Sexual Activity Research Articles

HIV Screening Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Women in New Orleans, LA.

There are significant disparities in HIV acquisition, with Black individuals facing disproportionately more new diagnoses. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all people aged 13-64 should be tested at least once in their lifetime, and men at increased risk (e.g., those who have male sexual contact, multiple partners, have partners with multiple partners, or share drug injection equipment) should be tested annually. The study included young Black men who have sex with women (MSW), aged 15-26, and who live in New Orleans, LA. Survey data was used to elicit the frequency and factors associated with three self-reported outcomes: (1) history of ever HIV testing, (2) HIV screening in the last year among those who were recommended per CDC, and (3) HIV positivity. Of the 1321 men included, 694/1321 men (52.5%) reported ever having been HIV tested. There were 708/1321 (54.2%) men who met the recommendation for annual screening and 321/708 (45.3%) of these eligible men reported being tested in the previous year. Of those ever tested, 44/694 (6.3%) self-reported testing positive. In logistic regression analysis, older age (OR: 1.27, p < 0.001), prior STI testing (OR: 6.45, p < 0.001), and prior incarceration (OR:1.70, p = 0.006) were positively associated with having ever received an HIV test, and ever having a male partner (OR: 3.63, p = 0.014) was associated with HIV positivity. Initiatives to improve HIV testing rates among young Black men who have sex with women are needed to reduce the burden of HIV and help the End the Epidemic initiative.

Predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples affected by endometriosis and infertility.

Endometriosis and infertility are associated with impaired partnership and sexuality of the patients, but also of their male partners. Also, endometriosis is one of the most common causes of infertility, resulting in a large overlap of both pathologies. The aim of this study was to determine the association of different predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples with endometriosis and infertility. A cross-sectional study was conducted with n = 62 women with endometriosis and n = 46 partners, including a total of n = 44 couples, some of whom were affected by infertility. The questionnaire included items on partnership, sexuality, depression, social support, and desire for a child. Multiple linear regression and the actor-partner-interdependence-model were used for analysis. Significant dyadic effects only occurred in couples with both endometriosis and infertility. Depression showed a significant negative actor effect in men for partnership satisfaction and a negative actor and partner effect in women for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). For women, social support showed a significant positive actor effect for partnership satisfaction (p < .05), age showed a significant actor and partner effect for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). The results show a significant association of endometriosis and infertility with partnership and sexuality satisfaction. Infertility could be a decisive factor. However, the large overlapping of both endometriosis und infertility in many couples support the importance of further studies to differentiate between the both effects. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00014362 on the 29.03.2018.

No skin paddle, no problem: burying DIEP flaps in the immediate setting is safe in select patient populations.

Because immediately burying a free flap forgoes the incorporation of a monitoring skin paddle it may be associated with an increased risk of flap loss or other perfusion-related complications, such as fat necrosis. We hypothesized that fully de-epithelialized breast free flaps were not associated with an increased complication rate, reduced the need for future revision surgery, and had superior patient reported outcomes. A single institution retrospective review of 206 DIEP flaps in 142 patients was performed between June 2016 and September 2021. Flaps were grouped into buried or non-buried categories based on the absence or presence of a monitoring paddle. Patient reported outcomes were assessed postoperatively using the BREAST Q breast reconstruction module. Electronic medical record data included demographics, comorbidities, flap characteristics, complications, and revision surgery. The buried flap patients (N= 46) had a lower median BMI (26.9 vs 30.3, p=0.04) and a lower rate of hypertension (19.5% vs 37.5%, p=0.04) compared to non-buried flap patients (N=160). Burying flaps was more likely in an immediate or a delayed-immediate fashion compared to delayed reconstruction (p=0.009). There was one flap loss in the non-buried group; complication rates were similar. There was a significantly greater revision rate in the non-buried flap patients (92% vs 70%; p=0.002). Buried flap patients exhibited a greater satisfaction with breasts (84.5  13.4 vs. 73.9  21.4; p=0.04) and sexual satisfaction (73.1 22.4 vs. 53.7  29.7; p=0.01) compared to non-buried flap patients. Burying breast free flaps in appropriately selected patients does not appear to have a higher complication rate when compared to flaps with an externalized monitoring paddle. Furthermore, this modification may be associated with a better immediate aesthetic outcome and improved patient satisfaction, as evidenced by a lower rate of revision surgery and superior Breast Q scores amongst buried DIEP flaps.

