Sex Education Research Articles

Awareness, perception and behavioral determinants associated with cancer prevention among adults: Results from a cross-sectional study in urban field practice area of a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata

Background: Cancer is emerging as a major public health problem. Two-thirds of cancer patients are in the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Public awareness plays a big role in cancer prevention. Aims and Objectives: To assess awareness, perception, and behavioral determinants of cancer prevention of urban adults. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban slum of Kolkata. Four hundred fifteen respondents were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire after having consent. Results: Though majority (72.3%) of respondents had satisfactory awareness but had limited awareness on screening tests (58.6%) and vaccination (1.6%). Half of them had a favorable perception on cancer prevention but the perceived barrier was more. The behavior score was poor among the majority of participants. The main source of information was T.V. (88.2%) and friends and relatives (80.2%). Only one-fourth of participants mentioned of health workers and health camps as sources of information indicating inadequate activities on cancer awareness programs. Age (OR 7.08, 95% CI=1.07–46.74), sex (OR 0.38, 95% CI=0.19–0.76) education (OR 4.81, 95% CI=2.50–9.27) were significant predictors of satisfactory awareness. Higher levels of education, younger age, and female gender were factors that shaped perception. Only education level (OR 0.29, 95% CI=0.15–0.59) had a significant association with cancer preventive behavior. Conclusions: Though awareness on primary preventive measures was satisfactory but behavior was unsatisfactory among study participants. They had more perceived barriers while taking preventive measures. The finding indicates a need to promote health education and motivate people to recognize and modify cancer-related behavioral risk factors.

HEALTH EDUCATION ABOUT FREE SEX FOR ADOLESCENTS AT SMK SETYA BHAKTI 2 AND SMK 16 EAST JAKARTA

Background: Adolescence is an important transitional period due to excessive curiosity. Adolescents' curiosity about sexual life is increasing along with the information on social media. The problem of premarital sexual behavior in adolescents is very important to prevent because it can lead to early pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Objective: This activity aims to increase knowledge about the impact of premarital sexual behavior and its prevention on students of SMK Setya Bhakti 2 and SMK 16 East Jakarta. Method: Community service activities began with data collection at schools in the East Jakarta area, then providing direct education to grade XII students. All participants were given a pre-test and post-test as an evaluation. Results: The activity was held on February 16 2024, attended by 38 students of SMK Setya Bhakti 2 and 40 students of SMK 16 East Jakarta. The average age of participants was 17-18 years. More than fifty percent participants had poor knowledge regarding free sex (61.5%), then increased to be good knowledge by 77.0%. Conclusion: Premarital sexual education for grade XII students can increase their knowledge so that adolescents can avoid the dangers of free sexual behavior.

Morphologic Variations In External Ear Among Ethnic Meiteis: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

The external ear is highly individualised in terms of its shape, size, and other morphological characteristics, making it a useful tool for forensic identification in determining sex and personal identification. These characteristics are believed to be controlled by multiple genes and shared among genetically related individuals. To describe the uniqueness and sexual differences in external ear morphology among the ethnic Meiteis, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Clinical Section of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology from May 2022 to April 2024. The study included 422 ethnic Meiteis, and common characteristics observed in both sexes included an oval-shaped pinna in 35.38% of individuals, nodosity of Darwin's tubercle in 74.53%, medium-sized anti-tragus in 50.66%, arched shape of the lobule in 44.67%, and proportionate form of the concha in 74.10%. The tragus types were evenly distributed, with an average of 30% for each type. The shape of the helical fold differed between males and females, with 60.03% of males having a normally rolled shape and 62.16% of females having a wide covering scapha shape, with an average occurrence of 49.14%. There was no significant sexual difference in the external ear characteristics except for the helical fold. Regarding the uniqueness, most of the ethnic Meitei population exhibited the nodosity type of Darwin's tubercle, medium-sized anti-tragus, and proportionate form of the concha, accounting for more than half of the total study population.

Characteristics and risk factors for sibling incest.

