Sexual Issues Research Articles

Chemsex behaviours, sexual response and sexual health

IntroductionThe intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse (chemsex) is a phenomenon of special importance in the MSM (men who have sex with men) population due to its impact on mental, physical and sexual health. Sexual health issues related to chemsex practice have been described such as difficulties in achieving sober sex, erectile dysfunction or problems with sexual desire.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to understand the impact of chemsex on sexual health and sexual response by the participantes of a sexual health program for chemsex users in two Substance Use Disorder Clinics in Madrid.MethodsQualitative research approach. We analyze an anonymous survey with chemsex users with open answer questions about the impact of chemsex practice on sexual response and sexual health. Data analysis was based on thematic analysis of content.ResultsSeveral differences were identifed between chemsex and sober sex. In sober sex it can take longer to feel aroused, sexual desire is more context-dependent and more easyly controled. They connect easily with other people needs when they had sober sex. They described difficulties with consent with some sexual practices when they were on drugs. Shame and guilt was associated with chemsex. They describe more arousal, more independent of the erotic context, longer sexual intercourse and delayed ejaculation when they had sex under the influence of drugs.ConclusionsChemsex is a phenomenon that needs a multidisciplinary approach and mental and sexual health must be taken into account including sexological perspective. Interventions that provide sexual counselling and sexual therapy for chemsex users must be developped.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

복잡계 관점에서 본 학생인권조례의 성소수자 문제 및 접근 과제

기존의 단순 패러다임으로는 점차 복잡하고 역동적으로 변화하고 있는 교육 및 학교 상황을 제대로 설명할 수 없는 한계를 벗어날 수 있게 한 이론이 복잡계 이론이다. 이에 본 논문은 복잡계적 관점에서 청소년 인권문제중에서도 핫이슈가 되고 있는 성소수자 청소년 특히 학생인권조례에 나타난 성소수자 학생들의 인권 문제를 분석하였다. 그 결과, 학생인권조례에 나타난 성소수자들에 대한 논의도 복잡계 시스템이 창발적 변화에 이르는 과정인 안정기, 혼돈기, 급변기, 창발기의 4단계 흐름에 따라 진행해 왔음을 확인할 수 있었다. 이와 같은 결론에 터해 복잡계적 관점에서 본 학생인권조례의 성소수자 문제가 주는 시사점 및 학생 성소수자에 대한 인권연구가 새로운 질서로 창발하기 위한 앞으로의 접근 방향 및 과제들을 모색하였다.

Counseling Sexology in Marriage, Couple, & Family Counseling: A Special Commentary

Healthy couple and family sexuality adds satisfaction and intimacy to the most important human relationships. Systemic work around sexual issues can be complex yet very satisfying. This commentary includes basic information on clinical priorities in working with couples and families including how a counselor’s comfort level might determine outcomes in sexuality counseling. Research and training priorities and their impact are also discussed.

Integrating Sexuality Issues in Career Counseling: A Special Commentary

The integration of sexual health and wellness competencies within the career counseling specialization is a crucial aspect of providing comprehensive support to clients. This integration holds significance in three key areas: clinical practice, research, and training. In clinical practice, addressing sexual health concerns that may impact career decisions can enhance the comprehensive support provided to clients. In research, exploring the relationship between sexual health and career development and satisfaction is crucial. Furthermore, incorporating sexual health and wellness competencies into training programs for career counselors is necessary to ensure practitioners have the knowledge and skills required to effectively support clients in this area. Ultimately, the prioritization of sexual health and wellness within the career counseling specialization has the potential to lead to improved overall well-being and career satisfaction for clients.