An mHealth Intervention for Gay and Bisexual Men's Mental, Behavioral, and Sexual Health in a High-Stigma, Low-Resource Context (Project Comunică): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The World Health Organization reported that 80% of new HIV diagnoses in Europe in 2014 occurred in Central and Eastern Europe. Romania has a particularly high HIV incidence, AIDS prevalence, and number of related deaths. HIV incidence in Romania is largely attributed to sexual contact among gay and bisexual men. However, homophobic stigma in Romania serves as a risk factor for HIV infection for gay and bisexual men. The Comunică intervention aims to provide a much-needed HIV risk reduction strategy, and it entails the delivery of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy skills across 8 live text-based counseling sessions on a mobile platform to gay and bisexual men at risk of HIV. The intervention is based on the information-motivation-behavior and minority stress models. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that Comunică holds promise for reducing gay and bisexual men's co-occurring sexual (eg, HIV transmission risk behavior), behavioral (eg, heavy alcohol use), and mental (eg, depression) health risks in Romania. This paper describes the protocol for a randomized controlled trial designed to test the efficacy of Comunică in a national trial. To test Comunică's efficacy, 305 gay and bisexual men were randomized to receive Comunică or a content-matched education attention control condition. The control condition consisted of 8 time-matched educational modules that present information regarding gay and bisexual men's identity development, information about HIV transmission and prevention, the importance of HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, heavy alcohol use and its associations with HIV transmission risk behavior, sexual health communication, finding social support, and creating sexual health goals. Participants undergo rapid HIV and syphilis testing and 3-site chlamydia and gonorrhea testing at baseline and the 12-month follow-up. Outcomes are measured before the intervention (baseline) and at the 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-ups. The study was funded in September 2018, and data collection began in May 2019. The last participant follow-up was in January 2024. Currently, the data analyst is cleaning data sets in preparation for data analyses, which are scheduled to begin in April 2024. Data analysis meetings are scheduled regularly to establish timelines and examine the results as analyses are gradually being conducted. Upon completion, a list of manuscripts will be reviewed and prioritized, and the team will begin preparing them for publication. This study is the first to test the efficacy of an intervention with the potential to simultaneously support the sexual, behavioral, and mental health of gay and bisexual men in Central and Eastern Europe using motivational interviewing support and sensitivity to the high-stigma context of the region. If efficacious, Comunică presents a scalable platform to provide support to gay and bisexual men living in Romania and similar high-stigma, low-resource countries. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03912753; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03912753. DERR1-10.2196/52853.

Anorectal sexual function index: Development and validation of a health-related quality of life measure.

To assess the reliability and validity of measuring receptive anal intercourse (RAI) sensation and associated satisfaction and bother METHODS: Between July 2022 and January 2023, we conducted a survey on sensations during RAI among people with prostates (i.e. cisgender men and transgender women). The survey content was developed based on our previous qualitative study. We assessed internal reliability and consistency through time. Sensations experienced during RAI were correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures to ensure construct validity. The final index contained four scales: pleasure (four items), pain (seven items), urinary (four items), and bowel (four items). Overall, 1084 individuals filled out the questionnaire. The internal consistency for all subscales was at or above 0.79. Scores tended to be stable across time with all test-retest coefficients at or above 0.72. Pleasure scores were inversely correlated with pain scores (r=-0.46). Pleasure was positively correlated with erections (r=0.36) and orgasms (r=0.44) during RAI, and sexual satisfaction (r=0.39). Notable positive correlations for pain scores were with bowel scores (r=0.49), internalized homophobia (r=0.35), and prostatitis symptoms (r=0.37). Urinary scores were moderately associated with IPSS scores (r=0.22). Bowel scores were positively correlated with GI symptoms (r=0.24), mental health symptoms (r=0.28), and chronic prostatitis symptoms (r=0.29). The results of the current study provide evidence that the ASFI is both reliable and valid. The ASFI may be a particularly useful HRQOL measure to assess outcomes regarding a host of urologic issues that may affect RAI.

