70), but a very small increase in the number of unprotected anal sex partners. Increases in sexual behavior during COVID-19 were associated with increases in substance use during the same period. High levels of sexual activity continue to be reported during the COVID-19 lockdown period and these high levels of sexual activity are often paralleled by increases in substance use and binge drinking. There is a clear need to continue to provide comprehensive HIV prevention and care services during COVID-19, and telehealth and other eHealth platforms provide a safe, flexible mechanism for providing services.

A National Survey on Intimate Relationships, Sexual Activity, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Adults with Physical and Mental Disabilities

This study provides an overview and a better understanding of how physical and mental disabilities are associated with intimate relationships, sexual activity, and sexual satisfaction. Data were drawn from a national survey study with 15,073 participants in Denmark aged between 26 and 65 of whom 4102 reported a physical disability and 1174 a mental disability. Participants with a disability (physical, mental, or both) reported significantly lower levels of sexual activity and satisfaction than participants without a disability. Participants with a mental disability or both a mental and physical disability reported the lowest levels of sexual activity and satisfaction. Further analysis showed that having a partner, being female, and of a younger age were associated with higher levels of sexual activity and satisfaction among participants with a disability (physical, mental, or both).

Qualitative and quantitative aspects of sex life in the context of endometriosis: a multicentre case control study

What are the specific characteristics of sexual activity in women with endometriosis compared with women without endometriosis? Multicentre case control study. Participants were recruited from university hospitals, district hospitals and doctor's offices in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. A total of 565 women with endometriosis were pair-matched to 565 control women by age and ethnic background. Diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed by histology, and disease stage was classified according to American Society for Reproductive Medicine criteria. Data on sexuality were collected using selected questions from the Brief Index of Sexual Function and the Sexual History Form. Altogether, 69.1% of women with endometriosis and 77.8% of control women engaged in sexual activity during the month before the study period (P < 0.001). Overall, 42.3% of endometriosis-affected women and 30.5% of the control women desired a higher frequency of sexual activity (P < 0.001). Petting, foreplay and vaginal sexual intercourse were reported to be practised less often by women with endometriosis. Frequencies for masturbation, reciprocal masturbation, oral and anal sex were similar in both groups. Dyspareunia was negatively associated with sexual activity (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.63), whereas chronic pain showed no association with sexual activity (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.93, 1.96). Women with endometriosis have lower frequencies of petting, foreplay and vaginal sexual intercourse than control women; this difference has to be attributed, at least in part, to dyspareunia. Potentially pain-free sexual options are used to a limited degree. As endometriosis-affected women desire higher levels of sexual activity, sexual counselling should be included in medical support.

The potential impact of initiating antiretroviral therapy with integrase inhibitors on HIV transmission risk in British Columbia, Canada

BackgroundAvailable agents within the integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (INSTI) class have been shown to lead to a faster decay in viral load than other regimens. Therefore, we estimated the potential reduction in HIV transmission risk among antiretroviral-naïve individuals initiating on INSTI-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), focusing on the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) population and various degrees of sexual activity. MethodsUsing two mathematical models that estimate the HIV transmission risk corresponding to different viral loads, we estimated the average probability of HIV transmission per risky contact for gbMSM during the six months post-ART initiation, stratified by stage of HIV infection, viral load at ART initiation and type of first-line ART (i.e., INSTI or non-INSTI-based ART). This study focused individuals who initiated ART between 2011 and 2016 with at least one year of follow-up in British Columbia, Canada. FindingsTime to first virologic suppression for INSTI-based regimens was 21.4 days (95% credible interval (CI) 19.9–23.2), compared to 58.6 days (95% CI 54.1–62.2) for non-INSTI regimens. We showed that INSTI-based regimens could reduce the HIV transmission risk by at least 25% among those with viral load ≥5 log10 copies/mL at ART initiation. InterpretationInitiating ART on INSTI-based regimens has the potential to reduce HIV transmission risk among individuals with high baseline viral load levels, especially among those with high levels of sexual activity. FundingThe British Columbia Ministry of Health, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.

Contrasting Self-Perceived Need and Guideline-Based Indication for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Young, Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Offered Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Atlanta, Georgia.

