Sexual Experience Research Articles

Factors influencing sexual and reproductive health perceptions among mountainous adolescents in Vietnam

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and factors influencing perceptions among adolescents living in Son La, a mountainous region in Vietnam. A total of 382 adolescents participated in the study, with 59.7% girls and 40.3% boys. Findings revealed that the level of knowledge of SRH among adolescents in Son La is markedly different among girls and boys, where girls exhibited higher knowledge compared to boys in all aspects surveyed. The average SRH perception score was moderate (21.7 ± 8.05; maximum score = 33). Adolescents’ understanding of sexual intercourse, misconceptions related to first-time sexual experiences, and awareness of contraceptive methods were significantly associated with SRH perception scores. These findings underscore the need for targeted health education interventions in mountainous areas, emphasizing the importance of enhancing SRH knowledge and awareness among all adolescents, with gender-specific needs. Such efforts can contribute to improved SRH outcomes among adolescents in these regions.

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.

Quality of life and sleep, depression, family functioning, and marital adjustment in patients on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

End-stage renal disease is different from other chronic diseases that the treatment method is as difficult. Our aim in this study was to compare marital adjustment, sexual functions and family functioning between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient. A total of 21 HD and 27 PD patients were included. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Golombok-Rust Inventory for Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), Marital Adjustment Test (MAT) and Family Assessment Device (FAD) were applied. BDI scores were significantly higher in HD patients (p < 0.001). According to FAD problem solving (p < 0.001), communication (p = 0.00) and general functioning scores (p = 0.04) were higher in PD. The rate of poor sleep quality was 44.4% in the PD group, and 66.7% in HD group (p = 0.12). General health (p = 0.04), vitality (p < 0.001), mental health (p = 0.00) and social functioning (p = 0.00) scores were lower in HD patients. HD patients are at high risk for psychiatric disorders due to the treatment modality. These patients should be monitored carefully and consultation-liaison services should be increased.

Sexual experiences and behaviours in the offspring generation of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood

Previous research on child/teenage sexual experiences has largely focussed on negative outcomes such as teen pregnancy or acquiring sexually transmitted infections and are mainly cross-sectional. Longitudinal research is required to assess normal sexual development and the attainment of psychologically healthy attitudes towards sexuality. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) has administered questions on relationships and sexual experiences from the age of 11 years to the index children. This data note describes these data.

Sexual experiences, behaviours and attitudes in the parents in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood (ALSPAC)

The aim of this data note is to describe the sexual experiences, behaviours, and attitudes data collected from the parent cohorts of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) over a 30-year period. ALSPAC is an ongoing birth cohort which enrolled 14,541 pregnant women living in Avon, a county of southwest England, with expected dates of delivery between April 1991 and December 1992 inclusive and continues collecting data on these mothers (age range at delivery &lt;16–41 years), their partners (age range at delivery &lt;16–65), and their offspring, so far resulting in 100,000+ phenotype variables. During the index pregnancy the mothers were asked (and at 8 months post-delivery for partners) about their early sexual experiences to identify sexual abuse/assaults and the age at which an event first happened. Both parents were asked also about sexual abuse within a battery of questions identifying Adverse Childhood Events (ACE). Further longitudinal data described here includes satisfaction with sexual and non-sexual sides of their relationship; sexual functioning; and at seven years post-delivery, both parents were asked to describe their sexual orientation as well as the sex of their partners and cohabiting partners. These data provide the ability to compare generational differences between parental sexual behaviours and attitudes with those of their offspring, as well as allowing comparisons with other longitudinal surveys where similar (or identical) information has been collected such as the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (NATSAL-3). This paper forms a companion to another data note describing similar data collected on the offspring cohort.

Sexism and alcohol-related problems among women: The role of social anxiety and coping motivated drinking.

