Risky Sexual Behavior Research Articles

Poppers use, adherence to antiretroviral therapy and risky sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Chongqing, China

BackgroundHigh prevalence of poppers use was observed among men who have sex with men (MSM) and the use of poppers was associated with risky sexual behaviors and increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) infection. To assess the risks for HIV/STDs transmission following poppers use, this study described the prevalence of poppers use and its associations with adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and risky sexual behaviors among HIV-positive MSM.MethodsBetween June 2022 to June 2023, 1501 HIV-positive MSM enrolled in the study and data on sociodemographic characteristics, substances use, depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived HIV-related stigma, adherence to ART and sexual behaviors were collected using an online questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with poppers use, as well as its relationship with adherence to ART and risky sexual behaviors.ResultsAmong the 1501 participants, 32.4% reported poppers use in the past 6 months, of whom 99.6% reported that poppers were used before or during anal intercourse. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that MSM who used poppers were more likely to report ART non-adherence (aOR = 3.92, 95% CI: 2.36–6.53), have multiple sex partners (aOR = 7.70, 95% CI: 5.61–10.57), participate in group sex (aOR = 18.30, 95% CI: 9.72–34.43), practice condomless anal intercourse with regular sex partners (aOR = 5.49, 95% CI: 3.93–7.68) and non-regular sex partners (aOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.97–4.43) and engage in condomless insertive anal intercourse (aOR = 5.32, 95% CI: 3.72–7.60) and condomless receptive anal intercourse (aOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 2.62–5.29).ConclusionsThis study indicated that HIV-positive MSM commonly used poppers in the context of anal intercourse and participants who used poppers were at increased odds of reporting ART non-adherence and risky sexual behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms through which poppers use may influence these outcomes. Tailored harm reduction programs and counseling should be implemented to mitigate the use of poppers and address their potential risks.

How does the rise in contraceptive usage predict pregnancy termination among young women in Kenya? an in-depth multilevel analysis

BackgroundYoung women were less likely to practise consistent contraceptive use and are also known to exhibit risky sexual behaviours, which could lead to unintended pregnancy. Studies have also shown that about half of the Kenyan population is young, an age bracket that predominantly experiences unwanted pregnancy. However, adequate attention has not been given to the relationship between pregnancy termination and contraceptive use among this teeming population in Kenya. Thus, this study examined the association between pregnancy termination history and contraceptive use among women aged 15–24 years old in Kenya.MethodsA total of 12,166 women aged 15–24 years old from Kenya were drawn using a secondary dataset from the most recent Kenya Demographic Health Surveys conducted in the year 2022. Frequency distribution and multilevel logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the association between contraceptive use and pregnancy termination history among young women aged 15–24 years old with covariates at p < 0.05.ResultsThe results showed that the higher percentage of contraceptive users among young women are those aged 15–19 years (50.1%); consequently, a higher percentage of pregnancy termination was also found among women who reported the use of contraceptive methods (6.2%) compared to 2.9% among non-users. The main findings of the study showed that young women who reported using contraceptives were more likely to have a history of pregnancy termination [aOR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.80–1.26] compared to those who were non-users. Also, age, marital status, and parity are significantly associated with the history of pregnancy termination.ConclusionOur analyses established an association between history of contraceptive use and termination of pregnancy among young women between 20 and 24 years in Kenya. Place of residence, age, wealth index, level of education, and met needs of children have been identified as risk factors. Intervention to reduce pregnancy termination in Kenya should focus on women aged 20–24 years, those with no formal education, urban residence, and women with met need for children.

The prevalence and associated factors of mental health conditions among transgender people in Southeast Asia: a systematic review

Transgender people can suffer from higher rates of mental health conditions in Southeast Asia due to stigma, discrimination, and the limited policies protecting them from these adversities. A literature search was done to examine the mental health conditions of transgender individuals from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam between January 2014 and June 2023. Nineteen studies were included in this review. The rates of depression ranged from 14.3% to 58.2%. Post-operative gender-affirming surgery was linked to a decrease in depressive symptoms. Anxiety and stress were noteworthy, with anxiety rates from 3.6% to 48.2% and stress at 26.2%. Suicidality rates were higher among transgender men, with notable differences in ideation, planning, and attempts. Substance use was prevalent, with the rate of alcohol use ranging from 17.5% to 75.9% and smoking rates at 52.5%. Transgender men had higher substance use, while transgender women reported higher alcohol use during sexual intercourse. Minority stressors, including bullying, abuse, and discrimination, were associated with mental health conditions. Medical gender affirmation and social support positively influenced mental health outcomes. HIV-related behaviors were linked to mental health, with mixed findings on the association between mental health conditions, HIV testing, and risky sexual behaviors.