Sibling sexual behaviour, despite historical and cross-cultural incest taboos and biologically driven incest avoidance, poses a persistent problem. We tested factors theorized to be associated with sibling incest in a cross-sectional online survey of 1,863 respondents with siblings mainly from North America and Germany. We found that 13% of participants reported engaging in sexual contact with a sibling, typically starting at the age of 10, and that step-siblings and half-siblings were more likely to engage in sibling incest than full siblings. Curiosity and games were the primary motivators; being coerced was more prevalent among female and younger participants. The study underscores both individual (e.g., impulsivity, concurrent childhood sexual behaviour problems) and family level factors (e.g., presence of step-sibling, positive attitudes toward nudity, sexual abuse by parent) influencing liability to engage in sexual behaviours with a sibling. Findings were robust across English- and German-speaking participants, suggesting our results are generalizable. Professionals addressing problematic child sexual behaviour should assess for concurrent sibling incest, and evaluate positive family attitudes towards nudity, sexual abuse by parents, and reduced disgust to sibling incest as potential risk factors for sibling incest. The findings stress the need for comprehensive sexual education in blended households, where age gaps and diminished genetic relatedness contribute to sibling sexual behaviour.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Approaching Pornography from Equality and Social Justice

Pornography has occupied the center of social debate in Spain, especially in relation to youth learning about sexuality. This article has the objective to identify the possible consumption of pornography in the researched university community in Southern Spain, as well as their opinions on the consumption of pornography in current digital society, and their educational proposals to address the consumption of pornography from the perspective of equality and social justice. To cover this objective, the data analyzed come from a mixed methodology consisting of 4 discussion groups and a survey with all the members of the university community. The results show a tendency to consume pornography at younger ages, with gendered consequences for younger generations. Men consume more pornography. The script continues to be designed under the “hegemonic masculinity” that underlies gender violence in mainstream pornography. A quarter of participants point to pornography as the main source for learning about sexuality and those in couples use pornography to learn about their own bodies. Based on these results, the article concludes with the participants’ demand to incorporate comprehensive sexuality education from elementary school to university, since it promotes equality, social justice and sexual and intimate citizenship which, in turn, strengthens democracy.

Examining Teachers’ Roles in Early Childhood Sex Education: Insights from Indonesian Playgroups

This study investigates the roles of teachers in implementing sex education in Indonesian playgroups, focusing on their opinions, experiences, and methods. The research addresses the psychological effects of child sexual abuse and emphasizes the need for preventative measures through early education. Utilizing a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 13 teachers from various playgroups in Ciputat, Indonesia, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. The findings highlight two main themes: teachers' recognition of the importance of sex education and their practical experiences in implementing it. Most teachers agreed on the necessity of early sex education to promote awareness and protection against sexual violence. However, their understanding of the subject varied, with many expressing discomfort discussing sensitive topics. Teaching methods ranged from storytelling to demonstrations, but materials addressing reproductive organs were rarely included. The study underscores the importance of collaboration between teachers and parents to align educational goals. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on integrating comprehensive sex education into early childhood curricula, offering practical insights for policymakers and educators. Future research should explore the scalability of these approaches and their long-term impact on children’s safety and well-being.

Predicting adolescent psychopathology from early life factors: A machine learning tutorial

ObjectiveThe successful implementation and interpretation of machine learning (ML) models in epidemiological studies can be challenging without an extensive programming background. We provide a didactic example of machine learning for risk prediction in this study by determining whether early life factors could be useful for predicting adolescent psychopathology. MethodsIn total, 9643 adolescents ages 9–10 from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study were included in ML analysis to predict high Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores (i.e., t-scores ≥ 60). ML models were constructed using a series of predictor combinations (prenatal, family history, sociodemographic) across 5 different algorithms. We assessed ML performance through sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and area under the curve (AUC) metrics. ResultsA total of 1267 adolescents (13.1 %) were found to have high CBCL scores. The best performing algorithms were elastic net and gradient boosted trees. The best performing elastic net models included prenatal and family history factors (Sensitivity 0.654, Specificity 0.713; AUC 0.742, F1-score 0.401) and prenatal, family, history, and sociodemographic factors (Sensitivity 0.668, Specificity 0.704; AUC 0.745, F1-score 0.402). Across all 5 ML algorithms, family history factors (e.g., either parent had nervous breakdowns, trouble holding jobs/fights/police encounters, and counseling for mental issues) and sociodemographic covariates (e.g., maternal age, child's sex, caregiver income and caregiver education) tended to be better predictors of adolescent psychopathology. The most important prenatal predictors were unplanned pregnancy, birth complications, and pregnancy complications. ConclusionOur results suggest that inclusion of prenatal, family history, and sociodemographic factors in ML models can generate moderately accurate predictions of adolescent psychopathology. Issues associated with model overfitting, hyperparameter tuning, and system seed setting should be considered throughout model training, testing, and validation. Future early risk predictions models may improve with the inclusion of additional relevant covariates.