Impact of molecular ciprofloxacin resistance testing in management of gonorrhoea in a large urban clinic

ObjectivesAntibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea is of significant public health concern with the emergence of resistance to last-line therapies such as ceftriaxone. Despite around half of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates tested in...

Precancerous lesion determinants in women attending cervical cancer screening at public health facilities in North Shoa Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia: an unmatched case-control study

BackgroundPrecancerous cervical lesions develop in the transformation zone of the cervix and progress through stages known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 2, and 3. If untreated, CIN2 or CIN3 can lead to cervical cancer. The determinants of cervical precancerous lesions are not well documented in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to find the determinants of cervical precancerous lesions among women screened for cervical cancer at public health facilities.MethodsA study conducted from January to April 2020 involved 216 women, consisting of 54 cases (positive for VIA during cervical cancer screening) and 162 controls (negative for VIA). It focused on women aged 30 to 49 undergoing cervical cancer screening. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the link between precancerous lesions and different risk factors, considering a significance level of p < 0.05.ResultsWomen who used oral contraceptives for a duration exceeding five years showed a nearly fivefold increase in the likelihood of developing precancerous lesions (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 4.75; 95% CI: 1.48, 15.30). Additionally, early age at first sexual intercourse (below 15 years) elevated the odds of developing precancerous lesions fourfold (AOR = 3.77; 95% CI: 1.46, 9.69). Furthermore, women with HIV seropositive results and a prior history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had 3.4 times (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI: 1.29, 9.25) and 2.5 times (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.10, 6.09) higher odds of developing cervical precancerous lesions compared to their counterparts.ConclusionIn conclusion, women who have used oral contraceptives for over five years, started sexual activity before the age of 15 and have a history of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, are at higher risk of developing precancerous cervical lesions. Targeted intervention strategies aimed at promoting behavioural change to prevent early sexual activity and STIs are crucial for avoiding cervical precancerous lesions. It is crucial to introduce life-course principles for female adolescents early on, acknowledging the potential to prevent and control precancerous lesions at critical stages in life, from early adolescence to adulthood, encompassing all developmental phases.

Peritoneal Vaginoplasty in Gender Diverse Patients

Abstract Purpose of Review To describe robotic-assisted peritoneal vaginoplasty in the genital gender affirming surgical setting and demonstrate existing surgical outcomes. Recent Findings Robotic peritoneal vaginoplasty is similar to a posterior approach to a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and can be done utilizing both multi-port and single port robotic platforms. Neovaginal canal depths and widths of 14 ± 0.7 cm by 3.6 ± 0.2 cm respectively can be obtained. Peritoneal flaps can also augment neovaginal depth by approximately 5 cm beyond the length of a skin graft or flap, proving advantageous in cases of genital hypoplasia or canal depth loss requiring revision. Patients typically report high sexual satisfaction following vaginoplasty. Summary The robotic peritoneal vaginoplasty as a genital gender affirming surgery offers additional neovaginal depth, with reported low complication rates, acceptable cosmesis, and satisfactory sexual function. Ongoing research in alternative grafts and revision remain to be studied.