Despite high HIV incidence among young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in this group is low. In a cohort of HIV-negative YBMSM in Atlanta, GA, all participants were offered PrEP as standard of care with free clinician visits and laboratory testing. We explored self-perceived need for PrEP among 29 in-depth interview participants by asking about reasons for PrEP uptake or refusal and factors that may lead to future reconsideration. Self-perceived need was compared to US Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for clinical PrEP indication using behavioral data and laboratory testing data. Self-perceived need for PrEP consistently underestimated clinical indication, primarily due to optimism for choosing other HIV prevention strategies, such as condom use, abstinence, or monogamy. Many participants cited consistent condom use and lack of sexual activity as reasons for not starting PrEP; however, follow-up survey data frequently demonstrated low condom use and high levels of sexual activity in the period after the interview. Study participants endorsed perceptions that PrEP is only for people with very high levels of sexual activity. Only one participant perceived incident sexually transmitted infection (STI) to be an indication for PrEP, despite the fact that several of the participants had a history of an STI diagnosis. These findings point to an opportunity for clinician intervention at diagnosis. Disconnect between self-perceived and guidance-based PrEP indications, as well as other factors such as medical mistrust or difficulty with access, may contribute to low PrEP uptake among YBMSM. A better understanding of the ways in which these issues manifest may be one tool for clinicians to support PrEP uptake.

Potential Healthcare Insurance and Provider Barriers to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Utilization Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Young adult men-who-have-sex-with-men (YMSM) continue to have among the highest incidence of HIV infection in the United States. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective and safe method of preventing HIV infection; however, despite US Food and Drug Administration approval, utilization remains low, in part, due to structural barriers, particularly access to healthcare. In this study, we used social media to recruit black, Hispanic, and white HIV-uninfected 18- to 24-year-old YMSM. Participants completed an online survey about their sexual behavior, healthcare access, and previous use of PrEP. Of the 2297 YMSM surveyed, only 3.4% had used PrEP. PrEP use was associated with higher levels of education, living alone, older age, higher levels of sexual activity, and greater healthcare access, specifically having healthcare insurance and a clinic or primary care provider (PCP) from whom they received care. Among PrEP nonusers, 65% met at least one of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended indications for PrEP use, and of these, 59% had healthcare insurance and received care in a clinic and/or had a PCP. Multi-variable multi-nomial logistic regression modeling identified disparities in access to healthcare by age, race/ethnicity, education, and region. Specifically, older YMSM, blacks and Hispanics, those with fewer years of formal education, and residents of the southern and the western United States were more likely to lack healthcare access. These results demonstrate both potential opportunities and barriers to the scale-up of PrEP among YMSM.

Gender Norms and Discourses Informing College Men’s Perceptions of Heteronormative Sexual Health Responsibilities and HPV Prevention

Focus group data revealed that despite reporting expectations for high levels of sexual activity, college men primarily identifying as heterosexual were ambivalent about sexual health responsibility and their role in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV). Participants identified shared sexual health responsibility as an ideal but invoked heteronormative gender discourses to rationalize inequality in partnered sexual health. Self-categorization processes based on gender may prevent college males from engaging self- and partnered protective behaviors. Yet, self-categorization processes also enabled college men to envision a future relational identity as husband and father in which they engaged protective sexual health behaviors. Although discourses may signify latent benevolent sexism, they may also make room for behavior change through dissonance or messages encouraging superordinate categorization that urges engaging in preventive sexual health behaviors regardless of gender. Implications for self-categorization processes in HPV prevention are discussed.

All Adolescents Deserve Routine Conversations About Sexual Activity and Pregnancy Prevention.

It is essential that physicians who take care of adolescents, whether in specialty practice or primary care, learn to routinely address adolescent sexuality and reproductive health care. According to our most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 64.1% of 12th graders have had sexual intercourse ≥1 time, and 49.3% of 12th graders have had sexual intercourse with at least ≥1 person in the last 3 months. Unfortunately, only 53% of those 12th graders had used a condom during their last sexual encounter, and only 32.2% of those 12th graders had used a birth control pill, intrauterine device, implant, shot, patch, or ring during their last sexual encounter.1 Despite these high levels of sexual activity and unprotected sex, we have not yet reached the point where all providers of primary … Address correspondence to Erica J. Gibson, MD, University of Vermont, Department of Pediatrics, 1 South Prospect Street, 3rd Floor, Burlington, VT 05401. E-mail: erica.gibson{at}uvmhealth.org

Slut Shaming as Bullying in LGBTQ Adolescents: A New Area for Inquiry and Intervention

In a recent investigation of bullying of LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ students who reported higher levels of sexual activity described increased peer victimization in comparison to heterosexual students. Such bullying may be likened to slut shaming, a set of behaviors in which women are humiliated and may experience loss of status for their supposed sexual behavior. Because of the limited empirical literature base documenting and assessing this behavior, this commentary represents an argument for the inclusion of slut shaming as a form of bullying used to victimize LGBTQ students and urges further research in this area.

Sexuality in Older Couples: Individual and Dyadic Characteristics.