The impact of necrotizing soft tissue infections on the lives of survivors: a qualitative study

PurposeNecrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are potentially lethal infections marked by local tissue destruction and systemic sepsis, which require aggressive treatment. Survivors often face a long recovery trajectory. This study was initiated to increase understanding of the long-term impact of NSTI on health related quality of life (HRQoL), and how care may be improved.MethodsThematic analysis was applied to qualitative data from 25 NSTI-survivors obtained through two focus groups (n = 14) and semi-structured interviews (n = 11).ResultsThe median age of the participants was 49 years, 14 were female. The median time since diagnosis was 5 years. Initial misdiagnosis was common, causing delay to treatment. Survivors experienced long-term physical consequences (scarring, cognitive impairment, fatigue, sleeping problems, recurrent infections), psychological consequences (traumatic stress symptoms, fear of relapse, adjusting to an altered appearance, sexual issues) and social and relational consequences (changes in social contacts, a lack of understanding). The disease also had a major psychological impact on family members, as well as major financial impact in some. There was a strong desire to reflect on ‘mistakes’ in case of initial misdiagnosis. To improve care, patient and family centered care, smooth transitions after discharge, and the availability of understandable information were deemed important.ConclusionThis study reveals that NSTI have a large impact on physical and psychosocial wellbeing of survivors and their relatives. Except for a few differences (misdiagnosis, fear for re-infection and actual re-infection), the patient experience of patients with NSTI is largely similar to those of burn survivors. Thus, questionnaires to assess HRQoL in burn survivors may be used in future NSTI studies.

THE REVIEW MODEL ON THE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN SEXUAL EDUCATION

Parental involvement has been seen as a factor that contributes to the quality of children's education. Collaborations between parents, teachers and schools are seen to be able to help parents of students with special educational needs (SEN), in providing exposure and sexual education for their children. Parents are the closest people to students with SEN; therefore, it is very important to understand how parents can help their children dealing with sexuality issues. To address this need, this paper is written with the aim to discover parental involvement from the perspective of sexual education through Epstein's Parental Involvement Model and from the spiritual aspect through Al-Ghazali's Philosophical Model.

Physical-mental health and awareness of HIV/STIs among men who have sex with men in selected cities of India

BackgroundMen who have Sex with Men being sexual minorities are a vulnerable section of society and are at greater risk of ill-treatment if they are ‘out of the closet’ regarding their sexuality. Previous evidence suggests that they experienced heightened susceptibility to physical and mental illnesses owing to widespread discrimination and victimization across different walks of life, particularly in developing countries. However, there is a paucity of sound data and scientific understanding related to linkages between physical-mental health and awareness about Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men who have Sex with Men in the Indian context.MethodsUsing a mixed-method approach, the present study examined the association between physical-mental well-being and awareness of comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Infections/relevant health behaviours based on primary data collected from 300 respondents from six selected metro cities in India. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and binary logistic regression model have been used for the quantitative data analyses. In-depth interviews were conducted to contextualize and appreciate the substantive meanings and significance coming out from the quantitative results with the lived experiences of the study respondents.ResultsFinding suggests that one-fourth of the respondents were experiencing long-term illnesses while close to four out of ten respondents experienced short-term illnesses. About one-third of the respondents experienced disordered eating behaviour and mood swings. Close to one-fifth of the respondents reportedly contemplated suicidal thoughts. Awareness related to Sexually Transmitted Infections and preventive measures related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus risk was considerably low among Men who have Sex with Men.ConclusionAwareness about sexual and reproductive health issues among Men who have Sex with Men needs to be strengthened to curtail the disproportionate risk and vulnerability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infections. The public healthcare system needs to be sensitized and upgraded to cater user-friendly quality healthcare services, without any discrimination against sexual minorities including Men who have Sex with Men. Furthermore, generating public awareness about gender and sexuality-related matters and reducing stigma and discrimination is critical for achieving the health-related sustainable development goals in India without leaving no one behind.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Adolescent and Youth in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: adolescents and youth characterized by significant physiological, psychological, and social changes; these were put them at high risk for several sexual and reproductive health problems. Insufficient studies have addressed the burden and risk factors of young people’s sexual and reproductive health services utilization in Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the adolescents and youth sexual and reproductive health service utilization and associated factors in Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: For the quantitative data, community-based cross-sectional study was carried out using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested interview-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were done to determine the association between the dependent and independent variables. For the qualitative data, phenomenological study was conducted and thematic analysis was employed. Results: This study revealed that the overall sexual and reproductive health service utilization was found to be 39.5%. Youths’ preference regarding the services majority preferred special service hours designated for adolescents (55.6%), (46.9) preferred a discounted price (43.2%) preferred free service, (37% %) preferred young health providers of the same sex. Having discussion on sexual and reproductive health issues with family, living with partner/friend, convenient service hour, short distance from health facility, having sexual activity within the last 12 months were among the factors associated with sexual and reproductive health services utilization. Conclusion and recommendation: This study revealed that the overall sexual and reproductive health service utilization was found to be low. Considering the physical and psychological changes of adolescents’ the discussion on sexual and reproductive health matters is highly important and expected from every family.

