Sex Status Research Articles

Clinical and Epidemiological Characterization of Lymphogranuloma Venereum in a Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic in Lisbon, 2001 to 2020.

Between 2001 and 2020, 54 LGV cases were diagnosed in a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Lisbon, most in men who have sex with men (87%), HIV negative (63%), from the anorectal mucosa (72.2%). Cases among heterosexuals were also identified (13%). Surveillance programs irrespective of sexual orientation and HIV status are needed to avoid the morbidity associated with LGV.

Sexual Activity in Couples Dealing With Breast Cancer. A Cohort Study of Associations With Patient, Partner and Relationship-Related Factors.

ObjectiveBreast cancer may profoundly affect a couple’s sex life. The present study examines whether patient-, partner- and relationship-related characteristics are associated with sexual activity of couples following breast cancer diagnosis in the treatment phase and over time.MethodsWomen with breast cancer and their male cohabiting partners participated in a longitudinal study in Denmark. Logistic regression was used to examine associations of patient-, partner- and relationship-related characteristics at baseline (≤4 months following surgery) with couples’ sexual activity at baseline, 5 and 12 months later. The longitudinal analyses were stratified for couples’ sexual activity status at baseline.ResultsA total of 722, 533 and 471 couples were included in the analyses at baseline, 5- and 12-months follow-up, respectively. Older age, depressive symptoms and lower vitality of patients were associated with lower odds of couples’ sexual activity at baseline; chemotherapy treatment and older age of patients were associated with lower odds at 5-months follow-up in couples who were not sexually active at baseline. Higher ratings of emotional closeness, affectionate behavior and satisfaction with dyadic coping were associated with higher odds for sexual activity at baseline and over time in couples who were sexually active at baseline.ConclusionSexual counseling during cancer treatment and rehabilitation should include a couple perspective. Relationship-related variables may be a protective factor for remaining sexually active after breast cancer diagnosis. Interventions could focus on strengthening these factors. Health professionals also need to consider the patients’ breast cancer treatment, vitality, and emotional distress in counselling on sexuality.

Interrogating gendered exclusion of womxn in COVID-19 vaccination policies and practices in Southern Africa

abstract In the wake of evolving strains and the tenacity of COVID-19 infections and fatalities, many governments have introduced vaccination policies to curb the spread of the virus. This public health move has raised new legal/constitutional, ethical and medical questions on the necessity and effectiveness of the vaccines. However, of particular significance to this paper are the gendered implications of vaccination programmes. This paper examines whether the current COVID-19 vaccination measures aggravate or challenge pre-existing gendered disparities, particularly in contexts like sub-Saharan Africa characterised by deeply entrenched political and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The paper draws on an intersectional analysis of current vaccination policies and programmes being implemented in selected Southern African countries, exploring how gender, as it intersects with sexuality, disability, and nationality status can threaten the inclusion of marginalised and at-risk populations, including womxn with disabilities, migrant womxn, and transgender womxn in vaccination programmes. It is argued that the gender-blind nature of the majority of vaccination policies and practices in Southern Africa seem to implicitly perpetuate existing structural exclusion of womxn, particularly those who belong to non-binary gender identities. This negatively affects the overall goal of the vaccination programmes to achieve herd immunity and lower COVID-19 infections and transmission.

Intersectionality: a means for centering power and oppression in research.

Intersectionality theory examines how matrices of power and interlocking structures of oppression shape and influence people's multiple identities. It reminds us that people's lives cannot be explained by taking into account single categories, such as gender, race, sexuality, or socio-economic status. Rather, human lives are multi-dimensional and complex, and people's lived realities are shaped by different factors and social dynamics operating together. Therefore, when someone occupies multiple marginalized intersections, their individual-level experiences reflect social and structural systems of power, privilege, and inequality. And yet, knowing that people occupy different social locations that afford them unique experiences is not the same as knowing how to analyze data in an intersectional way. Intersectional analyses are rigorous, and require the use of theory at multiple levels to see theoretical connections that are often only implicit.In this paper, we ask "How does one actually do intersectional research and what role does theory play in this process?" In an effort to make intersectionality theory more accessible to health professions education research, this article describes the simpler version of intersectional analyses followed by the more complex version representing how it was originally intended to be used; a means to fight for social justice. Using pilot data collected on first-generation medical students' professional identity experiences, we demonstrate the thinking and engagement with theory that would be needed to do an intersectional analysis. Along the way, we describe some of the challenges researchers may find in using intersectionality in their own work. By re-situating the theory within its original roots of Black feminist thought, we hope other health professions education (HPE) researchers consider using intersectionality in their own analyses.