Evaluating knowledge gains from structured sexual and reproductive health education among in-school adolescents in Southeast Nigeria

BackgroundLack of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among adolescents can lead to risky sexual behaviors and poor SRH outcomes. This study aimed to assess the difference in SRH knowledge between adolescents in schools that received SRH interventions and those in non-intervention schools in Ebonyi State, Southeast, Nigeria.MethodsThis was an intervention study that employed an ex-post outcome design. Data were collected from 503 in-school adolescent boys and girls aged 13–18 who were randomly selected from the eligible schools. The data were collected through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire Participants were randomly selected for technique. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.ResultsA significantly higher proportion of respondents who participated in the intervention (94.16%) demonstrated good knowledge of SRH compared to those who did not participate (85.77%), with a p-value of 0.002. Senior secondary school students (92.31%) exhibited better SRH knowledge than junior secondary school students (86.39%) (p = 0.031). Female adolescents were 3.2 times less likely to have good SRH knowledge compared to male adolescents.ConclusionsEfforts to adopt and scale up SRH interventions should prioritize equal and full participation across all adolescent groups, especially girls, junior students, working adolescents, and urban residents.

Short-Term Mobility and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Guangdong, China.

This study investigated regional differences in short-term mobility patterns among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangdong Province, and explored the associations with risky sexual behaviors. An online survey was conducted from June to August 2023, collecting socio-demographic information, intra-provincial mobility details and sexual behaviors. Among 1,808 participants, 60% reported moving within the province over the past six months, primarily for tourism, business/work, or visiting family and friends. Participants were categorized into Pearl River Delta (PRD) and Non-Pearl River Delta (Non-PRD) regions. Significant differences in education level and income were observed between mobile and non-mobile MSM in both areas (p < 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that mobile MSM, relative to non-mobile MSM, were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for multiple partners, commercial sex, and sexualized drug use ranging from 1.44 to 2.96 in PRD and 2.67 to 4.44 in Non-PRD. Additionally, associations between mobility and behaviors such as having casual partners, group sex, and inconsistent condom use with casual partners were exclusively identified in Non-PRD. These findings indicate that mobility among MSM in Guangdong Province is substantial and follows similar patterns in both regions. Mobile MSM exhibit higher rates of risky sexual behaviors, with notable regional disparities. Addressing the impact of short-term mobility on risky sexual behaviors among MSM is crucial, considering regional variations.

Giant liver abscess as a manifestation of sexually transmitted disease.

European male in his mid-30s with risky homosexual sexual behavior, without a history of recent travels, presented to the emergency department with a two-week history of right upper abdominal and fever. He had severe anemia (hemoglobin 7.9g/dl), and elevated C-reactive protein (150 mg/L). Abdominal imaging showed two cystic lesions measuring 11 and 4 cm in the right hepatic lobe with a regular outline, with septa.

Risky sexual behaviours and utilization of HIV testing services among the adolescent girls and young women aged between 15-24 years in Kibra Sub County, Nairobi County, Kenya

Risky sexual behaviours and utilization of HIV testing services among the adolescent girls and young women aged between 15-24 years in Kibra Sub County, Nairobi County, Kenya

Sexual practices and risk behaviours towards human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among Ecuadorian university students: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo describe the sexual practices and behaviour towards HIV infection among Ecuadorian university students.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out between February 2019 and August 2020 among university students...

