Sexual Health-seeking Behaviour Research Articles

Barriers to sexual health-seeking behaviors for Chinese women.

Cognitive barriers to Chinese women's sexual health-seeking behaviours remained unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the characteristics of the sexual health beliefs of Chinese women to clarify why they were reluctant to seek help for sexual issues. An online survey was undertaken from April to July 2020. A total of 3443 valid responses were gleaned (the effective rate was 82.6%), the participants of which were mainly Chinese urban women of childbearing age. Up to 66.0% (n=2271, the standardized rate was 66.8%~73.4%) felt ashamed of sexual health-related disorders. Most women (49.4%, n=1700) were strongly motivated to seek help for sexual issues but also had a great psychological impediment. Women with low motivation and a great psychological impediment were rare (6.4%, n= 219). The shame of sexual health-related disorders was the main barrier to sexual health-seeking behaviours for Chinese women, which should be given enough attention in related health services and sexual education.

Characteristics of Chinese women in need of enhanced sexual health attention and at risk of hypoactive sexual desire disorder

BackgroundThe target population for women’s sexual health services in China was unclear. To identify high-risk individuals with psychological barriers to sexual health-seeking behaviors and those at high risk of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), we investigated correlates of Chinese women’s unwillingness to communicate sexual health, the shame of sexual health-related disorders, sexual distress, and HSDD.MethodsAn online survey was conducted from April to July 2020.ResultsWe received 3443 valid responses online (effective rate 82.6%). Participants were mainly Chinese urban women of childbearing age (median 26 years old, Q1-Q3 23–30). Women who knew little about sexual health knowledge (aOR 0.42, 95%CI 0.28–0.63) and were ashamed (aOR 0.32–0.57) of sexual health-related disorders were less willing to communicate sexual health. Age (aOR 4.29, 95%CI 2.26–8.17), low income (aOR 1.52–2.11), family burden (aOR 1.34–1.43), and living with friends (aOR 1.39, 95%CI 1.02–1.91) were independent correlates of women’s shame about sexual health-related disorders while living with a spouse (aOR 0.66, 95%CI 0.51–0.86) or children (aOR 0.77, 95%CI 0.62–0.96) were correlated with less shame. Age (aOR 0.98, 95%CI 0.96–0.99) and a postgraduate degree (aOR 0.45, 95%CI 0.28–0.71) were linked with less sexual distress of low sexual desire while having children (aOR 1.38–2.10), intense work pressure (aOR 1.32, 95%CI 1.10–1.60) and heavy family burden (aOR 1.43, 95%CI 1.07–1.92) increased women’s odds of having distress. Women with a postgraduate degree (aOR 0.42, 95%CI 0.19–0.90), more knowledge about sexual health (aOR 0.53–0.67), and decreased sexual desire caused by pregnancy, recent childbirth, or menopausal symptoms (aOR 0.60, 95%CI 0.41–0.85) were less likely to have HSDD, while they were more likely to have HSDD when their decreased sexual desire was due to other sexual issues (aOR 2.56, 95%CI 1.84–3.57) and partners’ sexual problems (aOR 1.72, 95%CI 1.23–2.39).ConclusionSexual health education and related services need to focus on psychological barriers of women with older age, insufficient knowledge of sexual health, intense work pressure, and poor economic conditions. The medical staff need to pay attention to the sexual health of women with intense work or life pressure and a history of gynecological disease. Low sexual desire is not equal to the sexual desire problem, which should be noticed in the future.

Socio-demographic factors, sexual attitudes, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual satisfaction on sexual health-seeking behaviors: A structural equation model