The myth of the safe space: Sexual orientation disparities in therapist effectiveness.

Psychotherapy has been shown to be effective on a broad level (e.g., Wampold & Imel, 2015); however, a growing body of literature has revealed that some therapists have outcome inequities within their caseloads. These inequities have been observed on the basis of social identities including race (see Imel et al., 2011, for example) and gender measured on the binary (Owen et al., 2009). However, despite the great need for further research on sexual minority populations in psychotherapy, this phenomenon has yet to be explored on the basis of sexual orientation (i.e., if a disparity exists within-therapist caseloads between queer-identified and heterosexual clients). The present study was comprised of a sample of 1,725 clients treated by 50 therapists at a university counseling center (17.7% of the sample endorsed a sexual minority status). Multilevel modeling was used to analyze data from the Behavioral Health Measure-20 (BHM-20; Kopta & Lowry, 2002). The results indicated that clients' sexual orientation status was not significantly associated with any of the BHM-20 subscales or with the Global Mental Health Scale (GMH). Of interest was that therapists varied in the extent to which their clients' symptoms and GMH improved and how that improvement varied by client sexual orientation status. Thus, attention must be paid not only to which therapists are more and less effective overall, but also to the specifics of which clients (and the social identities those clients hold) are improving while under their care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Himalayan musk deer (Moshcus leucogaster) behavior at latrine sites and their implications in conservation.

Elusive species often use latrines which also serves as communication and information hubs. Thus, studying behavior at latrines may provide critical insights into the species’ ecology and behavior. While it is established that musk deer use latrines for defecating, very little is known about the endangered Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) and their latrines. We examined musk deer behavior from the various video clips lasting 238 min altogether, captured at latrine sites during both breeding and non‐breeding seasons in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. A total of 428 visits by musk deer and 479 behavioral events by them were captured. We constructed an ethogram to describe musk deer behavior and compared behavior across individuals and sex using parametric and non‐parametric tests. We found that musk deer are crepuscular and nocturnal animals. Both male and female musk deer repeatedly and independently visited shared latrine sites as well as exclusively used latrine sites. The proportion of male musk deer visited latrine sites were significantly higher than that of female musk deer. Hence, male musk deer were found more active (>2 times) than females during both seasons. The most frequently observed behavioral activities at the latrine sites were defecating, sniffing and browsing, followed by scrapping and covering, and ignoring the latrine sites. The defecating and sniffing activity were performed throughout breeding and non‐breeding seasons to establish communication among peers and to claim territory. Based on the behaviors observed at the latrine sites, we can presume that Himalayan musk deer likely use latrines to convey various messages, including personality, maturity, sexual status, and territory marking among conspecifics. These findings of this study can be used for the conservation of musk deer in its natural habitat and replicated in captivity to enhance breeding performance that improves long‐term conservation prospects for this species.

Improving the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Health Care of Autistic People.