THE MATURITY OF MARRIAGE AGE AS A STRATEGY TO PREVENT PREMARITAL SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SAMARINDA

Premarital sexual behavior has become a significant social issue among adolescents in Indonesia, particularly concerning the high rates of child marriage and unintended pregnancies. Despite efforts to promote Marriage Maturity to reduce these rates, its effectiveness requires further investigation, especially in the context of adolescent motivation to avoid risky sexual behavior. This study aims to explore adolescent motivation to avoid premarital sexual behavior by applying the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), which involves threat appraisal and coping appraisal in adolescent decision-making to delay early marriage. This research employs a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Informant consisted of adolescents aged 15-19 years in Samarinda City who had received information about marriage maturity. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with six purposively selected Informant using intensity sampling techniques. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation and documentation. Collected data were analyzed using QSR NVIVO 12 Pro. The findings reveal that adolescents’ understanding of marriage maturityis still limited, and the threat of premarital sexual behavior is perceived as low by most Informant. Factors such as perceptions of severity adolescents are quite good because they have seen firsthand the impacts of premarital sex. For response efficacy and self-efficacy in delaying the age of marriage, these are relatively high among adolescents exposed to PUP. This is because they have parental and peer support providing information related to PUP. Additionally, social environment, media exposure, and education levels shape adolescents' responses to marriage maturityas a protective measure.

Effectiveness of Comprehensive Sexuality Education to Reduce Risk Sexual Behaviours Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Background: Adolescence is a critical life period marked by significant vulnerability to risky sexual behaviours. Comprehensive sex education offers better sexual and reproductive health to adolescents. Aim: We aimed to analyse the effectiveness of sex education interventions on reducing risk behaviours among adolescents. Methods: A systematic peer review was conducted. The databases consulted were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. The inclusion criteria were as follows: randomized clinical trials published between 2013 and 2023 and methodological quality ≥ 5 points as per the Van Tulder scale. Results: A total of 255 studies were identified, with 25 finally selected. Of them, sixteen dealt with non-condom use, one was about early sexarche, and eight combined several risk behaviours. There was predominance of in-person teaching at schools with lectures and varied activities. The sample was predominantly comprised by girls aged between 14 and 16 years old. Certain variability regarding content, technique, number of sessions, duration, locus, and teaching modality and staff was observed in the com-prehensive sex education interventions. Almost all the interventions were effective in reducing risky sexual behaviours; however, two studies failed to achieve a reduction in risky sexual behaviours.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls and the Risk of Unplanned Pregnancies.

Although ADHD in adults has become visible and inclusive in recent years in diagnostic manuals, research is still limited regarding the long-term outcomes of patients with this disorder. The main objective of this research was to address the many facets of predictor variables in girls with ADHD facing unplanned pregnancies at young ages in order to improve the management of pre-, peri-, and postnatal complications that may occur, as well as for early psychiatric diagnosis and effective intervention. PubMed and Web of Science Databases were used to perform literature research, and a total of 27 records were selected and used for data extraction. Related articles have included the persistence of ADHD symptoms comorbid with other disorders among girls with ADHD as a risk factor for teenage pregnancies. Conduct disorders and substance use disorders are the main co-occurrent diagnoses that increase the likelihood for teenage childbirth. Unplanned pregnancies at young ages are associated with unfavorable psychosocial trajectories both for the mother and the child. In this review, we emphasize the importance of predisposing factors for risky sexual behaviors and unplanned pregnancies in cases of girls with ADHD. The topic of the article draws attention to the need for uniform national individualized care of girls with ADHD, the implementation of programs to prevent academic failure and early parenthood as well as addressing comorbid obstetrical and psychiatric conditions, especially in regions where the rate of adolescent births continues to be high.

Factors Associated with Risky Sexual Behavior in Adolescents in Indonesia Rural Areas

Adolescence is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood, marked by rapid physical, psychological, and social changes that can impact the development of sexual behaviours, including the potential for engaging in risky sexual behaviour. This study aimed to identify factors that influence risky sexual behaviour in adolescents in Indonesia's Rural Areas. This study is a quantitative research with a cross-sectional design. The sample of this study was active students in Banyumas Regency, one of Indonesia’s rural areas in 2022. A probability sampling technique with proportional stratified random sampling was used and obtained 452 respondents. The data was collected using questionnaire sheets. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square and multiple logistic regression tests. This study shows that dating experience, dating status, age, religiosity and access to technology are the most influential factors for risky sexual behaviour in adolescents in rural areas, with dating experience having the greatest influence as indicated by an OR value of 6.67. Although religiosity plays a role, it is insufficient to protect adolescents from risk. Comprehensive sexual health education and consistent monitoring of technology usage are urgently needed to reduce risky sexual behaviours among adolescents in rural areas.