ABSTRACT Introduction While the World Health Organization (WHO) actively promotes sexual health, the research on sexual health-seeking behaviors are extremely limited. Individuals are entitled to attain sexually satisfying relationship without coercion or force and is driven by free-will and respect. The information-driven promotion of sexual health worldwide has been instrumental to keep individuals responsible for their own sexual health. However, the general population of men are hesitant to seek sexual health care until end stage of sexual issues due to masculinity embarrassment, and stigma. Furthermore, the effects of individuals’ sociodemographic factors such as age, educational level, and sexual orientation, sexual attitudes, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual health-seeking behaviors are poorly understood. Objective This study aimed to investigate the influence of socio-demographic factors such as age, educational level, and sexual orientation, sexual attitudes including permissiveness, birth control, communion, and instrumentality, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual satisfaction on sexual health-seeking behaviors among Filipino men. Methods The study subjects included Filipino men 18 years old and above, able to write and read English, and able to use internet connected devices including smartphones, tablets, or personal computers. After IRB approval, a cross-sectional correlational study was conducted. Using Survey Monkey® platform, the data was collected from Filipino men who qualified based on the inclusion criteria. Structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was used for data analysis. Results A total of N= 464 Filipino men completed the survey. The result shows that sociodemographic factors such as age (β= .13, p=<0.05) and educational level (β= .12, p=<0.05), significantly influenced active and decision-making sexual health-seeking behavior. While, educational level (β= .14, p=<0.05) and heterosexuality (β= -.17, p=<0.05) significantly influenced intellectual sexual health seeking behavior. Furthermore, the sexual attitude communion (β= -.13, p=<0.05) and self-efficacy (β= .12, p=<0.05) demonstrates significant effect on interactional sexual health seeking behavior. The data analysis also presents that heterosexuality and sexual attitude communion are significant negative predictors of interactional sexual health-seeking behaviors among Filipino men. However, sexual satisfaction and sexual attitudes including permissiveness, birth control, and instrumentality failed to demonstrate effects on any of the sexual health-seeking behaviors. See Figure 1 for the SEM. Conclusions This research study presents a landmark model for sexual health-seeking behaviors. It is important to consider the individuals socio-demographic factors including age, educational level, and sexual orientation in determining the sexual health-seeking behaviors, as men in general are hesitant to seek sexual health care, therefore, clinicians including primary care physicians and advanced practice nurses such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists are at the best position to initiate discussions concerning men's sexual health. Furthermore, it is recommended to assess sexual attitude communion and sexual self-efficacy in the primary care settings. The negative effects of heterosexuality and sexual attitude communion needs further investigation. Future research on application of De Guzman sexual health-seeking behavior model is needed.

The Influence of Family Bonding, Support, Engagement in Healthcare, on PrEP Stigma among Young Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Path Analysis.

This study employs the ecodevelopmental theory to examine the influence of mother and father bonding, family engagement in healthcare, and family support on PrEP stigma among BLMSM. We used a cross-sectional sample from wave five of the Healthy Young Men (HYM) study, with a survey sample of 399 participants aged 16–24 years. We conducted two-path analyses to test multiple hypotheses: (1) mother/father bonding is associated with an increase in family engagement in healthcare; (2) family engagement in healthcare is associated with family social support; and (3) family social support is associated with PrEP stigma. Family social support was negatively correlated with PrEP stigma (r = −0.15; p < 0.001). The findings show that families either led by a Black/Latino father or mother have a significant impact on the sexual health-seeking behavior of BLMSM and their perception of HIV and PrEP.

Sexual health-seeking behaviour and associated factors in men with diabetes mellitus attending the northwest Amhara region hospitals, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the sexual health-seeking behaviour and identify the associated factors in men with diabetes mellitus attending in the northwest Amhara region hospitals, Ethiopia.DesignHopital-based cross-sectional study.SettingThe study was conducted in...

Insider/outsider researcher positionality impact: lessons from researching the social construction of HIV stigma and sexual health-seeking behaviour within black sub-Sahara African communities

PurposeThe paper aims to show the impact of insider/outsider researcher positionality and the lessons from researching the social construction of HIV stigma and sexual health-seeking behaviour within black sub-Sahara African communities (BSSA).Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a reflection on the impact of researcher positionality based on lessons learnt following a research study on the social construction of HIV stigma and sexual health-seeking behaviour within BSSA communities.FindingsResearcher positionality has a direct impact on the quality and nature of study outcomes. Depending on the nature and circumstances of a given research study, the researcher status in terms of position (insider or outsider) can be dynamic and instrumental in the level of participation by research participants. In this paper, the authors consider three important interdependent aspects central to conducting research including researcher identity, research participants and the research topic to assess the impact of researcher status on the quality and nature of the information provided by the research participants.Originality/valueA researcher who is viewed as both an insider/outsider can either positively or negatively influenced the quality and nature of the information given by the research participants.