Biological activity of folkloric plants used in the treatment of ‘u wela’ against pathogens

Background: ‘U wela’ also known as ‘Divhu’ in ‘Tshivenda’ is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a combination of fungal and bacterial microorganisms that affects males because of unprotected sexual encounters with a woman who has had an abortion or miscarriage.Aim: The study aimed to investigate medicinal plants used to treat ‘u wela’ and determine their biological activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Candida albicans.Setting: Eight plant species (Elaeodendron transvaalense[Burtt Davy] R.H. Archer, Albizia versicolor Welw. ex Oliv, Xanthocercis zambesiaca Baker, Cassia abbreviata subsp. beareana [Holmes] Brenan, Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg, Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw., Mimusops zeyheri Sond, and Capparis tomentosa Lam.) used to combat ‘u wela’ were selected from the Ethnomedicinal plant’s database of over 300 medicinal plants used for medicinal purposes in humans, in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa.Methods: The antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts was investigated against Candida albicans and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using serial dilution and bioautography assays.Results: The plant extracts of A. versicolor and C. abbreviata had excellent activity with a low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). value of 0.02 and 0.07 mg/mL, respectively. In bioautograms developed in benzene/ethanol/ammonia hydroxide (BEA), active compounds were visible in the extracts of A. versicolor.Conclusion: A. versicolor had excellent antimicrobial activity and may be used in traditional therapy to combat ‘u wela’.Contribution: The study has demonstrated that A. versicolor is a promising plant species that could lead to the discovery of novel drugs to combat ‘u wela’.

Abstract PO4-20-06: Impact of iatrogenic menopause on vaginal health and sexuality

Abstract Background Due to the lowering of circulating estrogens symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) may arise with premenopausal breast cancer patients who become menopausal due to breast cancer treatment. Clinical signs of GSM are i.a. vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, loss of libido, dysfunction of arousal and/or orgasm: this may negatively impact vaginal health, sexual activity and quality of life. The composition and function of the vaginal microbiome may also change due to changes of gonadal hormones during the menopausal transition. This change may contribute to vaginal discomfort and problems during sexual activity. With this prospective research we aim to uncover the relationship between vaginal health and sexuality, it gives an unique opportunity to investigate the vaginal changes and possible shift of vaginal microbiome when menopause occurs. This is a first in time study where longitudinal samples of the vaginal microbiome in one patient are investigated before and after menopause. The vaginal microbiome might be a future target to treat vaginal discomfort after treatment for breast cancer. Trial design This is a prospective minimal invasive study where participants are asked to undergo a baseline gynecologic examination, again 3 and 6 months after menopause. During this examination we measure vaginal pH, describe vaginal hydration and anatomy (using vaginal-, and vulvar assessment scale (VAS, VuAS)) and sample the vaginal microbiome (analyzed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)). At the same time, a blood test is performed (Estradiol, FSH) and participants complete a survey (demographic information, medical history, current well-being using World Health Organisation- Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), sexual functioning using the Female Sexual Functioning index (FSFI), Female Sexual Dysfunction Scale – revised (FSDS-R) and Short Sexual Functioning scale (SSFS)). Eligibility criteria - Patients (&amp;gt;18 years) with Stage I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC breast cancer - Reproductive age or menopausal transition according to STRAW+10 criteria - Iatrogenic menopause caused by ovarian function suppression (OFS), bilateral salpingo-ovariectomy (BSO) or by starting chemotherapy - Any partner status - Latest cervical cytology is normal - No prior history of hysterectomy - Patients who take oral contraceptives or have a Levonorgestrel- containing IUD can participate. Oral contraceptives should be stopped or the Levonorgestrel-containing IUD should be removed before systemic breast cancer therapy Specific aims To accurately describe what vaginal changes occur during breast cancer treatment To evaluate if the onset of menopause is related to changes in vaginal microbiome To evaluate if there is a relation between the objective vaginal changes and the subjective complaints related to GSM To evaluate if there is a relation between the objective vaginal changes and a possible alteration in sexuality Statistical methods Using multiple comparison procedures in ANOVA (analysis of Variance) model, the clinical findings (VAS, VuAS, pH, composition of microbiome) and validated questionnaires (WHO-5, FSFI, FSDR-r, SSFS) are linked to analyze if vaginal changes are related to changes in sexual wellbeing. The interpretation of the results of this investigation should be interpreted with caution due to the explorative nature of the study. Present accrual/Target accrual 23/60 participants are included (JULY 2023) Citation Format: Nynke Willers, Sileny Han, Patrick Neven, Paul Enzlin, Sarah Lebeer, Sarah Ahannach. Impact of iatrogenic menopause on vaginal health and sexuality [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-20-06.