The gender, sexuality, and reproductive health research node seeks to improve sexual and reproductive health care and outcomes for autistic people, with a focus on the lifespan of autistic women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals (LGBTQIA+). For most adults, sexuality and relationships are among the primary everyday contributors to life satisfaction, health, and well-being. Most people on the autism spectrum experience sexual attraction, and many adolescents and autistic adults are sexually active. All, including those who are not sexually active, benefit from sexual and reproductive health services. These services, which support self-determination, promote the ability to have safe, satisfying, noncoercive sexual experiences if desired and to make and implement informed decisions about reproduction. Although limited, research on sexual and reproductive health services for autistic people indicates an urgent need for investments, particularly in the areas of sexuality education; sexual violence; prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum care; and LGBTQIA+ health.Autistic people often have complex medical and educational support needs that may affect puberty, sexuality development, autonomy, and personal identity. This means they may require adapted or specialized sexual and reproductive health services, including sexuality education. Despite this, half of families raising autistic adolescents report that no health care provider ever talked with them about puberty or sexuality, and autistic adolescents are the least likely to receive school-based sexuality education compared with other disability populations.1 Service access disparities continue in adulthood, as multiple studies show autistic individuals are half as likely to receive basic sexual and reproductive health care, such as gynecology visits and cervical cancer screenings, compared with non-autistic individuals.2Rates of parent-reported sexual victimization for autistic children and adolescents are significantly greater than rates among non-autistic youth, and autistic college students experience more unwanted sexual contact compared with their non-autistic peers.3 For autistic youth, sexual abuse in childhood has been associated with running away from home, sexual acting out or offending, and suicide,4 but there is limited information about resulting physical, mental, or sexual and reproductive health sequelae across the lifespan.Research on the obstetric health and prenatal care experiences of pregnant individuals on the autism spectrum is currently limited with a paucity of large epidemiologic studies. However, early evidence suggests that pregnant autistic people have elevated risks of several pregnancy complications and may experience exacerbations of anxiety, stress, and challenges with sensory processing as a result of the biological and social changes of pregnancy.5 We do not yet know the reasons for these disparities. One issue raised by autistic people and health care providers is that adult care providers may not be aware of the needs of autistic patients.A substantial proportion of autistic adolescents and adults are LGBTQIA+. Autistic people are more likely to be transgender or gender nonconforming compared with non-autistic people, and findings from a recent autism registry study suggest that among autistic people able to self-report on a survey, up to 18% of men and 43% of women may be sexual minorities.6 Examining the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and autism reveals compounded health disparities that have not been adequately addressed by insurers and service providers, particularly as individuals transition to the adult medical system. The National Survey on Health and Disability showed autistic LGBTQIA+ respondents had worse self-reported health and health care access compared with non-LGBTQIA+ autistic people, with 2 times the rate of psychiatric diagnoses, 10 times the rate of smoking, and 2 times the number of poor physical health days per month. Although most autistic LGBTQIA+ individuals in this study had health insurance, they still reported more unmet health care needs than autistic non-LGBTQIA+ individuals, and approximately one-third had been refused services by a provider.7The gender, sexuality, and reproductive health priority research area will systematically address service gaps and health disparities for autistic individuals regarding sexuality education, sexual violence prevention, reproductive health and pregnancy, and LGBTQIA+ health. We will convene a stakeholder advisory group comprising people with relevant lived experiences and conduct a needs assessment to identify urgent knowledge gaps in autistic sexual and reproductive health, prioritize sexual and reproductive health research questions, and disseminate findings to our research networks. We will identify facilitators and barriers to gynecologic, obstetric, and primary health care for autistic women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Finally, we will develop, implement, and evaluate interventions to improve access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health care and health status for this population. An important part of this priority research area’s work will be training early career professionals in the sexual and reproductive health of autistic people and LGBTQIA+ health so that emerging priorities continue to be addressed well into the future.

Safe Dating in the Digital Era: Protective Behavioral Strategies in Dating Behaviors Facilitated by Dating Applications.

Focus groups were conducted to examine college women's perceptions of the risks of dating app dating, how risks are mitigated, and if risk identification and mitigation strategies differ by sexual victimization status. Over 60% of the sample reported a history of sexual victimization. The risk associated with dating app use fell into three themes: unsafe sexual situations, deception, and non-sexual interpersonal violence. Participants' self-reported risk mitigation strategies included logistical strategies, investigative strategies, social strategies, instinctual strategies, and safety planning strategies. Sexually victimized women reported greater or comparable risk identification and risk mitigation strategies as non-victimized women, suggesting difficulties in risk responding.

Body Gaze as a Marker of Sexual Objectification: A New Scale for Pervasive Gaze and Gaze Provocation Behaviors in Heterosexual Women and Men

Body gaze behavior is assumed to be a key feature of sexual objectification. However, there are few self-report gaze measures available and none capturing behavior which seeks to invite body gaze from others. Across two studies, we used existing self-report instruments and measurement of eye movements to validate a new self-report scale to measure pervasive body gaze behavior and body gaze provocation behavior in heterosexual women and men. In Study 1, participants (N = 1021) completed a survey with newly created items related to pervasive body gaze and body gaze provocation behavior. Participants also completed preexisting measures of body attitudes, sexual assault attitudes, pornography use, and relationship status. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses across independent samples suggested a 12-item scale for men and women to separately measure pervasive body gaze (5 items) and body gaze provocation (7 items) toward the opposite sex. The two scales yielded excellent internal consistency estimates (.86–.89) and promising convergent validity via positive correlations with body and sexual attitudes. In Study 2, a subsample (N = 167) of participants from Study 1 completed an eye-tracking task to capture their gaze behavior toward matched images of partially and fully dressed female and male subjects. Men exhibited body-biased gaze behavior toward all the female imagery, whereas women exhibited head-biased gaze behavior toward fully clothed male imagery. Importantly, self-reported body gaze correlated positively with some aspects of objectively measured body gaze behavior. Both scales showed good test–retest reliability and were positively correlated with sexual assault attitudes.

