Sexual Matters Research Articles

Opening the black box: Think Aloud as a method to study the spontaneous stream of consciousness.

Asking participants to Think Aloud is a common method for studying conscious experience, but it remains unclear whether this approach alters thought qualities-such as meta-awareness, rate of topic shifts, or the content of thoughts in task-absent conditions. To investigate this, we conducted two studies comparing thinking aloud to thinking silently. In Study 1, 111 participants alternated between 15-minute intervals of verbalizing and silently reflecting on their stream of consciousness in a counterbalanced design. A subset also reported topic shifts intermittently via self- and probe-catching methods. Results showed that the stream of consciousness was minimally reactive to the Think Aloud protocol, with no significant differences in meta-awareness and topic shifting rates. Moreover, among 21 thought qualities and 18 content topics analyzed, only three qualities (private thoughts, mind blanking, and session difficulty) and one topic (partner, intimacy, love, and sexual matters) differed between Think Aloud and Silent Think. In Study 2, 102 participants either did Think Aloud or Silent Think while responding to thought probes. Findings replicated the lack of differences in the frequency and meta-awareness of topic shifts between Think Aloud and Silent Think. Furthermore, no differences in reported cognitive load were observed between the two conditions. These results emphasize the value of the Think Aloud procedure for examining the stream of consciousness, demonstrating its reliability and minimal impact on the natural flow of thoughts. Thus, Think Aloud offers a robust model system for examining the otherwise unverbalized stream of consciousness in task-absent contexts.

Whole cranberry fruit powder supplement reduces the incidence of culture-confirmed urinary tract infections in females with a history of recurrent urinary tract infection: A 6-month multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

High prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTI), including cystitis, and concern for antimicrobial resistance justify safe and effective non-antibiotic therapies for prevention of recurrent UTI (rUTI). This study investigated the effect of a whole cranberry fruit powder supplement on incidence of culture-confirmed UTI (primary outcome) in females with rUTI history. This multicenter, 6-month, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study enrolled 150 healthy females (18-65 years, body mass index (BMI) >17.5-<35 kg/m2) with rUTI defined as ≥3 UTIs in the last year or at least 2 UTIs in the last 6 months, excluding those with >5 UTIs in the last 6 months. Participants consumed either 1 capsule 500 mg/day of whole cranberry powder (Pacran®) or placebo. Culture-confirmed UTIs (>108cfu/L) were assessed throughout the intervention period at unscheduled clinic visits whenever participants experienced UTI symptoms, and at baseline, 3- and 6-month clinic visits. Symptomatic suspected UTIs were defined as participant-reported UTI-associated symptoms at unscheduled visits. Whole cranberry powder capsules reduced culture-confirmed UTI risk compared to placebo by 52% (adjusted relative risk [RR]=0.48, 95% CI=[0.26, 0.87], P=0.01); reduced Escherichia coli UTIs (RR=0.49, 95% CI=[0.24, 1.01], P=0.05); reduced incidence of UTI with urinary frequency and urgency symptomatology (RR=0.29, 95% CI=[0.13, 0.63], P<0.01); delayed time to first UTI episode (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]=0.36, 95% CI=[0.18, 0.74], P=0.01); and reduced the mean total number of UTIs per participant (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR]=0.41, 95% CI=[0.21, 0.79], P=0.01). Significant differences between groups in incidence of symptomatic suspected UTIs, and culture-confirmed dysuria were not observed. Exploratory scores for UTI-related female sexual matters, assessed in a sub-set of sexually active, consenting females, did not differ significantly between groups. No safety concerns were reported. This study showed that whole cranberry powder capsules do not impact safety markers and reduce the incidence of culture-confirmed UTI and several other UTI-related outcomes in healthy females with rUTI history. Registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03042273).