Gaps of Knowledge about HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Industrial Workers in Northern Vietnam

Industrial workers are a vulnerable population for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This cross-sectional study assessed the general knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV transmission risk among 289 industrial workers in Northern Vietnam. Results indicated that most workers could identify common routes of HIV transmissions and were aware of common STIs. However, insufficient knowledge about HIV transmission via anal sex practices, as well as common signs and symptoms of STIs were observed. Gender, marital status, education, locality status and health information sources were associated with the knowledge. This study reveals a gap of knowledge about HIV and other STIs, and suggested further tailored education interventions to improve the knowledge and promote sexual health-seeking behaviors in industrial workers.

Male Sexual Health and Sexual Behaviors during the First National COVID-19 Lockdown in a Western Country: A Real-Life, Web-Based Study

Restriction measures enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic had severe effects on male sexual and reproductive health. We aimed to investigate the real-life impact and perception of sexual function in 2020 in Italy, as the first Western country experiencing a national lockdown by measuring relative search volume for keywords pertaining to sexual health and behaviors provided by Google Trends and sales data for pro-erectile treatments. No significant change was observed for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Interest towards most phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors decreased significantly during lockdown (e.g., sildenafil, p = 0.0002; tadalafil p = 0.0016), then reverted to pre-lockdown levels (e.g., sildenafil, p &lt; 0.0001; tadalafil p &lt; 0.0001), mirroring a concomitant sales decrement (p = 0.0292). A subsequent recovery to previous levels at the end of the social confinement was also found (e.g., after vs. before lockdown, sildenafil, p = 0.8459; tadalafil p = 0.1166). During lockdown, interest towards pornography significantly increased during restrictions (p = 0.0053) and remained high (after vs. before lockdown, p = 0.0004), whereas interest towards paid and casual sex declined (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.049, respectively), then reverted to previous levels (after vs. before lockdown, p = 0.3969 and 0.8373, respectively). During the first Italian lockdown, we observed a transient but measurable decrease of sexual health-seeking behaviors and changes in sexual behaviors, with unknown impact for sexual medicine and public health.

Factors affecting sexual health-seeking behaviors of young people

This study was conducted to investigate sexual health-seeking behaviors of young people and factors affecting these behaviors. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, the sample consisted of 1502 students studying at a university. A statistically significant difference was found between the sexual health knowledge levels of young people and their age, gender, type of school, family type, income status, mostly lived place, parental education and sexual health education (p < 0.05). When young people experience a problem related to sexual health, the behavior of seeking sexual health varies according to gender, type of school, education, and training place of sexual health (p < 0.05). There is a statistically significant difference between the young people’s behavior of seeking sexual health and sexual health knowledge levels (p < 0.001). Sexual health information is an important factor that affects sexual health-seeking behavior. Being female increases the state of showing sexual health-seeking behavior. In this study, it was found that young people’s sexual health education increases their sexual health-seeking behavior. As the sexual health knowledge of young people increases, their behavior of seeking sexual health increases.

Potential and demonstrated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexually transmissible infections: Republication.

This review considers the potential and demonstrated impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the sexually transmissible infection (STI)/HIV transmission. COVID-19 increases the vulnerability of those at highest risk of acquiring STI/HIV. Altered health-seeking behaviour, reductions in STI/HIV clinic capacity, service disruptions and redeployment of human resources to assist COVID-19 control efforts have impacted on STI/HIV control programmes. Reports of reduced STI incidence are emerging, but it is hard to determine whether this is real or due to decreased testing during COVID-19 lockdown periods. Fear of COVID-19 and implemented control measures have altered STI/HIV transmission dynamics. Sexual health services adapted to the pandemic by reducing face-to-face patient encounters in favour of telehealth and mail-based initiatives as well as more stringent triage practice. Many sexual health and HIV treatment services now operate at reduced capacity and experience ongoing service disruptions, which necessarily translates into poorer outcomes for patients and their communities. In the short-term, COVID-19 related sexual behaviour change is driving STI/HIV transmission downwards. However, the impacts of the global COVID-19 response on sexual health-seeking behaviour and STI/HIV services threaten to drive STI/HIV transmission upwards. Ultimately, the expected rebound in STI/HIV incidence will require an appropriate and timely public health response. http://links.lww.com/COID/A31.