Characterizing persistent urinary incontinence after successful fistula closure: the Uganda experience

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury. Despite successful closure of the fistula, 16% to 55% of women suffer from persistent urinary incontinence after surgery. This study assessed the type and severity of persistent incontinence after successful fistula closure and its impact on the quality of life of Ugandan women post-fistula treatment. This cross-sectional study enrolled women with a history of obstetric fistula repair who continued to have persistent urinary incontinence (cases, N=36) and women without incontinence (controls, N=52) after successful fistula closure. Data were collected in central and eastern Uganda between 2017 and 2019. All the participants completed a semistructured questionnaire. Cases underwent a clinical evaluation and a 2-hour pad test and completed a series of incontinence questionnaires, including two novel tools designed to assess the severity of incontinence in low-literacy populations. Cases were more likely to have acquired a fistula during their first delivery (63% vs 37%, P=.02), were younger when they developed a fistula (20.3±5.8 vs 24.8±7.5 years old, P=.003), and were more likely to have had >2 fistula surgeries (67% vs 2%, P≤.001). Cases reported a much higher rate of planned home birth for their index pregnancy compared to controls (44% vs 11%), though only 14% of cases and 12% of controls actually delivered at home. Cases reported higher rates of pain with intercourse (36% vs 18%, P=.05), but recent sexual activity status (intercourse within the previous six months) was not significantly different between the groups (47% vs 62%, P=.18). Among cases, 67% reported stress incontinence, 47% reported urgency incontinence, and 47% reported mixed incontinence. The cough stress test was successfully done with 92% of the cases, and of these, almost all (97%) had a positive cough stress test. More than half (53%) rated their incontinence as "very severe," which was consistent with objective findings. The 24-hour voiding diary indicated both high urinary frequency (average 14) and very frequent leakage episodes (average 20). Two-hour pad-tests indicated that 86% of cases had >4 g change in pad weight within 2 hours. Women with more severe incontinence reported a more negative impact on their quality of life. The mean score of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Quality of Life was 62.77±12.76 (range, 28-76, median=67), with a higher score indicating a greater impact on the quality of life. There was also a high mental health burden, with both cases and controls reporting high rates of suicidal ideation at any point since developing fistula (36% vs 31%, P=.67). Women with obstetric fistulas continue to suffer from severe persistent urinary incontinence even after successful fistula closure. Both stress and urgency incontinence are highly prevalent in this population. Worsening severity of incontinence is associated with a greater negative impact on the quality of life.

Smoker characteristics and trends in tobacco smoking in Rakai, Uganda, 2010-2018.

INTRODUCTIONTobacco use is a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 80% of the world’s smokers reside. There is limited population-based data from rural Africa on patterns of tobacco smoking and smoker characteristics. We assessed trends in rates of smoking, characteristics of smokers, and factors associated with smoking using repeat population-based cross-sectional surveys in south-central Uganda.METHODSData accrued over five survey rounds (2010–2018) of the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) from consenting individuals aged 15–49 years including sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and smoking status. Proportions of smokers per survey were compared using χ2 test for trends, and factors associated with smoking were assessed by multivariable logistic regression.RESULTSThe prevalence of tobacco smoking in the general population declined from 7.3% in 2010–2011 to 5.1% in 2016–2018, p<0.001. Smoking rates declined among males (13.9–9.2%) and females (2.2–1.8%) from 2010–2011 to 2016–2018. Smoking prevalence was higher among previously married (11.8–11.7%) compared to currently (8.4–5.3%) and never married persons (3.1–1.8%) from 2010–2011 to 2016–2018. Older age (≥35 years) was associated with higher odds of smoking (AOR=8.72; 95% CI: 5.68–13.39 in 2010–2011 and AOR=9.03; 95% CI: 5.42–15.06 in 2016–2018) compared to those aged <35 years (AOR=4.73; 95% CI: 3.15–7.12 in 2010–2011 and AOR=4.83; 95% CI: 2.95–7.91 in 2016–2018). Primary and secondary/higher education level was significantly associated with lower odds of smoking (AOR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.14–0.29 in 2010–2011 and AOR=0.26; 95% CI: 0.18–0.39 in 2016–2018) compared to no education (AOR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.31–0.59 in 2010–2011 and AOR=0.48; 95% CI: 0.34–0.68 in 2016–2018). Number of sexual partners and HIV status were not associated with smoking.CONCLUSIONSWe observed declining trends in tobacco smoking in the Rakai region of rural Uganda. Smoking was more prevalent in men, older individuals, individuals who were previously married, and individuals with lower education. The decline in smoking may be due to tobacco control efforts, but there is a continued need to target sub-populations with higher smoking prevalence.