Abstract PO4-10-11: Needs of oncology nurse navigators serving young or metastatic breast cancer patients

Abstract Oncology nurse navigators (ONN) facilitate breast cancer patients' care via information, resources, and referral services. Two important groups of breast cancer patients served by ONN are young women with breast cancer (yBC), defined as women diagnosed at age 45 or younger, and metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients. These two groups of patients have distinct needs for clinical care and services. To better understand the needs and experiences of ONN serving these patients, we surveyed 52 active ONN in the United States via an online needs assessment survey about their familiarity with topics relevant for breast cancer patients, referral patterns, and perception of educational needs. As expected, most ONNs saw more yBC than mBC patients. Familiarity of ONN with topics relevant for yBC and mBC differed based on their work experience. For some topics, earlier-career ONN (&amp;lt;5 years of work experience) reported distinct experiences from later-career ONN (more than 5 years of work experience). Earlier-career ONN were less familiar than later-career ONN with clinical trial participation (45% vs 79%; p=0.0315) and genetic counseling and testing (73% vs 96%; p=0.0431). Most ONN referred yBC and mBC patients for financial, mental health, or genetic testing services. For many other services, referral patterns of yBC and mBC patients differed. Earlier-career ONN referred patients less often than later-career ONN to clinical trials (35% vs 89%; p=.0014 for yBC, and 36% vs 89%, p=.0028 for mBC). Earlier-career ONN tended to refer mBC patients less often than yBC for genetic counseling and testing, healthy lifestyles, menopause management, and sexual health or intimacy services. In contrast, later-career ONN referred yBC and mBC patients at similar rates. ONN reported substantial barriers to many services (but not to fatigue, menopause management, and pain management). The services for which ONN most frequently reported barriers were fertility preservation (predominantly financial and lack of programs/providers) and clinical trial services (patient understanding of value and medical jargon/health literacy barriers). ONN referred patients infrequently to some services despite reporting few barriers in contrast to prior reports of breast cancer patients' needs. Most ONN were interested in continuing education for sexual health and intimacy but not clinical trials, treatment side effects, or pain management. Most ONN cited a need for patient materials about sexual health and intimacy and mental health issues. While most ONN were confident in their ability to address questions about breast cancer in the media, they indicated additional resources would be useful. Understanding barriers to information and referrals is necessary to develop approaches to reduce educational gaps and lower referral barriers. Adapting efforts according to ONN career stage may be an important component for continuing education. For clinical trial participation, patient-friendly materials may help reduce barriers to referral and participation. Citation Format: Kelly Owens, Marleah Dean, Elizabeth Bourquardez Clark, Piri Welcsh, Diane Rose, Erica Kuhn, Jessica Conaty, Robin Pugh-Yi, Susan Friedman. Needs of oncology nurse navigators serving young or metastatic breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-10-11.

A multilevel analysis of the determinants of HIV testing among men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys across 10 African countries.