Potential and demonstrated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexually transmissible infections.

This review considers the potential and demonstrated impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the sexually transmissible infection (STI)/HIV transmission. COVID-19 increases the vulnerability of those at highest risk of acquiring STI/HIV. Altered health-seeking behaviour, reductions in STI/HIV clinic capacity, service disruptions and redeployment of human resources to assist COVID-19 control efforts have impacted on STI/HIV control programmes. Reports of reduced STI incidence are emerging, but it is hard to determine whether this is real or due to decreased testing during COVID-19 lockdown periods. Fear of COVID-19 and implemented control measures have altered STI/HIV transmission dynamics. Sexual health services adapted to the pandemic by reducing face-to-face patient encounters in favour of telehealth and mail-based initiatives as well as more stringent triage practice. Many sexual health and HIV treatment services now operate at reduced capacity and experience ongoing service disruptions, which necessarily translates into poorer outcomes for patients and their communities. In the short-term, COVID-19 related sexual behaviour change is driving STI/HIV transmission downwards. However, the impacts of the global COVID-19 response on sexual health-seeking behaviour and STI/HIV services threaten to drive STI/HIV transmission upwards. Ultimately, the expected rebound in STI/HIV incidence will require an appropriate and timely public health response. http://links.lww.com/COID/A31.

Exploring barriers to sexual transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV testing among young black sub-Sahara African (BSSA) communities in diaspora, UK

Purpose Sexual transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with high stigma leading to poor sexual health-seeking behaviour and mental health problems. Although human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention has generally been successful in many communities across the world, statistics for young people have remained relatively low, especially among most affected communities such as the black sub-Sahara African (BSSA) communities. This paper aims to explore the barriers to STIs and HIV testing among young BSSA communities living in the UK. Design/methodology/approach The research study used an explorative qualitative approach. The study included 6 focus groups comprising 10 people each (N = 60), and 12 one-to-one follow-up interviews were held with the research participants. Two one-to-one follow-up interviews were held from each focus group (N = 12). Findings The study found that perceived risk taking, perceived HIV test embarrassment, sexual health professionals’ attitudes, perceived HIV as death sentence, limited educational awareness and general HIV stigma prevented research participants from testing and impacted on their mental health well-being. Originality/value There is a need to increase sexual health and mental health education awareness among young BSSA communities. More importantly culturally sensitive interventions to reduce the impact of HIV stigma need to be rolled out in different diverse communities. This study is the first of its kind to look at the barriers affecting young BSSA communities in accessing sexual health testing services in the UK.

Differences in Chlamydia trachomatis seroprevalence between ethnic groups cannot be fully explained by socioeconomic status, sexual healthcare seeking behavior or sexual risk behavior: a cross-sectional analysis in the HEalthy LIfe in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study

BackgroundIn the Netherlands, there are strong disparities in Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) prevalence between ethnic groups. The current study aims to identify whether socioeconomic status, sexual risk behavior and sexual healthcare seeking behavior may explain differences in CT seroprevalence between ethnic groups.MethodsWe used 2011–2014 baseline data of the HELIUS (HEalthy LIfe in an Urban Setting) study, a multi-ethnic population-based cohort study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, including participants from Dutch, African Surinamese, South-Asian Surinamese, Ghanaian, Moroccan and Turkish origin. For this analysis, we selected sexually active, heterosexual participants aged 18–34 years old. CT seroprevalence was determined using a multiplex serology assay. The CT seroprevalence ratios between different ethnicities are calculated and adjusted for potential indicators of socioeconomic status, sexual risk behavior and sexual healthcare seeking behavior.ResultsThe study population consisted of 2001 individuals (52.8% female) with a median age of 28 years (IQR 24–31). CT seropositivity differed by ethnicities and ranged from 71.6% (African Surinamese), and 67.9% (Ghanaian) to 31.1% (Turkish). The CT seroprevalence ratio of African Surinamese was 1.72 (95% CI 1.43–2.06) and 1.52 (95% CI 1.16–1.99) of Ghanaian as compared to the Dutch reference group, after adjustment for socioeconomic status, sexual risk behavior and sexual healthcare seeking behavior.ConclusionsIndicators of socioeconomic status, sexual risk behavior, and sexual health seeking behavior could not explain the higher CT seroprevalence among African Surinamese and Ghanaian residents of Amsterdam.