LGBTQ Incorporated: YouTube and the Management of Diversity

ABSTRACT Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people use the video-sharing service YouTube to educate and entertain audiences. However, YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, has a fraught history with LGBTQ users. Informed by digital ethnography and content analysis, this paper illustrates the company’s strategic incorporation of LGBTQ creators and their video content. On the one hand, I show how YouTube publicly presents LGBTQ people’s diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, and mental health status. On the other hand, the platform privately discriminates against LGBTQ users creating content about queer sex education, lesbian sexuality, and transgender identity—topics in conflict with advertising and community guidelines. YouTube’s discriminatory practices (closely tied to automated algorithms) include demonetization, age restriction, video deletion, account termination, and harassment facilitation. Ultimately, this paper cautions against uncritical celebrations of social media industries’ recognition of the LGBTQ community.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Initiation and Completion Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority U.S. Adults.

Purpose: The current study examined the relationship between sexual orientation and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status (no vaccination vs. vaccination initiation [one to two doses] or completion [three or more doses]) among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Methods: Pooled Integrated Public Use Microdata Series-National Health Interview Survey data from 2013 to 2017 were used. The analysis sample (N = 35,266) reported on HPV vaccination status, sexual orientation, and demographic covariates. Multinomial logistic regression, stratified by sex, was conducted to assess the relationship between sexual orientation and HPV vaccination status. Results: Most of the sample (80.37%) had not received any HPV vaccination dose, and only ∼10% reported vaccine completion (three or more doses). After adjusting for demographic covariates, gay and bisexual males were more likely than heterosexual males to initiate (gay: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.67-3.62; bisexual: AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.28-4.12) and complete (gay: AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.45-4.65; bisexual: AOR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.56-6.55) HPV vaccination. Bisexual females were more likely than heterosexual females to initiate (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.55-2.54) and complete (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.23-1.86) HPV vaccination. Females of another sexual orientation were less likely than heterosexual females to complete HPV vaccination (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.26-0.92). Conclusions: HPV vaccination remains low across sexual orientation groups. Sexual minority status may be a promotive factor in HPV vaccination for specific subgroups.

Exploration of early social behaviors and social styles in relation to individual characteristics in suckling piglets

Social behavior is a key component of pig welfare on farms, but little is known on the development of social behaviors in piglets. This study aimed to explore social behaviors and identify early social styles in suckling piglets. Social behaviors of 68 piglets from 12 litters were scored continuously for 8 h per day at 21 and 42 days of age, and were included in a Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components analysis to identify clusters of pigs with similar social styles. Social nosing represented 78% of all social interactions given. Three social styles were identified: low-solicited inactive animals (inactive), active animals (active), and highly-solicited avoiders (avoiders). Belonging to a cluster was independent of age, but was influenced by sex, with females being more represented in the ‘inactive’ cluster, and males in the ‘active’ cluster, whereas both sexes were equally represented in the ‘avoider’ cluster. Stability of piglets’ allocation to specific clusters over age was high in the ‘inactive’ (59%) and ‘active’ (65%) clusters, but low in the ‘avoider’ cluster (7%). Haptoglobin and growth rate were higher in ‘active’ than ‘inactive’ pigs, and intermediate in ‘avoiders’. Our findings suggest the existence of transient social styles in piglets, likely reflective of sexual dimorphism or health status.