MICHEL DE MONTAIGNE: WRITERLY NUDITY AND THE DISSOLUTION OF THE SEXUAL CHASM

On his way to Rome, Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) made a one-day visit to the city of Vitry-le-François on September 10, 1580. There, he met a female-born man whose male sexual organs had been generated as the erstwhile young girl had been making large strides. The narrative of the event in Montaigne’s Essais reflects his interest in the complexities of sexual difference and his critical approach of the regnant scheme of sexual binarity. The present contribution highlights Montaigne’s attentiveness to sexual configurations at variance with the male/female template that subtends the normative views upheld by the ecclesiastical and civil authorities of the French sixteenth century. Not being an outspoken advocate of contrarian sexual takes, Montaigne sufficed himself with pointing to the existence of mythological, anthropological and historical accounts implying the categorial inadequateness of subsuming individuals under one of two mutually exclusive sexes. What appears at first to be merely illustrations of anormative sexual forms, is actually meant to open the way toward the validation, within the ambit of sexuality, of Montaigne’s foremost ontic principle: "Nature has committed herself not to make any other thing that was not different." On this assumption, Montaigne eventually hints in his comprehensive essay "On some verses of Virgil "at a template of sexual differentiation that dispenses with the prevalent (albeit thoughtless) scheme of dichotomous sexuality. Despite introducing a self-deprecative tone to dissipate possible accusations of propounding an un-Christian stance on sexual matters, the brief passage at stake envisages surrendering the immemorial fixity of sexual compartmentations to the limitless sexual variability that occurs in Nature, thereby setting the theoretical stage for his writerly aspiration to portray himself "tout nud" in a world free of taxonomic closures.

Sexual selection matters in genetic rescue, but productivity benefits fade over time: a multi-generation experiment to inform conservation.

Globally, many species are threatened by population decline because of anthropogenic changes leading to population fragmentation, genetic isolation and inbreeding depression. Genetic rescue, the controlled introduction of genetic variation, is a method used to relieve such effects in small populations. However, without understanding how the characteristics of rescuers impact rescue attempts interventions run the risk of being sub-optimal, or even counterproductive. We use the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) to test the impact of rescuer sex, and sexual selection background, on population productivity. We record the impact of genetic rescue on population productivity in 24 and 36 replicated populations for ten generations following intervention. We find little or no impact of rescuer sex on the efficacy of rescue but show that a background of elevated sexual selection makes individuals more effective rescuers. In both experiments, rescue effects diminish 6-10 generations after the rescue. Our results confirm that the efficacy of genetic rescue can be influenced by characteristics of the rescuers and that the level of sexual selection in the rescuing population is an important factor. We show that any increase in fitness associated with rescue may last for a limited number of generations, suggesting implications for conservation policy and practice.

Adolescent choices and caregiver roles: Understanding individual and interpersonal influences on sexual decision-making in South Africa.

South African adolescents are at-risk for HIV infection due to engaging in high-risk sexual behaviours. Understanding the factors influencing sexual decision-making is crucial for developing effective HIV prevention strategies. We conducted a qualitative study with adolescents and caregivers in Rustenburg, South Africa to explore individual and interpersonal factors that influence adolescent sexual decision-making. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in English and Setswana with 17 adolescents (13 females and 4 males) and 19 caregivers (17 females and 2 males) between April and July 2018. Thematic analysis revealed that while adolescents had access to sexual education from various sources, this knowledge did not translate into healthy sexual decision-making. Lack of effective communication and support between caregivers and adolescents in discussing sexual behaviours are a contributing barrier. Although adolescents expressed a strong need to be understood and supported by caregivers regarding sexual behaviours, there was perceived distrust, judgemental attitude from caregivers, poor role models of a father figure, and the traditional taboo nature of having these discussions with caregivers. While female adolescents and female caregivers discussed sexual matters, this type of communication was limited with adolescent males. Male adolescents were uncomfortable communicating with either caregiver, fearing caregiver judgemental attitudes and being misunderstood. Female caregivers perceived male caregiver roles to be absent and non-engaging. Caregivers desired to support their children, yet they seemed to doubt their skills. Communication tools and guidance on how adolescents and caregivers could communicate about sexual matters could create enabling environments for adolescents to make informed, healthy decisions regarding their sexual behaviours. Further, future interventions could consider gain-framed messaging to address adolescents translating knowledge of sexual behaviours to making healthy sexual choices. Improving equitable male caregiver role at home, is of particular importance in supporting adolescent sexual decision-making, and should be prioritized.