Association of sexual attitudes with sexual dysfunction and sexual distress among Chinese breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study.

Little is known about sexual dysfunction and sexual distress in Chinese female breast cancer survivors (BCSs), and their associations with physical variables, psychological factors, body image, and sexual attitudes. A cross-sectional study of 341 BCSs was performed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). Associations between physical variables, psychological factors, body image, sexual attitudes, sexual dysfunction, and sexual distress were evaluated using logistic regression, adjusted for confounding factors. We found that 75.37% and 18.48% of BCSs reported sexual dysfunction and sexual distress during the past month, respectively. Attitudes toward sexual behavior such as "sexual activity may impede disease recovery," "sexual activity may cause cancer recurrence or metastasis," and "sexual activity may weaken treatment effects" were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of reporting sexual dysfunction and sexual distress. Body image disruption such as "felt physically less attractive as a result of your disease or treatment" was significantly associated with the experience of sexual distress. Sexual dysfunction and sexual distress are common issues in Chinese BCSs. Sexual misconception likely contributes to sexual dysfunction and sexual distress, and body image has a significantly negative association with sexual distress in BCSs. Interventions targeting sexual attitudes and body image might be important to address BCSs' sexual issues and improve their overall sexual health.

A Pilot Study of Psychosexual Functioning and Communication in Women Treated for Advanced Stages of Cervical Cancer After the Diagnosis

IntroductionThe purpose of this pilot study was to examine relationships between body image, perceived stress, partner and patient-provider sexual communication, and sexual functioning in women with advanced stages of cervical cancer (CC) after the cancer diagnosis.MethodsIn this pilot study, cancer patients (n = 30) and healthy women (n = 30) were compared. A study was conducted from January to March 2022. Sexual functioning and its predictors were assessed using the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES), the self-administered questionnaire contributing the patient-provider sexual communication, and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). The data was collected from January to June 2022.ResultsWomen with cervical cancer after the diagnosis reported impaired sexual functioning, which was associated with self-efficacy in sexual communication, feeling comfortable discussing sexual issues with a healthcare provider, perceived stress, and body image. Compared to the control group, CC patients had significantly lower sexual functioning (mean 8.83 vs 19.23; p < 0.001).ConclusionsSexual functioning in women with CC is significantly impaired even after the diagnosis and is associated with psychosocial variables. The expanded study will include other predictors of sexual functioning and quality of life in women with CC on the larger group of patients.Policy ImplicationsAs cancer becomes a more chronic disease that affects even younger individuals, social policy should promote the sexuality issues in cancer patients, as it is an integral part of every person’s life, regardless of health status or age.