Sub-Saharan Africa, the epicenter of the HIV epidemic, has seen significant reductions in new infections over the last decade. Although most new infections have been reported among women, particularly adolescent girls, men are still disadvantaged in accessing HIV testing, care, and treatment services. Globally, men have relatively poorer HIV testing, care, and treatment indices when compared with women. Gender norms and the associated concept of masculinity, strength, and stereotypes have been highlighted as hindering men's acceptance of HIV counseling and testing. Therefore, men's suboptimal uptake of HIV testing services will continue limiting efforts to achieve HIV epidemic control. Thus, this study aimed to identify individual, neighborhood, and country-level determinants of sub-optimal HIV testing among men in Sub-Saharan African countries. We analyzed demographic and health datasets from surveys conducted between 2016 and 2020 in Sub-Saharan African Countries. We conducted multivariable multilevel regression analysis on 52,641 men aged 15-49 years resident in 4,587 clusters across 10 countries. The primary outcome variable was ever tested for HIV. HIV testing services uptake among men in these ten Sub-Saharan African countries was 35.1%, with a high of 65.5% in Rwanda to a low of 10.2% in Guinea. HIV testing services uptake was more likely in men with increasing age, some form of formal education, in employment, ever married, and residents in relatively wealthier households. We also found that men who possessed health insurance, had some form of weekly media exposure, and had accessed the internet were more likely to have ever received an HIV test. Unlike those noted to be less likely to have ever received an HIV test if they had discriminatory attitudes towards HIV, comprehensive HIV knowledge, recent sexual activity, and risky sexual behavior were positive predictors of HIV testing services uptake among men. Furthermore, men in communities with high rurality and illiteracy were less likely to receive an HIV test. Individual and community-level factors influence the uptake of HIV testing among Sub-Saharan African men. There was evidence of geographical clustering in HIV testing uptake among men at the community level, with about two-thirds of the variability attributable to community-level factors. Therefore, HIV testing programs will need to design interventions that ensure equal access to HIV testing services informed by neighborhood socioeconomic conditions, peculiarities, and contexts.

An Exploration of Common Dyadic Coping Strategies: A Perspective from Pakistani Couples Living with Chronic Conditions.

This qualitative study was conducted to explore the common dyadic coping (DC) efforts of married couples, with a chronically ill partner. The sample for the study consisted of twelve couples chosen from Gujrat, Pakistan. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with the help of aninterview guide and analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). The following four major themes were emerged: "common problem-focused DC," "common emotion-focused DC," "common religious DC," and "combined pattern of intimate relationships." The findings indicated that partners are not preferring relational coping resources for problem- and emotion-focused DC. However, the majority of couples participate in religious DC process in a complementary way to cope with stressful situation in the result of chronic illness. The study also indicated various indigenous factors, for example, socioeconomic status, family culture, lack of physical resource, and religious standpoints contributing in the lack of connectivity and sexual intimacy. To conclude, the results revealed that future research is required to investigate the patient and partner's relationship in greater depth, focusing on above-mentioned contextual factors.

Geographically weighted regression analysis to assess hotspots of early sexual initiation and associated factors in Ethiopia.

BackgroundEarly sexual initiation (ESI) causes unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STI), high risk of depression and anxiety, developmental delays, lack of emotional maturity, and difficulty in pursuing education. This study aims to analyze the geographically weighted regression and associated factors of ESI of women in Ethiopia. MethodsThe study utilized data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, 2016. It included a weighted sample of 11,775 women. Spatial regression was carried out to determine which factors are related to hotspots of ESI of women. To identify the factors associated with ESI, a multilevel Poisson regression model with robust variance was conducted. An adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with its 95% confidence interval was presented. ResultsThe prevalence of ESI was 75.3% (95%CI: 74.6%, 76.1%), showing notable spatial variation across different regions of Ethiopia. Areas of significant hotspots of ESI were identified in Western and Southern Tigray, most parts of Amhara, Southern, Central and Western Afar, Eastern Gambella, and North Western SNNPR. The significant variables for the spatial variation of ESI were; being single, rural residence, and having no formal education of the women. Factors including; wealth index, marital status, khat chewing, education level, residence, and region were associated significantly with ESI in the multilevel robust Poisson analysis. ConclusionA higher proportion of ESI in women was found. Public health interventions must be made by targeting hotspot areas of ESI through increasing health care access and education (specifically among rural residents), developing a comprehensive sexual education, implementing policies and laws that outlaw early marriage, and mass community-based programs to increase awareness about the importance of delaying sexual activity.