Early Sexual Debut and Neighborhood Social Environment in Latinx Youth.

To examine whether social aspects of the neighborhood environment are associated with early sexual initiation in a California agricultural community of predominantly Latinx adolescents. In a prospective cohort study of 599 eighth graders recruited from middle schools in Salinas, California (2015-2019), participants completed five interviews over 2 years. Social environment measures included neighborhood social dynamics (neighborhood disorder, social cohesion, and social network gang exposure); experiences of discrimination; and school connectedness. We estimated associations between baseline social environment and early sexual initiation (<15 years) using Poisson regression with robust standard errors. We compared contraceptive self-efficacy and attitudes by sexual initiation status using ANOVA. Most youth were Latinx (94%) and age 13 (70%) at enrollment; 53% were female and 49% had a parent employed in agriculture. Additionally, 14% reported first vaginal sex before age 15. Neighborhood disorder (relative risk [RR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.21), social network gang exposure (RR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.49-3.33), and experiences of discrimination (RR, 1.67 [1-2 events versus none], 95% CI, 1.09-2.55; RR, 2.33 [3+ events versus none], 95% CI, 1.07-4.64) were associated with early sexual initiation. School connectedness was protective (RR, 0.44, 95% CI, 0.29-0.69). Youth who initiated sex before age 15 had more negative birth control attitudes and expressed lower motivation to use contraceptives. Findings underscore opportunities to promote early adolescent sexual health through strengthening supportive and safe neighborhood environments with the promise of addressing disparities in unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection rates in later adolescence.

Sexual Behaviour Risk Among Male Regular Partners of Female Sex Workers

We assessed HIV prevalence and associated sexual behaviour risks among male regular partners (MRPs) of female sex workers (FSWs) attending a peri-urban clinic in Kampala, Uganda. Between June 2012 and June 2017, we conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional study among MRPs (aged ≥ 18 years old). Eligible and interested men were consented and offered HIV counselling and testing. Data on socio-demographic, sexual behaviour and clinical characteristics were collected. Multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance was used to identify factors associated with HIV prevalence. In-depth interviews were conducted to elicit information on participants’ knowledge of HIV and its prevention as well as sexual risk practices. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic content approach. One hundred and sixty-two men were included in the analysis; mean age was 35 years (standard deviation ± 8.43), and most (73%) reported not using a condom during the last sexual intercourse. Overall HIV prevalence was 65 of 162 (40%). Absence of sexually transmitted infection symptoms in the last 12 months adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.37, 0.85] and condom use at last sexual intercourse (aPR = 0.63, 95% CI = [0.45, 0.88]) were associated with a lower HIV prevalence. Being uncircumcised (aPR = 1.83, 95% CI = [1.22, 2.74]) and having ≥2 sexual partners in the last 12 months (aPR = 1.91, 95% CI = [1.27, 2.85]) were associated with higher HIV prevalence. Qualitative data showed that most participants reported not consistently using condoms with their FSW partners because of the emotional connections, desire to have children and trust. HIV prevalence among MRPs was high compared to the national average. HIV prevalence among MRPs was associated with high-risk sexual behaviour and circumcision status. Interventions are needed to address the high sexual behaviour risks among MRPs of FSWs as well as supporting them to access safe voluntary medical male circumcision, HIV care and support services.

Examining the demographic and psychological variables associating with the childbearing intention among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan

ABSTRACT Equality for marriage and reproduction has become a major policy agenda worldwide. Opportunities for sexual minority individuals to pursue planned parenthood through assisted reproductive technologies, adoption or surrogacy emerged only recently. Perhaps due to socio-cultural and structural barriers, sexual minority individuals consistently report lower parenthood desires and intentions than heterosexual individuals. Using a cross-sectional online survey, we examined the relationship between parenthood desire and demographic and psychosocial characteristics in a sample of 1,395 gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. Results showed that sexual orientation, relationship status, psychosocial well-being and cultural factors such as filial piety are significant predictors of parenthood desire. Implications for social work practice are discussed.