A novel curriculum for the Same-Sex Marriage Act and Patient Right to Autonomy Act (SMPRA) module based on two new laws in Taiwan: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundThe establishment of laws has had a tremendous impact on holistic medical care. The Patient Right to Autonomy (PRA) Act and the Same-Sex Marriage Act have been passed in Taiwan, and both have sparked intense societal debate. The Same-Sex Marriage Act and PRA Act (SMPRA) teaching module was created for the Gender, Medicine, and Law (GML) course of the medical curriculum. This video trigger-assisted problem-based learning (VTA–PBL) software has integrated content on the aforementioned legislative proclamations. It upends conventional beliefs and fosters reflective practices on sexual rights and the right to representation among medical students. This study examined how the SMPRA module affected the knowledge and attitudes of medical students taking up the GML course.MethodsA simple pre-/post-test design evaluated the outcomes of the PBL module to examine the changes in knowledge and attitudes of medical students toward same-sex marriage rights. In 2019 and 2020, 126 and 49 5th-year medical students took up the GML course, respectively. The GML components included a video scenario representing advanced decision-making and a healthcare agency with a same-sex couple, a PBL discussion, and student feedback presentations. The mechanisms of feedback collection and measuring student knowledge and attitudes toward sexual rights differed between one cohort in 2019 and the other in 2020. Pre- and post-lecture tests were used in the first school year, whereas a post-lecture open-ended questionnaire survey was used in the second school year.ResultsIn total, 90 and 39 eligible questionnaires were received in the first and second school years, respectively, which corresponded to response rates of 71% and 80%. Students showed a better understanding of and positive enhancement of proficiency in legal and ethical content and relevant clinical practice. Qualitative analysis revealed that students viewed healthcare providers as checkpoints for conflicts of interest; medical ethics as the cornerstone of clinical practice; cultural background as a significant influence on decision-making; and empathetic communication as the cornerstone of relationships between patients, family members, and doctors.ConclusionThe GML course of the SMPRA module fosters reflective practices on ethical and legal sexual rights issues.

Physical and psychosocial factors associated with sexual satisfaction in long-term cancer survivors 5 and 10 years after diagnosis

Our study provides data on sexual satisfaction among long-term cancer survivors 5 and 10 years after diagnosis, and identifies factors detrimental (e.g. psychosocial and physical symptom burden) or beneficial (e.g. social support) to survivors’ sexual satisfaction. We measured sexual satisfaction among cancer survivors recruited via the local clinical cancer registry across a wide range of tumor sites 5 years (cohort 1) and 10 years (cohort 2) after diagnosis. We further assessed chronic comorbidity index (CCI) and symptom scales (EORTC QLQ-C30), depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7), satisfaction with partnership (PFB), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), and social support (OSSS). 924 patients (5‐year cohort = 608/10‐year cohort = 316) participated in the study (53% men, 80% cohabiting, mean age 66 years, range 18–85). We found that nearly half of the respondents perceived their sexual life as less satisfying than before cancer. High sexual satisfaction was associated with a low chronic comorbidities index (r = − 0.27, p < .001), less fatigue (r = − 0.35, p<.001), less nausea/vomiting (r = − 0.13, p<.001) and less pain (r = − 0.23, p<.001), r ; less depression (r = − 0.24, p < .001), less anxiety(r = − 0.23, p < .001); a high level of social support (r = 0.16, p < .001), a high level of satisfaction with their relationship (r = 0.24, p < .001), and high quality of life (r = 0.33, p < .001). Sexual satisfaction may be affected by both psychosocial and physical symptom burden, with the latter having a greater impact on sexual satisfaction. It is essential for health care providers that sexual health issues are understood, evaluated, and treated, including those of long-term cancer survivors.