Sexuality is a key component of health and functioning that changes with age. Although most sexual activity takes place with a partner, the majority of research on sexuality has focused on individuals. In this paper, we focused on the sexual dyad. We proposed and tested a conceptual model of the predictors of partnered sexual activity in older adulthood. This model began with the personality of each of the partners, which affects individuals' views of sex and characteristics of the partnership, which in turn affected sexual expression in the couple. We measured a key feature of personality, Positivity, which reflected the individual's tendency to present his or herself positively in social situations. This trait, we posited, increased frequency of sex through increased desire for sex, and the subjective importance of sex to each member of the couple. In this model, Positivity also impacted characteristics of the relationship that promoted dyadic sexual behavior. These processes differed for men and women in the model. We tested this model with data from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, which conducted personal interviews with both partners in 940 American dyads (average male age 72; average female age 69). We found that couples in which the husbands' (but not wives') were high in Positivity show higher levels of sexual activity, and that this association was partially mediated by dimensions of relationship quality, but more so by individual factors such as thinking about sex and believing sex is important.

Demographic and psychosocial correlates of sexual activity in older Chinese people.

This study examines sexual activity and associated psychosocial factors in older Chinese people. Sexuality continues to play a pivotal role in our lives even as we grow old. There is, however, very limited research on the topic in older populations. Cross-sectional survey. A representative sample of 688 older Chinese people (>60 years old) were individually interviewed on their demographic characteristics; their interest in, knowledge of and perceived control over sexual activities; and their engagement in sexual activity. The results show that 51·32% of men and 41·26% of women reported engaging in some form of sexual activity. Sexual intercourse and caressing were commonly reported. A multiple regression analysis also showed that a higher level of sexual activity was associated with being younger, living with a spouse, having a strong interest in sex, having sufficient knowledge of elder sexuality and a high perceived control over sex. Distinct predictive factors in each gender were observed. A high level of perceived control was associated with a higher level of sexual activity in males but not females. A series of binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the demographic and psychosocial correlates of sexual activity. With the exception of the use of objects (sex toys), sexual activities were consistently associated with being younger; living with a spouse; and having high levels of interest, knowledge and perceived control. A sizable amount of older Chinese people engage in varying degrees of sexual activity, and most are still interested in sex. Frontline health professionals need to be aware of the growing needs for sex education in older persons, particular attention should be paid to discuss the limitations brought about by various chronic conditions associated with ageing and their relevance to elder sexuality.

Sexual and Contraceptive Practices among Female Undergraduates in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution.

The reproductive health of adolescents and young women is integral to the wellbeing of a society. This study was carried out to determine current sexual practices and contraceptive usage among female undergraduate students in a Southwest Nigerian tertiary institution. It was a cross-sectional questionnaire based survey of female university undergraduates. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic variables and sexual and contraceptive practices. Frequency tables were generated and univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine factors that influenced sexual and contraceptive practices. SPSS software version 16.0 was used for analysis. Of 350 students sampled, 306 completed the questionnaire. One hundred and eighty six (60.8%) students were currently sexually active. The mean age of sexual debut was 19.11 years. Sixty-six (35.5%) had more than one sexual partners. Contraceptive knowledge was 100%, but consistent use was 34.4%. A third of the respondents had sex for material rewards and/or under the influence of alcohol and recreational drugs. Students who were less than 20 years old (Adjusted OR: 3.52; 95%CI=2.10-6.82) were more likely to be sexually active while those from polygamous/separated families (Adjusted OR: 0.32; 95% CI=0.18-0.58) were less likely to be sexually active. There is a high level of sexual activity and low contraceptive use among female undergraduate students in Southwest Nigeria. More reproductive health education and promotion is necessary to safeguard their sexual health.

Hypersexual, Sexually Compulsive, or Just Highly Sexually Active? Investigating Three Distinct Groups of Gay and Bisexual Men and Their Profiles of HIV-Related Sexual Risk.

Emerging research supports the notion that sexual compulsivity (SC) and hypersexual disorder (HD) among gay and bisexual men (GBM) might be conceptualized as comprising three groups-Neither SC nor HD; SC only, and Both SC and HD-that capture distinct levels of severity across the SC/HD continuum. We examined data from 370 highly sexually active GBM to assess how the three groups compare across a range of risk factors for HIV infection. Comparisons focused on psychosexual measures-temptation for condomless anal sex (CAS), self-efficacy for avoiding CAS, sexual excitation and inhibition-as well as reports of actual sexual behavior. Nearly half (48.9%) of this highly sexually active sample was classified as Neither SC nor HD, 30% as SC Only, and 21.1% as Both SC and HD. While we found no significant differences between the three groups on reported number of male partners, anal sex acts, or anal sex acts with serodiscordant partners, the Both SC and HD group reported higher numbers of CAS acts and CAS acts with serodiscordant partners and also had a higher proportion of their anal sex acts without condoms compared to the SC Only group. Our findings support the validity of a three-group classification system of SC/HD severity in differentiating psychosexual and HIV-related sexual risk behavior outcomes in a sample of GBM who report similarly high levels of sexual activity. Notwithstanding the need for sex positive HIV prevention programs, interventions that attempt to help Both SC and HD men deal with distress and address their psychosexual needs specifically may derive HIV prevention benefits.