Cytological screening and Seroincidence of IgM with possible risk factors associated with naturally selected high risk group for Oncogenic Human Papilloma Virus Infection in Daura, Katsina State

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the developing countries and the seventh commonest cancer in the developed countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is now known to be the main factor in the aetiology of cervical cancer with over 99.7% of cases being associated with previous high risk HPV infection. The aim of the research is to determine the risk factors and incidence of oncogenic human papilloma virus among women of reproductive age in Daura. This was a cross-sectional prospective study involving a total of 120 women. Questionnaires were administered to collect data such as socio-demographic and possible risk factors. Endocervical swab and serum samples were then collected from the participants. Samples were analyzed by Enzyme Linked immunosorbent Assay and Pap smear respectively. The findings of this research revealed and overall high seroincidence of 36.6% as well as significant difference between seroincidence rate of pregnant and non-pregnant women. The findings also revealed that 10-20 age groups had the higher seroincidence rate of (50.0%) with no statistical significant difference between age groups. None of the sociodermographic factors involved in the research show significant association with HPV infections. The result by type of marriage shows that similar seroincidence rate was obtained in both monogamy and polygamy forms of marriage (36.7%). The study also reveals that risk factors like sexual partners, HIV status and sexual debut are significantly associated with HPV infection (P&lt;0.05). Sixty (60) participants show normal cytole under microscope with prevalence of 50.0% and those with abnormal cytole had prevalence of (16.7%) while lowest prevalence of (3.3%) was obtained from participants with high squamous intraepithelial lesions. These results demonstrate a high seroincidence of HPV infection among women in the study area. We recommend improved education regarding HPV and cervical cancer among the populace and increasing cervical cancer screening particularly to attendees of antenatal care to prevent HPV related morbidity and mortality.&#x0D; Keywords: HPV; Cervical cancer; Endocervical swab; Seroincidence

The Social Lives of Free-Ranging Cats.

Simple SummaryCats are ubiquitous in human spaces. Cats live in our homes and on our streets and occupy a variety of social environments. However, scientists still disagree on the social nature of free-ranging cats (FRCs). This paper aims to review the relevant literature on the social behavior of FRCs and includes which behaviors have been observed and the main findings of each study. The findings of this review indicate that the relationships between FRCs are not random, are socially complex, and deserve further study. The body of literature that currently exists provides an excellent foundation for future work. Further research in this area can help further illuminate the social lives of FRCs.Despite the diversity of social situations in which cats live, the degree to which free-ranging cats (FRCs) are social is still debated. The aim of this review is to explore the literature on the social behavior of FRCs. A search of two major databases revealed that observations of intraspecies and interspecies social interactions have been conducted. The intraspecific social dynamics of FRCs differ based on group of cats surveyed. Some groups display strong social bonds and preferential affiliations, while other groups are more loosely associated and display little to no social interaction. Factors impacting FRC conspecific interactions include cat body size, cat social rank, cat individuality, cat age, relationship to conspecific (kin/familiar), cat sex, level of human caretaking, presence of food, the health of the individual, or sexual status of conspecifics. Interspecies interactions also occur with humans and wildlife. The human’s sex and the weather conditions on the day of interaction have been shown to impact FRC social behavior. Interactions with wildlife were strongly linked to the timing of cat feeding events. These findings support the idea that FRCs are “social generalists” who display flexibility in their social behavior. The social lives of FRCs exist, are complex, and deserve further study.

The potential effect of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) roll-out on sexual-risk behaviour among adolescents and young people in East and southern Africa

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an HIV-prevention strategy recommended for those at high-risk of infection, including adolescents and young people (AYP). We explored how PrEP roll-out could influence sexual risk behaviour among AYP in East and southern Africa. Twenty-four group discussions and 60 in-depth interviews were conducted with AYP between 13 and 24 years old, recruited from community settings in Uganda, Zimbabwe and South Africa, from September 2018 to January 2019. Participants perceived that PrEP availability could change sexual behaviour among AYP, influencing: (1) condom use (increased preference for condomless sex, reduced need and decrease in use of condoms, relief from condom use discomfort, consistent condom use to curb sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies); (2) sexual activities (increase in sexual partners and sexual encounters, early sexual debut, sexual experimentation and peace of mind during risky sex, sexual violence and perversion); (3) HIV risk perception (neglect of other HIV prevention strategies, unknown sexual partner HIV status, adoption of PrEP). PrEP initiation may be associated with increased interest in sexual activities and risky sexual behaviour among AYP. PrEP should be included as part of a combination package of HIV prevention strategies for AYP with methods to prevent other sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.