Sexual health and sexual trauma in women with severe mental illness: An exploratory survey of Western Australian community mental health services

ABSTRACTAustralian women attending community mental health services were surveyed to determine the relationship between sexual trauma, sexual activity, and sexual health seeking behaviors. Self-reported history of “forced sex” was 58.4% (n = 122 out of 220). Latent class analysis revealed a three-class model: “sexually active and health seeking,” “low sexual activity and health seeking” and “low sexual activity and not health seeking.” An association with general practitioner engagement and sexual health seeking behaviors was found. Rates of self-reported sexual trauma reinforce the need for screening and trauma informed care. Groupings may reflect different aspects of recovery associated with sexual health behaviors.

Gender, Sexual Health Seeking Behavior, and HIV/AIDS Among Tarok Women in North-Central Nigeria

In this study, which was part of a larger project I undertook in North-central Nigeria, I explored the differences in the sexual health seeking behavior of Tarok women and men and how these differences affect the spread of HIV. With the help of three research assistants, I conducted 16 in-depth interviews and 24 focus group discussions in four Tarok communities in North-central Nigeria. I found certain negative effects of gender inequality on women's sexual health seeking behavior in particular, a situation that has adverse implications for HIV acquisition and transmission. I therefore concluded that addressing the challenges of gender inequality is imperative for a sustained fight against HIV and AIDS in Nigeria.

When Sexuality is in a Research Topic! The Methodological Challenges in Sexuality and Street Healing Research in Bangladesh

This paper is a bridge between two studies by the author: (i) completed MA research; and (ii) on-going PhD research, on male sexual health and the street healing system in Bangladesh. Street healing, a traditional healing system in Bangladesh, is at the centre of the studies. This is a popular form of folk healing in Bangladesh, where male impotency is a central issue. The author has been researching street healing to understand male sexual health-seeking behaviour in Bangladesh. In this paper, the author brings in experiences from his MA research to explore the challenges of studying sexuality and street healing in Bangladesh and concludes by describing his plan to address those issues in his on-going PhD research.

‘Not the swab!’ Young men’s experiences with STI testing

In Canada, STI rates are high and rising, especially amongst young men. Meanwhile, the needs of young men regarding STI testing services are poorly understood, as are the socio-cultural and structural factors that influence young men's sexual health-seeking behaviours. To better understand this phenomenon, we draw on interviews with 45 men (ages 15-25) from British Columbia, Canada. Our research reveals how structural forces (e.g. STI testing procedures) interact with socio-cultural factors (e.g. perceptions of masculinities and feminities) to shape young men's experiences with STI testing. STI testing was characterised as both a potentially sexualised experience (e.g. fears of getting an erection during genital examinations), and as a process where young men experience multiple vulnerabilities associated with exposing the male body in clinical service sites. In response, participants drew on dominant ideals of masculinity to reaffirm their predominately hetero-normative gender identities. Despite growing up in an era where sexual health promotion efforts have been undertaken, participants did not feel they had permission to engage in discussions with other men about sexual health issues. Attending to young men's perspectives on STI testing represents a starting point in reforming our approaches to addressing how socio-cultural and structural factors shape these experiences.

Sexual health seeking behaviours of young people in the Gambia

In the Gambia, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their complications are a major health problem and although the prevalence of HIV-1 in the Gambia is currently low, it is increasing. Relatively little is known about the sexual health treatment-seeking behaviours of young people in West Africa. This information is vital to target resources appropriately. To investigate this concept, twelve single-sex focus group discussions (FGDs), within three rural villages, elicited the views, opinions, attitudes and experiences of 49 young men (mean age 17.4 years; range 15–21) and 48 young women (mean age 18.2 years; range 15–25). The participants talked openly about sexual activity within their peer communities. Six major themes were identified from the FGDs: (1) groups perceived to be at risk of acquiring STIs; (2) STI transmission and classification; (3) treatment-seeking behaviours; (4) barriers to treatment; (5) consequences of non-treatment; and (6) problem resolution strategies. The study concludes that whilst there may be barriers to improving sexual and reproductive health, young people in rural West Africa have enthusiasm for and commitment to finding solutions to the problems that local communities face.