Student sex: more or less risky than other young adults?

Sexually active young adults are at an increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Sexual behaviours such as inconsistent condom use, multiple partners and casual sex are known risk factors for negative sexual health outcomes. Sexually active higher education students are classified as a high-risk population in terms of sexual ill-health and are considered more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours. Less is known about the sexual practices of the non-student young adult population. This study investigates and compares the sexual behaviour of 427 students and 280 non-students aged 19–22 years based on data from the Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships. No variation in attitudes and beliefs regarding sex was found between the two groups, neither was there a difference in STI diagnosis or use of sexual health services. Inconsistent condom use, early sexual initiation, high levels of sexual activity and greater instances of multiple partners were found among the non-student population. This highlights the need to distinguish between these young adult sub-groups and to expand understanding of the determinants of sexual health and behaviour among young people outside of tertiary education to enable more effective sexual health promotion.

Aspects of Home Environment and Adolescent Sexual Behaviour in Southwestern Nigeria

This study examines adolescent sexual behaviour within the context of the home environment (urban low, medium and high residential density) in which the yougsters live. Spatial variations in five variables measuring sexual behaviour: first sex experience, age of first sex, identity of sexual partner, use of family planning (FP) and number of sexual partner were analysed with ANOVA. The data obtained from a survey of 1670 adolescents in two pre-colonial cities in South Western Nigeria reveals that pre-marital sexual relations among urban adolescents is not only becoming a near universal phenomenon, but also the mean age of first sexual encounter is declining. Of great concern is the identity of sexual partners, which now includes commercial sex hawkers. Also noteworthy is the high level of sexual activity with about 3 out of every 4 adolescents having sex with more than one partner in the last six months of the study. These practices are most prominent in the high density home environment. Against the background of observed widespread non-use of FP, the findings of this study raise concern about the public health importance of STIs, and the fact that conventional STIs facilitate the acquisition and transmission of HIV. The need to focus more policy and programme attention on adolescent sexuality behaviour is compelling.

Adolescent Sexuality and Reproductive Health in two Oil Producing Communities in Imo and Rivers States, Nigeria

The Study was conducted in two contiguous oil producing rural local government areas in Imo State and Rivers State of Nigeria, to examine adolescent sexuality and reproductive health situation in the area given its peculiarities. This is a baseline study for an intervention project aimed at identifying strategies for achieving behavioural changes among the youth, and for promotion of health-seeking behaviour for the control of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data were collected through questionnaires administered among 725 students in secondary schools and 249 school drop-outs, comprising 483 females and 491 males. The questionnaire generated ample information on knowledge, attitudes and practices of the youth with respect to sexuality and reproductive health as well as various background characteristics of the respondents. Supplementary qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions. The study found a high level of sexual activity among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents, low levels of knowledge of preventive measures, negotiation skills and STIs, and relatively high levels of premarital pregnancy, abortion and incidence of STIs. The paper proffered suggestions for introducing life-building skills and sexuality education in the secondary schools through peer health education and other school programs, and underscored the need to make schooling more interesting and attractive to the youth.

Fecundity and fertility of ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis after prolonged cold storage

Some species of ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) mate both before and after overwintering. The purpose of the pre-diapause mating was studied in the alien invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas 1773). Our study demonstrates the persistence of high fecundity (daily oviposition rate of 21 eggs per fertilized female during the first month of reproduction) and fertility (85 % of eggs hatching) of females of H. axyridis after long storage (up to eight months) at low temperature (6 °C). The females were not mated after activation in spring and had to rely on the sperm supply maintained from the pre-winter period (58 % of females were fertilized). Unfertilized females also laid eggs but in low numbers (an average of 345 eggs by virgin females during an individual’s lifetime, 1,174 eggs by females fertilized before winter) and after a longer pre-oviposition period (2–5 weeks in comparison to 7–8 days for fertilized females). We show that the unfertilised eggs were not trophic eggs. The high sperm survival ability observed questions the need for the high levels of sexual activity generally observed in Coccinellidae. Fertilized females of H. axyridis may found large colonies after dispersal to new areas even without males, which contributes to the striking invasive ability of this species.