Attitudes toward Death, Perceptions of Hospice Care and Needs for Hospice Care among the LGBT Population.

This study explored the attitudes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals toward death and their perceptions of hospice and palliative care, as well as their care needs. It also investigated their preferences for alternative decision-making and advance care planning options at the end of life. A descriptive survey study was conducted with LGBT adults aged 18 and older. Participants were recruited through LGBT organizations and online communities, and data from 207 respondents were analyzed. Questionnaires were utilized to assess attitudes toward death, perceptions of hospice care, and care needs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0, employing the t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients. LGBT individuals generally had low attitudes toward death and negative perceptions of hospice care. Attitudes toward death varied significantly by sex, age, and education, while perceptions of hospice care differed significantly by sexual orientation and education. Care needs in hospice settings also varied significantly by age, gender identity, and education. Most LGBT participants preferred their biological family members (52%) and partners (39%) as surrogate decision-makers. A significant positive correlation was found between perceptions of hospice care and overall care needs. The findings highlight the need for healthcare services tailored to LGBT individuals' specific needs. It is necessary to promote social understanding, awareness, and policy support to improve the quality of life for LGBT individuals through more inclusive and responsive healthcare services. It also points to the need for healthcare professionals to increase their awareness and understanding of these issues.

A Media Literacy Education Approach to Sexual Health Promotion: Immediate Effects of Media Aware on the Sexual Health Cognitions of Young Adult Community College Students

This study evaluates the efficacy of Media Aware, a comprehensive sex education program with a media literacy education approach, for improving sexual health cognitions among 1139 U.S. community college students (ages 18–19) from 23 campuses. Students were randomized to condition (intervention or delayed-intervention control) and completed pretest and posttest questionnaires. Several main effects of the intervention were found at posttest, including reduced perceived realism of media messages, positive attitudes about risky sex, and descriptive normative beliefs about unprotected and risky sexual activity, and increased self-efficacy to use dental dams. Gender and pretest levels moderated some intervention effects. Women in the intervention group reported less identification with media messages compared to women in the control group. Students in the intervention group who reported lower pretest levels of self-efficacy to use dental dams and to refuse unprotected sex had higher posttest levels on those outcomes as compared with the control group. Students in the intervention group who reported higher pretest levels of normative beliefs about risky sexual activity had lower posttest levels on those outcomes as compared with the control group. Results suggest that Media Aware is a promising method to improve the sexual health of young adults attending community college.

Self-Reported Diagnosis of Autism Is Associated With a Lower Likelihood of HIV Testing

Abstract: Sexuality and sexual risk behaviors among autistic adults are often overlooked, resulting in inadequate sexual education courses and a reliance on peers or the internet as primary sources of information. Here, we plan to begin to fill this gap by assessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) outcomes among autistic adults. Data come from the 2007 NHIS data set, the only nationally representative and publicly available data set to host measures of HIV and autism alongside one another (and the only year of this survey to do so). Survey-weighted models were used to examine the association between self-reported measures of HIV/STIs and self-reported autism diagnosis. Compared with those who had not been told that they have autism, participants with an autism diagnosis had lower odds of ever having an HIV test in their lifetime (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01 to 0.26). No association was observed between autism diagnosis and plans for an HIV test within the next year, nor did any autistic adults report testing positive for any STI within the past 5 years. These results suggest that further research is needed among the autism spectrum disorder community, particularly in terms of achieving the US goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.

Exploring the factors influencing health promotion on reproductive health and sexual education among adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative study at special schools in Padang, Indonesia

Objectives Adolescents with intellectual disabilities are particularly vulnerable to reproductive health issues, unsafe sexual behaviors, and harassment. However, they can understand reproductive health and sexuality through promotional activities in schools. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence health promotion among adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities in special schools. Methods Qualitative data were collected from 18 participants through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data transcription was examined using thematic analysis. Results Special schools facilitated reproductive health and sexual education on ‘Self-development’ and in special meeting sessions. However, stigma, family care, teachers’ competence, and sex education culture affected the health of adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities. Cooperation among various parties has been difficult, and monitoring and evaluation activities have not yet been well-established. Conclusions To improve the reproductive health of adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities, all aspects must support the implementation of health promotion, including policies, environmental conditions, community movements, preventive and promotional implementation, cooperation, and evaluation processes.

"We're Going to Start Healing": Perceptions of Sexual Violence on a Rural Indian Reservation in the Northern Great Plains.