Experiencing sexism is related to more alcohol-related problems, presumably via drinking to cope with negative affect associated with experiencing sexism. Yet no known studies have directly tested whether the relation of sexism to alcohol problems occurs via relevant negative emotions and drinking to cope with negative emotions. Given that sexism is a type of negative evaluation, social anxiety may be one type of negative affect that plays a role in sexism's relation with drinking behaviors. This study tested whether sexism was related to alcohol-related problems via the serial effects of social anxiety and coping-motivated alcohol use among 836 cis-female undergraduates who endorsed past-month alcohol use. Past-year experiences with sexism were positively correlated with coping and conformity-motivated alcohol use, alcohol problems (but not peak estimated blood alcohol content, eBAC), social anxiety, and depression. After statistically controlling for depression and peak eBAC, sexism was indirectly related to alcohol problems via the serial effects of social anxiety and drinking motives (coping, conformity). Results highlight the important role of social anxiety and drinking to cope with negative emotions and to fit in with peers who drink in relation of sexism with alcohol-related problems. This is the first known study to find that experiences of sexism are related to alcohol problems via the serial effects of social anxiety and coping and conformity-motivated drinking. This is also the first known study to find that sexism is related to more conformity-motivated drinking.

Spiritual Education of Human Sexuality and Christian Responsibility for Children and Parents

Spiritual Education of Human Sexuality and Christian Responsibility for Children and Parents

Intention for internal whistleblowing to report sexual violence in higher education institutions: a Nigerian national study

Background Sexual violence is prevalent in higher education institutions in Nigeria and stakeholders have encouraged staff and students to blow the whistle whenever they fall victim to or are aware of any sexual violence case. However, there is lack of data about whether the staff and students of these institutions have the intention to blow the whistle internally (within the institution) or not. There is also a lack of data on the existing reporting mechanisms or preferred whistleblowing mechanisms in these institutions. These have hindered the analysis of stakeholders’ opinions on this topic. Methods This data note presents a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data set collected from staff and students of three categories of government owned higher education institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education) in Nigeria. Data collection was between February and December, 2021, during which quantitative data were collected from 21,937 students and 3,108 staff. Qualitatively, 138 students and 111 staff participated in a total of 35 focus group discussion sessions. The study provides unique information on respondents’ attitude, self-efficacy, and subjective norm to sexual violence whistleblowing. It also provides information on self-reported sexual violence experiences, whistleblowing intention, reporting systems in higher institutions and the preferred sexual violence whistleblowing mechanisms. Conclusions In this data note, we provide a detailed account of the variables in the dataset and then highlight the potential of this study to contribute to improved sexual violence reporting in higher education institutions, thereby reducing the occurrence of the social menace.

Trait hedonic capacity correlates with sexual pleasure and motives for sexualized drug use in young adults

AbstractAlthough pleasure is a primary motivator for sexual activity, research into the mechanisms facilitating pleasurable sexual experiences is limited. The present research adopts a self-regulatory perspective on sexual pleasure, investigating individuals? capacity to shield hedonic activities from distracting thoughts (trait hedonic capacity) as a correlate of sexual pleasure and sexualized drug use. Study 1 (N?=?247) demonstrates that young adults with higher trait hedonic capacity experience more sexual pleasure and are less prone to cognitive distraction during partnered sexual activities. Pre-registered Study 2 replicates these findings while accounting for demand effects (N?=?182, n?=?86). Expanding on these findings, pre-registered Study 3 (N?=?903) shows that young adults with lower trait hedonic capacity are more inclined to use alcohol as a means of coping with cognitive distraction during sexual activity. Exploratory moderation analyses suggest that this is particularly true for women and individuals with higher levels of stress. In summary, low trait hedonic capacity is associated with lower sexual pleasure and a tendency to use alcohol with the motivation to cope with distracting thoughts during partnered sexual activity.

Evaluating the Health Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination on the Population of East Punjab (India): A Comprehensive Survey

Background: The impressive and innovative efforts of scientists worldwide have played a pivotal role in shaping the development and production of COVID-19 vaccines, widely acknowledged as vital resources for pandemic control. Objective: The primary aim of this investigation was to identify the prevailing effects linked to these vaccines, particularly considering their implications for human well-being. Methods: An online survey was conducted in various cities in India, and a trial version of Qualtrics CoreXM software was implemented to prototype 22 questionnaires. Result: After vaccination, respondents reported health changes: skin (26.9%), eye (22.3%), stomach issues (22.8%), respiratory (12.5%), and mental health (2.9%). Among 1,047 participants, 8.9% had intercourse, 11.3% men, 7.3% women. 17.9% were unsure; 19.7% were men, 13.7% were women, and 37.5% were "others". A majority (73.3%) reported no sexual experiences: 68.9% men, 78.8% women, and 62.5% "others". Conclusion: This study offers an extensive perspective on the vaccination situation in the northern region of India. It delves into the intricate demographic factors influencing vaccine acceptance and understanding potential side effects. These discoveries contribute substantially to the ongoing conversation regarding the COVID-19 vaccination and its various impacts on public health and societal welfare.