Sex-biased gene expression during neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

Sex-biased gene expression during neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

The Association Between Hot Flashes, Quality of Life, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Menopausal Women

Aim: This study aims to determine the association between hot flashes, sexual satisfaction, and quality of life among menopausal women. Method: This cross-sectional study consisted of 492 menopausal women aged 45 years and above who lived in a city in the Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey. The data were collected using the personal data form, the Menopause-Specific Hot Flash Scale, the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women. Results: A strong positive significant association was found between the Menopause-Specific Hot Flash Scale and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (r = .694, p&amp;lt;0.000). A weak negative significant association was found between the Menopause-Specific Hot Flash Scale and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (r= -.189, p&amp;lt;0.000). A weak negative significant association was found between the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire and Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (r= -.291, p&amp;lt;0.000). Conclusion: According to the findings, as women are affected by hot flashes, their quality of life is affected similarly. Complaints about hot flashes and quality of life negatively affect sexual satisfaction.

Post Partum Resumption of Sexual Activity and Its Determinants in Nursing Mothers: A Port Harcourt Study

Introduction: Influenced by cultural, spiritual and religious beliefs. A lot of couples suspend sexual activities and resume at various different times due to influences by different factors. Materials and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 376 postpartum women and nursing mothers visiting the immunization/infant welfare clinic, postnatal and family planning clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Data were obtained using pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, which was designed based on variables from existing literature pretested and revised to ensure the quality of information collected. The data retrieved was analysed and variables presented in tables. Results: Approximately 2/3rd (66.0%) of the women had a tertiary level of education. The result show 200(53.19%) of the women started sexual activity less than 6 weeks after delivery, with about 43.6% of the participants reporting various sexual dysfunctions like loss of desire, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness and others. The majority of the women (89.9%) were knowledgeable about contraception and the majority of those who knew about contraception 222(59%), made use of it. A higher proportion of women who had puerperal complications used contraception. Logistic regression analysis showed that women on contraception were about 12 times more likely to resume sexual activity after 6 weeks. Conclusion: Early resumption of sexual intercourse is common to women irrespective of sociodemographics and obstetric characteristics.

Impact of the period of anti-pandemic measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual life of adolescents and young adults in Slovakia

The aim of the research is to highlight the impact of the period of anti-pandemic measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual life of adolescents and young adults in Slovakia. At the beginning of the study, 8 participants were obtained through voluntary and random selection, with whom interviews were subsequently conducted to gain insight into their experiences regarding the pandemic's impact on their sexual life. The interviews were then analysed using narrative analysis. We focused on 11 subcategories: frequency of sexual activities, space for engaging in sexual activities, use of sex, use of masturbation and pornography, sexual communication, emotions associated with sexual activities, changes in sexual self-confidence, changes in sexual preferences, factors influencing sexual life, self-assessment of the pandemic's impact on sexual life, sexual life post-pandemic.

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.

How do the Working Conditions of a Healthcare Worker Affect Family Life?: Seeing Through the Eyes of Healthcare Worker Spouses

Aim: In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the relationship between the working conditions of healthcare workers and their family life from the perspective of the spouses of healthcare workers. Method: The research is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The data of the study were collected from 146 physicians and nurse spouses in the form of an online questionnaire. Results: It was determined that 68.5% of the participants were male, 69.9% of them were non-health personnel, 90.4% of them did not work shifts and the mean age was 41.79±7.74. It was determined that 74% of the health workers were nurses and 40.4% of them worked in internal clinics. The participants stated that they did not find their spouses' financial income sufficient (68.5%), they were generally unhappy when their spouses came home from work (75.3%), their sexual life was negatively affected (46.6%), and they sometimes felt nervous and tense because of their spouses' profession (52.1%). It was determined that there was a significant relationship between the clinics in which their spouses worked and their family and social lives being affected, allocating time for their children, their sexual lives being negatively affected, and being irritable, nervous and unhappy (p&amp;lt;0.05). It was observed that the clinics that negatively affected the aforementioned conditions were mostly internal clinics, operating theatres, intensive care units and emergency services. Conclusion: As a result, the opinions of the spouses of healthcare workers show that there is a significant relationship between job satisfaction and the family life of healthcare workers. In the study, it was found that the family life of healthcare workers working in intensive care, operating theatre, emergency service units and internal clinics was more negatively affected than those working in other clinics. It is recommended to organise health policies that will increase the job satisfaction of health workers and to make rotations between clinics in a way that does not negatively affect the working environment.