Indigenous people experience disproportionally higher rates of sexual violence, but we know little about how to prevent sexual violence among this population. The purpose of this study was to understand the perspectives (e.g., causes, prevention) of sexual violence among an Indigenous community residing on a large rural Indian Reservation in the Northern Great Plains. The study conducted seven focus groups with adults, high school students, and middle school students, and a thematic analysis approach was used to assess the gestalt of the data. Three primary themes emerged from the data: (a) causes of sexual violence, (b) characteristics and contexts of sexual violence, and (c) prevention of sexual violence. Specifically, Indigenous relatives desired sexual violence education; however, there was agreement that there is a lack of programming or education from schools and community organizations. Notably, adults focused on how colonization affected the attitudes and behaviors related to sexual violence and the importance of empowering youth. Adolescent boys believed that the general acceptance of physical violence and bullying in their community led to a culture of ambivalence and distrust of sexual assault disclosures. Adolescent girls referenced how gender and social norms that subjugate women/girls have led to rape myth acceptance and victim-blaming. Findings highlight the need for empowerment-based, culturally grounded, gender transformative prevention programs to address the social biases and gender norms that contribute to sexual violence while promoting cultural strengths and community among youth. This research has important implications for informing sexual violence prevention programming across Indian country.

Epilepsy and nicotine use: Exploring disparities in ENDS and cigarette use among US adults with epilepsy

IntroductionIndividuals with epilepsy are at greater risk for tobacco use, which may exacerbate their health challenges. This study examines the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), cigarette, and dual use among US adults with and without epilepsy. MethodsData from the 2021–2023 National Health Interview Surveys were analyzed (N = 86,655 adults aged ≥ 18 years), including 1,579 (1.89 %, estimated 14.5 million US adults) with self-reported epilepsy (outcome variable). Participants were categorized into mutually exclusive groups: never-use of either product [reference group], current (used on some days or daily) cigarette-only use, ENDS-only, dual-use, former cigarette-only, former ENDS-only, and former dual-use. Weighted logistic regression models assessed the relationship between epilepsy and tobacco use, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. ResultsAdults with epilepsy had higher rates of cigarette-only (16.51 % vs. 9.27 %), ENDS-only (5.56 % vs. 3.95 %), and dual use (3.53 % vs. 1.50 %) compared to those without epilepsy. Relative to never use, current cigarette-only use (AOR = 1.66, 95 %CI: 1.36–2.01), current ENDS-only use (AOR = 1.51, 95 %CI: 1.08–2.13), and current dual use (AOR = 2.29, 95 % CI: 1.56–3.48) were associated with higher odds of epilepsy after adjusting for demographic and health factors. Among adults with epilepsy, identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual was linked to higher odds of cigarette, ENDS, or dual use compared to straight individuals. Lower levels of education were associated with higher odds of cigarette smoking, while having health insurance was associated with lower odds among adults with epilepsy. Adults ≥ 35 were more likely to smoke cigarettes and less likely to use ENDS compared to younger age groups. ConclusionCigarette, ENDS, and dual use rates were higher in adults with epilepsy than in those without epilepsy. Social factors like sexual orientation, education, and insurance status further influence tobacco use within this population. Tailored cessation interventions are warranted for this vulnerable population to reduce disease burden.

Sexual Aversion, Disgust, and Fear of Intimacy: A Comprehensive Case History Using a Multimodal Therapeutic Approach.

This single-case study examines the psychotherapeutic journey of a 23-year-old woman experiencing a persistent and long-standing fear of emotional intimacy and aversion to physical intimacy, which led to the active avoidance of sexual encounters, psychological distress, and interpersonal difficulties. Over 26 one-hour sessions, an integrative therapeutic approach was employed, combining elements from psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment, cognitive-behavioral, and exposure therapies, with psychoeducation and sex education playing pivotal roles. The treatment resulted in significant improvements, as evidenced by both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Quantitative measures of emotional distress-specifically anxiety, depression, and fear of intimacy-initially increased during intentional exposure but showed significant improvements at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Qualitative data revealed enhancements in self-concept, increased self-compassion, and improved social functioning aligned with the individual's life aspirations. This case study highlights effective therapeutic strategies for addressing sexual aversion in young adults and demonstrates the potential for alleviating symptoms and enriching quality of life through an integrative approach.