Development and Validation of the Online Sexual Objectification Experiences Scale Among College Women

Development and Validation of the Online Sexual Objectification Experiences Scale Among College Women

Subjective orgasm experience in different-sex and same-sex couples: A dyadic approach

The subjective orgasm experience (SOE) refers to the perception, sensation and/or evaluation of orgasm from a psychological point of view, representing an important construct of sexual functioning rarely studied under a dyadic approach. This study analyzed SOE in the contexts of sexual relationships and solitary masturbation in 179 different-sex and same-sex couples. The results indicated the absence of differences in intradyadic discrepancies in SOE dimensions in both sexual contexts, varying according to the type of couple. Besides, the study also highlights the influence of some of these discrepancies of SOE in solitary masturbation on SOE discrepancies in sexual relationships among the members of male-female and female-female couples. Furthermore, the study revealed that the intensity of partners' orgasm experience during solitary masturbation influences the intensity of SOE during sexual relationships, with variations observed based on the type of couple. These findings highlight the importance of considering SOE from a dyadic approach, with the association of orgasmic experience in both sexual contexts gaining relevance, differing according to the couple type. The results also point to the clinical implications of the dyadic effects of such an individual practice as solitary masturbation on shared sexual experiences.

Sexual exploration and tourism: discussions, causes, effects and combative measures

A exploração sexual no contexto do turismo é um tema complexo e preocupante que tem despertado interesse e debate em diversos setores da sociedade. O turismo sexual envolve a utilização comercial do corpo de pessoas na troca de serviços sexuais relacionados à indústria do turismo. A relação entre exploração sexual e turismo é um assunto que tem despertado cada vez mais a atenção de estudiosos e acadêmicos devido ao impacto significativo que o turismo pode exercer nessa prática. É importante aprofundar a análise desse tema, explorando os diversos fatores e consequências envolvidos, além de considerar as perspectivas de gênero, éticas e sociais desse fenômeno no contexto turístico. Diante do exposto o presente estudo tem como objetivo geral analisar as discussões entre a relação do turismo com a exploração sexual de mulheres. Fez-se uso de procedimentos metodológicos baseados em materiais já publicados, tais como revista, e artigos, ou seja, conteúdos que instrumentalizam uma construção de conhecimento que provocam debates entre vozes em torno do conteúdo, considerando as concepções dos estudiosos e pesquisadores selecionados para discussão. Em conclusão, o combate da exploração sexual no turismo necessita de esforços contínuos dos Governos, ONGs, organizações não governamentais, a indústria do turismo e a sociedade em geral deve se unir para implementar soluções eficazes, aumentar a conscientização e proteger os direitos das vítimas.

An examination of sexual coercion experiences among Latinx female college students

ABSTRACT The current study examined sexual coercion among Latinx female college students in New York City. It identified frequently reported sexual coercion tactics and disclosure behaviours, delineating these experiences by race and cultural values. Latinx women (N = 158) from several public colleges were surveyed, and 49.4% (n = 78) experienced sexual coercion – with most reporting helplessness tactics (39.2%; n = 62). No differences were found among race, although this sample of Black Latinx students endorsed coercion more often than non-Black students. Most participants sought informal support, and specifically disclosed to a female friend (82.9%, n = 34). Lastly, attitudes toward familism and religiosity did not affect disclosure in this sample. These findings highlight the nuances of young Latinx women’s sexual experiences and have implications for sexual violence education for Latinx youth. It also has implications for college mental health professionals working with Latinx students with histories of sexual coercion. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Due to the nature of negative sexual experiences experienced among youth, sexual education curriculum and prevention training in educational institutions must emphasise the importance of sexual consent and identifying appropriate and inappropriate sexual advances. Curriculum must be tailored towards the demographics and respective potential cultural contexts of school district populations. College mental health professionals should be properly trained on how sexual coercion manifests in college-age relationships in addition to current training on identifying sexual harassment, sexual assault, and alcohol/drug induced rape.