Sexual risky behaviors in violence survivors aged 14 to 18 who sought care at a tertiary-level hospital in Mexico

Sexual risky behaviors in violence survivors aged 14 to 18 who sought care at a tertiary-level hospital in Mexico

Exploring barriers to parent-adolescent sexual-risk communication among adolescents in Port Harcourt Nigeria: Adolescents' and parents' perspective.

Adolescent risky sexual behaviour is a public health problem with its deleterious outcomes. Parents are the most influential source of sexuality education to adolescent, yet adolescents' lack sexuality educations. The study explored barriers in parent-adolescent sexual-risk communication from both perspectives in Port-Harcourt LGA, Rivers State. A cross-sectional study design using explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was implemented. Three hundred and twenty nine in-school adolescents participated in the quantitative study and recruited using multi-stage sampling technique while 9 parents of adolescents and 16 adolescents participated in the qualitative study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from the adolescents while an FGD and IDI guide was used to elicit information from in-school adolescents and parents respectively. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square while the qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis. The mean age of the adolescents was 16.0 ± 1.1 years and 55% were males. 21% of the parents had never discussed sex with their adolescents. The barriers identified from the adolescents' perspective were parental factors (parents being too busy, judgmental, low knowledge), individual factors (discomfort to initiate communication, lack of trust), religious and cultural factors. The barriers from the parents' perspective were shame to initiate communication, fear of outcome, feeling children are too young and lack of accurate information. The barriers to parent-adolescent communication featured interplay of parental, individual, cultural and religious factors. Parents should be trained to initiate timely and accurate sexuality education to the adolescent to curb adolescent risky sexual exploitations.

Descriptions of Adolescent Holistic Knowledge About HIV/AIDS at State Islamic Junior High School 2 Jember

HIV/AIDS is a global health issue, with the number of sufferers tending to increase each year. In 2015, there were 30,935 new HIV cases, and by 2020, this number had risen to 41,987 cases, indicating a 35.77 percent increase in new cases between 2015 and 2020. Adolescents constitute one of the groups vulnerable to HIV/AIDS due to a lack of holistic knowledge on the subject. Knowledge related to HIV/AIDS is crucial for adolescents, as the adolescent phase is characterized by an increase in hormone production, which may trigger risky sexual behavior. This study used a qualitative descriptive method with Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with 22 respondents at State Islamic Junior High School 2 Jember grades 7 and 8. The five indicators of knowledge asked respondents include definition, mode of transmission, characteristics of people affected, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS classified as less. Based on research results, knowledge about HIV/AIDS among adolescents is still relatively low, despite the respondents being organizational activists at school. As adolescents active in their organizations, they play an important role in disseminating appropriate information about HIV/AIDS to their peers. To address this issue, it is recommended that schools and other relevant stakeholders provide comprehensive sexual education for adolescents. Integrating education on sexual health into school subjects can help adolescents understand this disease comprehensively and realize the importance of sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Sexual Behaviours and Reproductive Health Issues among Students in Tertiary Institutions in Delta State: Counselling Implications

The study investigated sexual behaviours and reproductive health issues among students in tertiary institutions in Delta State, and discussed their counselling implications. It addressed some relationship issues that confront students at the tertiary education level which include awareness about prventive measures against sexually transmitted infections among sexually active students; young girls resorting to unsafe abortion; high level of sexual abuse and rape; and some female students engaging in part-time prostitution, among others. The study's population consisted of 14,650 first-year students in higher educational institutions in Delta State of Nigeria. Based on willingness to participate, a purposeful sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 3,490 students. A questionnaire on Sexual Behaviour and Reproductive Health Issues (SEBARHI) was developed by the authors and used to collect data on Sexual Behaviour and Reproductive Issues among the students. Data collected was analyzed with descriptive statistics and it was found that a considerable number of undergraduates in the area of study engage in risky sexual behaviour and also demonstrated ignorance of safe reproductive health practices. More female students reported indulging in homosexuality, bisexuality, anal sex, masturbation and threesome sex, amongst others. The counselling implications of the findings of the study were discussed for increasing appropriate awareness of the consequences of risky sexual behaviours, unsafe reproductive health practices and need to seek help from professional counselling practitioners.