Understanding Comprehensive Sexuality Education: A Worldwide Narrative Review

Understanding Comprehensive Sexuality Education: A Worldwide Narrative Review

Sexuality myth endorsement is linked with poorer sexual and relational outcomes across demographic groups in a large and diverse sample

ABSTRACT Due to differences in access to sexual information, some people may be more likely to endorse sexuality myths, which could be linked to poorer sexual and relational outcomes. The goals of this study were to: 1) investigate predictors of sexuality myth endorsement; 2) examine links between endorsing myths and sexual and relational outcomes; and 3) assess whether group membership strengthened associations between myth endorsement and sexual and relational outcomes. A large and diverse sample of undergraduate students (N = 1,077) and community adults (N = 3,359) completed an online survey assessing their demographics, sexuality myth endorsement, and sexual and relational outcomes. Being assigned male at birth, identifying as cisgender, identifying as heterosexual, being younger, holding more conservative political views, being more religious, living in an urban locality during childhood, and not receiving sex education predicted greater sexuality myth endorsement. Greater sexuality myth endorsement predicted lower sexual satisfaction, lower sexual function (among people with vulvas), higher sexual distress, and lower relationship satisfaction. Generally, the strength of associations between myth endorsement and sexual and relational outcomes did not differ across demographic factors. Overall, findings provide insight into groups more likely to endorse sexuality myths, who thus may be at risk of poorer sexual and relational outcomes.

Teacher Training in Sexual Education For Primary School Teachers

Objective: To describe the sexual education training of primary school teachers in the Educational Institutions of the municipalities of Albán and San Bernardo, Nariño, Colombia. Theoretical Framework: To understand the context of the research, various definitions regarding the importance of teacher training in sexuality topics are presented to strengthen comprehensive education. Method: The research was developed under the holistic understanding of science, considered descriptive in nature, with a field design and contemporary cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of 86 teachers. Data collection was carried out using a survey technique with a knowledge guide instrument, whose validity index was calculated through expert judgment, yielding a value of 0.74. The reliability of the instrument obtained a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.93. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, specifically the median as a measure of central tendency, as well as absolute and percentage frequency; the data were processed using SPSS21 software. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that teachers in the institutions have a very low level of training in sexual education, which translates into a lack of knowledge and skills to address sexuality in the classroom. Implications of the Research: It is urgent to implement training programs that prepare teachers to face these challenges. Originality/Value: This research paves the way for formulating educational policies and training processes in sexual education to strengthen sexual education.

Mindset and Sexual Health: Does Mindset Impact Receptiveness to Sexuality Education Curricula?

Mindset and Sexual Health: Does Mindset Impact Receptiveness to Sexuality Education Curricula?

Talking About Fertility in Sex-Education Class: STIs, Substance Use, and Reproductive Technology as Grounds for Discussion

Secondary school sex education has been identified as a productive site for teaching about fertility. U.S. sex-education curricula of all types does not explicitly include fertility, but research suggests fertility is nonetheless discussed in the sex-education classroom. To identify the contexts of those in-class discussions, we analyze semi-structured interviews with 32 secondary-school sex educators representing states with different curricular mandates (i.e. abstinence-based; comprehensive). Findings reveal that discussions about fertility unfold in the contexts of: (a) STIs, (b) substance use, and (c) reproductive technologies. Within those contexts, participants reported that they tended to highlight fear appeals related to fertility information; that they focused on male fertility over female in discussions about substance use; and that they lacked the time and resources to communicate nuances of fertility information. In these respects, this study has important implications for the communication and implementation of sex-education campaigns designed to alleviate low fertility knowledge rates.

Can a Sex-Positive Sex Education Intervention Reduce Rape-Supportive Attitudes? Formative Research, Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, and Evaluation of Self-Selection Bias

Scholars have theorized that sex education could reduce rape-supportive attitudes even if the education doesn’t explicitly address rape. Three studies were conducted to develop and test a sex education intervention to reduce rape-supportive attitudes among college students. In Study 1, focus groups (N = 28) identified barriers to participation in rape prevention. Students noted stereotypical gender roles, simplistic messages about consent, and sex negativity as barriers. Study 2 was a pilot randomized controlled trial of a sex-positive sex education intervention (N = 115). The intervention resulted in a greater reduction in three out of five rape-supportive attitudes and a greater improvement in two out of five consent attitudes compared to the control condition, although some results were moderated by gender or prior knowledge. In Study 3, students (N = 119) self-selected into the sex education program or a relationship program. Men were more likely than women to choose the sex program. There were no differences in program selection as a function of sexual aggression history or rape-supportive attitudes, providing evidence that the sex education intervention was palatable even to individuals at risk for perpetration. These studies provide preliminary support for the use of sex education as a form of rape prevention.