Bipolar disorder and sexuality: a preliminary qualitative pilot study

BackgroundIndividuals with mental health disorders have a higher risk of sexual problems impacting intimate relations and quality of life. For individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) the mood shifts might to a particular degree affect their sexual function with possible hypersexual interest during manic episodes and low sexual interest during depressive episodes. The diagnosis is often given in late adolescence, which may impact sexual identity and development. Only a few studies have looked at BD and sexual life, with no qualitative research on the topic.We conducted a qualitative pilot study exploring sexuality in connection to mood swings in five participants with BD.ResultsThematic content analysis revealed five themes: (1) sexual drive and impulses, (2) sexual behavior, (3) thoughts and feelings in relation to sexual issues, (4) intimate relationships, and (5) sexuality and identity. During manic episodes the participants described having a higher sexual drive, leading for some to more sexual interactions. During depressed episodes, the sexual drive in the three female participants was low, however, in the two men, rather than a reduced sexual drive, a more self-destructive way of engaging in sex prevailed. The sexual outgoing behavior during manic phases was described as joyful, with no feelings of shame connected to it. However, the shifts in sexual drive connected to mood shifts affected the participants’ relationships negatively. Further, all the participants described having outgoing sexual behavior in their youth.ConclusionsOverall, changes in sexual drive may act as a trigger or early warning symptoms of new episodes, pinpointing the clinical relevance of addressing sexuality in individuals with BD. In general, sexual drive followed affective episodes. However, during depressive episodes sex could be, instead of reduced drive, associated with negative feelings.All participants described having an outgoing sexual behavior in their youth before the onset of BD, which might be essential to consider if there is a clinical suspension of BD in an individual.

Narrative Therapy with Intersex Individual: A Clinical Case Study

Aim of Study. In the realm of family counselling, narrative counselling is gaining traction as a cutting-edge treatment option. In the present study the use of story counselling in working with intersex males has received special attention. The purpose of the current research was to provide a framework of narrative counselling and to investigate how intersex males' tales are influenced by cultural norms, worldviews, power, and privilege, and how this affects their emotional happiness. Methodology. The present investigation used single case study research design and collect data from a male individual with intersex problem. The data was collected through semi-structure interview and different stories writeup from the client. Result. The sources of the numerous themes and subthemes were investigated using thematic analysis in this qualitative study. Through semi-structured interviews, numerous themes, such as hopelessness, pessimism, self-blame, victimization, and learned helplessness, were found. Conclusions. According to the findings of the present study, there is a significant need to comprehend the difficulties and psychological pressures that affect individuals with intersex illnesses and to give narrative therapy to reduce their suffering. This study was undertaken not only for intersex individuals, but also for mental health professionals, in order to increase knowledge of sexual issues in Pakistani society and culture and to provide insight into them.

The Relationship Sexual Satisfaction and the Marital burnout in Married Women of Yasouj City

Background &amp; Aims Sexual dissatisfaction in women has several consequences. Due to the cultural factors and the traditional context of Iranian cities, there are limitations for women to talk about sexual issues and do not express their sexual satisfaction during the necessary care in reproductive age. This study aims to determine the relationship between sexual satisfaction and marital burnout of women living in Yasuj, Iran. Materials &amp; Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 married women referred to four comprehensive health centers in Yasuj. Data was collected using a demographic form, the Married Women’s Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (MWSSQ), and the Couple Burnout Measure (CBM). The data was analyzed using the Pearson correlation test in SPSS software, version 22. Results The component of mental and physical barriers to sexual satisfaction had a significant positive correlation with the total score of CBM (r=0.488, P&lt;0.001). Other three components of MWSSQ, including antecedents (r=-0.624, P&lt;0.001), husband-related factors (r=-0.662, P&lt;0.001), and dominant cultural values (r=-0.447, P&lt;0.001) had a significant negative correlation with the total score of CBM. Conclusion Higher mental and physical barriers to sexual satisfaction can cause higher marital burnout in women, while lower antecedents, husband-related factors, and cultural values related to sexual performance can reduce marital burnout. Healthcare workers working in health centers should check women's sexual satisfaction status and, if necessary, remove their mental and physical barriers to sexual satisfaction and improve their physical, mental, and emotional conditions and relationships with husbands by providing training and counseling to them.

Time to Bring It Up: Sexuality Issues in Cancer Care.

Time to Bring It Up: Sexuality Issues in Cancer Care.