Analysis of the epidemiological profile of men who have sex with men as blood donors

Introduction: In May 2020, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled that men who have sex with men (MSM) should be eligible to donate blood. Objectives: This study aims to describe the epidemiological, sociodemographic, and serological profile of MSM donors in the haemotherapy centre of a university hospital. Methodology and Resources: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2020 and June 2023. The study was approved by the Ethics Review Board of the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital. Results: There was a predominance of young people, single, and with higher education (complete or incomplete). Regarding gender specification, 46 (92%) identified as cis. In the sample, 64% (32) of candidates had taken at least one rapid test in the 12-month period. Most of the individuals analysed were donor eligible (90%), non-reactive for the serology of interest in the research (91.3%). Discussion: Among MSM donors, the prevalence of homosexual orientation and the regular use of condoms were observed. Even with the prior restriction of Resolution No. 399/2020, a proportion of these candidates donated blood. The reactivity for syphilis (6%) among the volunteers is below expectations, while for hepatitis B (2%) it is above the target, considering that the indicator presented by the state blood bank network, and there was no HIV reactivity. Conclusions: The importance of using risky sexual behaviour, rather than sexual orientation, as a criterion for donor eligibility was observed. This change allowed for the possibility of including minorities in the blood donation process.

A Qualitative Study Exploring the Sexual Experiences of Women with Disabilities in Lagos, Nigeria

As of 2021, 1.3 billion people globally live with disabilities, with 80% in low-and-middle-income countries and 12.8% in Africa. Women with disabilities often face gender-based discrimination and limited sexual autonomy, impacting their sexual health. Despite global progress, there is limited research on the sexuality of women with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. This study explores the sexual experiences of women with disabilities in Lagos, Nigeria. Using a qualitative approach, 24 women with disabilities, including blindness and mobility impairments, were interviewed to understand their experiences with sexual activity, autonomy, contraceptive use, risky behaviors, and sexual violence. The participants demographic shows that 67% of participants had physical disabilities, while 33% had visual impairments, with ages ranging from 20 to 45 and varying education and employment levels. Themes were generated around the experience of women with disabilities in sexual activities, modern contraceptive use, sexual autonomy, risky sexual behavior and sexual violence. Many participants did not see their disabilities as hindering sexual activity but faced challenges in relationships due to physical limitations and societal stigma. The study found mixed experiences with modern contraceptives, hindered by misconceptions and accessibility issues, and some women reported experiencing sexual violence and inadequate access to reproductive health resources and support. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including improved access to contraceptives, public education to reduce stigma, and enhanced legal protections to support the sexual and reproductive health of women with disabilities in Lagos.

Constellations of Depressive Symptoms, Substance Use, and Risky Sexual Behavior Among Higher Education Students: A Moderated Mediation Analysis of Mask-Wearing Practice During COVID-19.

Mental health and substance use emerged as critical factors associated with health risk behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its importance has only grown in the post-pandemic period, particularly among priority groups like higher education students. To enhance our understanding of how mental health and substance use factors interact with preventive measures like mask-wearing to affect risky sexual behaviors (RSBs), our study examined the associations between depressive symptoms, substance use, and RSBs among college and university students in the United States. We specifically aimed to assess the impact of mask-wearing on the association between depressive symptoms, binge drinking and marijuana use, and RSBs during the pandemic. Data were collected through nonprobability sampling from 835 students at five universities via an online survey conducted between July and August 2020. Using the PROCESS macro, we analyzed the mediating effects of binge drinking and marijuana use on the association between depressive symptoms and RSBs (Model 4), as well as the moderating effect of mask-wearing on the association between depressive symptoms, binge drinking and marijuana use, and RSBs. Our findings revealed that mask-wearing significantly moderated the combined association between depressive symptoms, marijuana use, binge drinking, and RSBs. As we navigate the post-pandemic period, it is crucial for existing programs addressing health risk behaviors to consider the direct and indirect associations between mental health and substance use. Understanding these protective and health risk behaviors is essential for informing targeted prevention and intervention efforts in the post-pandemic landscape.

Gender-based differences in early sexual debut among youth in Botswana: implications for risky sexual behaviours and STIs

Gender-based differences in early sexual debut among youth in Botswana: implications for risky sexual behaviours and STIs