Communicating male sexual dysfunction: The medicalization and psychologization of sexual experiences in Chinese online medical consultations

Previous research shows that men who experience erectile or sexual dysfunction may feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual experiences in face-to-face clinical encounters. Part of the reason is the stigma and embarrassment associated with discussing private sexual matters. This study examines how e-patients, or more precisely advice-seekers, and doctors communicate about sexual dysfunction in online medical consultations (OMCs). We conducted a Theme-Oriented Discourse Analysis of relevant OMCs on CH Doctor, a Chinese medical consultation website, to understand how individuals with perceived sexual dysfunction articulate their conditions and how doctors on the platform respond and provide recommendations to these individuals. Our analysis reveals that OMCs afford advice-seekers a place to openly discuss their sexual health issues and gain empowerment from doctors who assist in mitigating the associated social stigma. Upon detailed discourse analysis, however, we find that individuals seeking advice often interpret their sexual experiences as symptoms of illness that requires medical intervention. In response, doctors tend to validate these advice-seekers’ preliminary self-diagnoses by treating their conditions as medical issues and characterizing them as psychosocial problems caused by stress and anxiety. Aligning with a critical sociological perspective that views sexual dysfunction as socially constructed problems referenced against dominant norms of sexual functioning, we argue that the medicalization and psychologization of certain sexual behaviors by doctors and advice-seekers discursively reinforce and legitimize essentialist views of hetero-coital sexual interaction. Such views reify penile-vaginal intercourse and ejaculation as the only standard, successful, and desirable form of sexual activity. This may further induce fear and anxiety among adult men whose sexual behaviors do not realistically align with these norms.

Adolescents in urban and rural communities in Rivers state, Nigeria: Factors influencing access and utilization of reproductive health services

Introduction: Reproductive health services (RHS) are used and accessed differently in rural and urban areas, though to what extent is unknown. In Rivers State, Nigeria, we identified and examined the characteristics impacting adolescents' access to and use of RHS in rural and urban areas. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study design was employed, five hundred and seven adolescents—255 from urban and 252 from rural communities—were surveyed. Access and utilization were measured and using adjusted odd ratios in multivariate logistic regression models, predictors of access and utilization were identified. Results: The corresponding median ages and interquartile ranges were 16.0 (14–19) and 14.0 (12–16) years, respectively. RHS utilization was low, with 57 (22.6 percent) in rural areas and 65 (25.5 percent) in urban areas. There was also a lack of access to services; only 8 (3.17 percent) rural and 81 (31.76 percent) urban residents had economic access to RHS. Access and utilization were predicted by age, level of education, awareness of RHS, sexual experience in both communities, beliefs that condoms can prevent STIs/ HIV, and exposure to mass and socio-media influenced access and utilization of RHS. Specifically, age group (15-19 years) of respondents was found to be a significant predictor of utilization of RHS for both urban (cOR=4.32, 95% CI; 0.82-22.69, p=0.001) and rural (aOR=7.65, 95% CI; 1.99-29.40, p=0.003) adolescents. Conclusion: Adolescents in urban areas have more access (3 in 10) and utilization of RHS compared with their rural (3 in 100) counterparts. There is a need to promote information and education on RHS among adolescents, especially in rural areas.

Sexual experience in patients with coronary heart disease: a descriptive phenomenological study

Sex is an essential part of life and is a basic demand for human beings. Coronary heart disease can have an impact on patients’ sexual lives; however, not much attention has been paid to it in China, and few studies have been conducted on this topic. Therefore, this study used a qualitative approach to understand the sexual experience of patients after the illness, thus laying the foundation for the development of relevant measures. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 patients. Descriptive phenomenological methods were employed to collect data and explore the sexual experience of patients with coronary heart disease. A total of 4 thematic groups, 9 themes, and 23 subthemes were extracted. The four thematic groups were independent and cross-influenced. In these groups, alterations in the sexual experience, including the change in sexual physiology and psychological state, were affected by the lack of knowledge, age, disease, and other factors. Furthermore, the patient’s perception of sexuality affected the quality of sexual life after the illness. The sexual experience of patients with coronary heart disease and its influencing factors, such as age, disease factors, and lack of related knowledge, were described. The findings are expected to aid in formulating targeted and personalized intervention measures.