"It will not be easy to accept": Parents conflicting attitudes towards pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention amongst adolescent girls and young women in Zimbabwe.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a pill that has been hailed as a 'game changer' for HIV prevention, based on the belief it provides adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) with a level of user-control. However, engagement with PrEP is often dependent on societal factors, such as social attitudes towards gender, sexuality, and PrEP. As parents' communication on sexual and reproductive health issues with AGYW are central to HIV prevention, it is critical to explore how parents talk and think about PrEP. To examine parental attitudes towards PrEP for HIV prevention amongst adolescent girls and young women in eastern Zimbabwe. A qualitative interview study with 14 parents from two districts in Manicaland, eastern Zimbabwe. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and subjected to thematic network analysis. The concept of 'attitudes' steered the analytical work. Parents' attitudes towards PrEP are conflictual, multi-layered, and contingent on the context in which they reflect and talk about PrEP. While parents aspired to be supportive of innovative HIV prevention methods and wanted to see girl-children protected from HIV, they struggled to reconcile this positive and accepting attitude towards PrEP with traditional 'good girl' notions, which stigmatize pre-marital sex. Although a few parents articulated an acceptance of PrEP use amongst their daughters, for many this was simply not possible. Many parents thus co-produce public gender orders that prevent adolescent girls and young women from engaging with PrEP. While parents' conflicting attitudes towards PrEP may provide spaces and opportunities for change, harmful gender norms and negative attitudes towards PrEP must be addressed at a community and cultural level. Only then can parents and their children have productive conversations about sexual health.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Sexual and Gender Minority Patients: Disparities and a Call to Action.

Objectives: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients face health issues relevant to dermatologists, such as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD); however, there is a lack of information surrounding common allergens causing ACD that disproportionally affect SGM patients. Methods: Covidence, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant articles studying ACD in the SGM population. Results: Common allergens associated with ACD in SGM patients include nitrates, fragrance mix, methylisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone-methylchloroisothiazolinone, topical antibiotics, and allergens seen in chest binders. Common anatomic sites included the chest, cheeks, perioral region, nasal orifices, and the anogenital region. Conclusions: Certain allergens and body sites affected by ACD are more common among the SGM community. This can help guide patch testing as a diagnostic tool. Further research must be conducted regarding ACD in SGM patients.

Where spirituality and religion meet gender and sexuality: Toward a research agenda for intersectional marketing theory

During a roundtable discussion at the 2022 GENMAC Conference, a group of researchers specializing in religiosity and spiritual consumption, using examples from their own fieldwork, reflected on how (i) researchers’ subject positioning—including their gender and sexuality—shape fieldwork in multifaceted manners; (ii) investigations of religious/spiritual fields would benefit from a heightened sensitivity to issues of gender and sexuality; and (iii) greater sensitivity to aspects of religion and/or spirituality can help gender and sexuality scholars better understand consumers and markets. Based on the above, in this commentary paper, we call for intersectional reflexivity, attention to vulnerability and discomfort during fieldwork, and critical sensitivity to the religious “context of context” during theorization. Furthermore, we argue that specific spiritual/religious imaginaries can foster new research approaches that can contribute to more nuanced fieldwork and theorization in marketing and consumer research.

BATAK TOBA SOCIETY'S PERCEPTIONS ABOUT SEX EDUCATION FOR ADOLESCENTS IN THE PARPAREAN III NEIGHBORHOOD PARPAREAN III VILLAGE PORSEA DISTRICT TOBA REGENCY IN 2023

Sex education is a clear and correct information regarding the issue of human sexuality, which includes the occurrence of conception, pregnancy, sexual behavior, sexual relations and health, psychological and social aspects. The issue of sexual education provided should be related to the norms prevailing in society, what is prohibited, what is legal and how to do it without violating the rules that apply in society. This study aims to determine the perception of the Batak Toba community about sex education for adolescents in the Parparean III environment, Parparean III Village. This research is descriptive using primary data obtained through a questionnaire. The sample in this study was the Batak Toba people who had teenagers who were obtained using a total sampling technique. From the results of this study obtained data, respondents who have positive perceptions as many as 43 people (81.1%) and negative 10 people (18.9%). Given the importance of sex education for adolescents, it is necessary to coordinate between the government, health workers and the community to unifying perceptions about sex education so that adolescents get clear and correct information about sexuality to improve their reproductive health.