A CASE REPORT ON VAGINISMUS - AN UNTOLD STORY

Introduction: Vaginismus is common but less notified condition in women. It is defined as recurrent or persistent involuntary spasm of the musculature of the outer third of the vagina, which interferes with coitus and causes distress and interpersonal difficulty. The condition is noted in approximately one in two hundred young women. The reasons for vaginismus are not always clear. Various causative factors are reported like fear in the mind that the vagina is too small ,a bad first sexual experience ,an unpleasant medical examination ,believing sex is shameful or wrong and associated painful medical condition, like fungal infection of vagina. Materials and Methods: A case report of 25 years old married woman, who presented with primary vaginismus. She did not have any predisposing factors for vaginismus. Results: The report revealed that there were emotional and psychological disturbances in the woman and her spouse due to severe vaginismus. She was successfully treated by Gynaecologist and Psychologist using bimodal therapy. The report demonstrates a successful approach towards managing vaginismus in a clinical setting. Conclusion: Multi-modal therapy includes psycho sexual therapy, a type of therapy that aims to help woman understand and change her feelings about her body and sex ,pelvic floor exercises -squeezing and releasing exercises to gain control of the vaginal muscles, mindfulness and relaxation techniques that include breathing and gentle touching exercises to help woman learn to relax the vaginal muscles. Sensate focus exercises to help with relaxation during sex and increase in sex drive. Treatment is initially done under the guidance of specialised therapists. Woman is expected to practise some of the exercises at home. Treatment usually works in a matter of few week time.

Sexual Experiences, Exaggeration of Physical Senses and Alexithymia in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Aim: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic illness associated with physical discomfort. Evaluation of the accompanying mental illnesses and adding them to the treatment process will contribute positively to the healing process of the patients. Our study sought to add to the body of literature concerning mental health issues in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis. Material and Methods: The research was a cross-sectional and observational study and a total of 54 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and 51 healthy controls were included in the study. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Physical Senses Exaggeration Scale were administered to the participants. Results: When comparing the scale scores between the patient and control groups, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale total score (p= 0.002), Exaggeration of Physical Senses Scale total score (p= 0.006), Toronto Alexithymia Scale total score (p

Sexual and reproductive health while living with rheumatoid arthritis: The impact of the disease stage on patient perspectives.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most prevalent rheumatic diseases that harms all aspects of patients' lives, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH), often neglected in patients' care. The study aimed to explore the sexual and reproductive experiences of Mexican outpatients with RA from a narrative perspective. From July 2020 to October 2021, 30 adult patients with RA from the Department of Immunology and Rheumatology outpatient clinic of a national referral center for rheumatic diseases had in-depth interviews audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results are presented in a descriptive and interpretative manner and integrated into a theoretical model for the topic understanding. Five intertwined major themes emerged: I) RA onset: Absence of SRH contents, II) Healthcare for RA: Emerging SRH contents, III) RA's impact: Proliferation of SRH contents, IV) Coping with the process of living with RA: SRH-related strategies, and V) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients' experiences: Increased SRH burden. SRH contents emerged through these major themes (but at RA onset), mostly when inquired and mainly when narrating the RA impact and coping. Patients identified that RA affected their couple dynamics, sexual function, and reproductive project. The SRH care was considered relevant but limited and focused on reproductive contents. It worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. We proposed a theoretical model where patients' SRH experiences are embedded across their RA biography and integrated with the RA impact and the copy with the disease process. These intertwined experiences were also evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged participants' biopsychosocial resources. The sexual and reproductive experiences narrated by the RA outpatients concerning their disease-related biography showed that even when the SRH appeared as not prioritized at the disease onset, it was widely expressed during the process of living and coping with the disease and was additionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.