Parent-Child Communication Intentions and Adolescents’ Dating Behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Most parents conceive that discussion sexual related matters are a bad practice and does not need to occur. This study investigates the parent-child communication intentions and adolescents’ dating behaviour in the Assin South District, Ghana. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with 400 participants which comprised parents age 30-59 and older adolescents age 15-19 years. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Parent-child dyad communication easiness was statistically significant related to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=2.504, 95%CI ([1.063-5.896]). Parent-child dyad do not discuss sexual health matters was statistically significant at P&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=0.429, 95%CI [0.187-0.985]). Parent-child dyad engage in talks for adolescents’ positive social conduct was statistically significant at P&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=0.211, 95%CI [0.046-0.972]). Parent-child dyad engage in communication for adolescents’ appropriate nurturing was also observed as statistically significant to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=0.223, 95%CI [0.051-0.978]). Parent-child dyad engage in communication to share thoughts, feelings and ensure stable relations during adulthood among adolescents was also observed as statistically significant to adolescents’ dating behaviour at p&amp;lt;0.05, (OR=5.988, 95%CI [1.192-30.088]). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Parents in Assin South District could guide adolescents to make informed decisions about dating if they (adolescents) choose to engage in or are already dating.

Pengalaman Ibu dalam Mendampingi Kondisi Menarche pada Remaja Putri Penyandang Cerebral Palsy

Children with Cerebral Palsy are very dependent on the help of other people, especially parents who play a role in meeting their needs. One of the obligations and responsibilities of parents towards their children is to provide attention and guidance in matters of reproduction and sexuality, one of which is accompanying the first menstruation or menarche. Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through population studies shows that the global prevalence of CP in children ranges from 2 to 4 incidents of CP out of 1,000 live births. The aim of this research is to determine mothers' experiences in assisting menarche conditions in adolescent girls with Cerebral Palsy. The research uses qualitative methods with a descriptive phenomenological approach. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The research was conducted on 4 participants at the Foundation for the Development of Disabled Children (YPAC with research time 14-27 July 2024. The results of the interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the Colaizzi method. The results of the analysis drew similarities and made them into themes. The characteristics of this research were mothers aged 36-47 years who have experience accompanying menarche children with Cerebral Palsy. There are 3 themes of results, namely feelings of confusion, overwhelm, worry in accompanying children at menarche, how mothers deal with children's moods during menstruation, and mothers getting assistance from other people when children menstruate. Themes that appear in participants, namely feelings of confusion, overwhelm, worry, how to deal with the child's mood and help from other people when accompanying a CP child with menarche. Psychological support and giving the child space to express his feelings are the mother's way of dealing with the child's condition

Attitudes towards models of abortion care in sexual and reproductive health: perspectives of Australian health professionals.

Background Abortion care is typically undertaken by doctors; however, alternate models, including nurse-led care, are increasingly seen as viable alternatives. However, attitudes towards the leadership of alternate models can be a barrier to change. We explored the acceptability of different models of abortion care, and whether attitudes differed by health profession for those working in sexual and reproductive health. Methods Our mixed method survey explored how doctors, nurses/midwives and those working in administrative roles in primary care in Australia felt about three models of abortion care: doctor-led, nurse-led and self-administered. ANOVAs compared favourability ratings and attitude strength across groups, and qualitative data exploring how they felt about each model was thematically analysed using Leximancer. Results Attitudes towards doctor-led and nurse-led models of care were overwhelmingly positive. However, doctors perceived doctor-led care more favourably than other professionals, and felt it provides a more holistic, safer experience, that opportunistically facilitated discussions about other sexual and reproductive health matters. Self-administered care was perceived unfavourably by ~60% of participants, and was associated with significant safety concerns. Conclusions Most health professionals working in sexual and reproductive health care perceive that nurse-led models of care are viable and acceptable, although doctors feel there are additional benefits to the current model. Self-administered abortion is overwhelmingly perceived as unsafe. Nurse-led care models could increase access to safe abortion in Australia, and are perceived favourably by those working in sexual and reproductive health care.

‘Of Course Muslims Can Be Gay’: Sexuality and Religion in Adiba Jaigirdar’s Young Adult Fiction

Today, Irish Young Adult (YA) literature examines a wide variety of youth experiences. However, an aspect that it is still slowly beginning to address is Ireland’s multiculturalism. While it is possible to find racialised characters or characters who belong to marginalised ethnic minorities in some Irish YA texts, white characters still predominate. Thus, it is significant to highlight the work of those authors who offer a depiction of today’s multicultural Ireland and a window into the experiences of characters that are usually found outside the mainstream, as is the case for Adiba Jaigirdar. Her YA novels The Henna Wars (2020) and Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating (2021) depict experiences and challenges that many Muslim girls may encounter in contemporary Ireland. This essay aims to analyse, in particular, how both novels explore matters of sexuality and religion together with race and ethnicity by focusing on how these intersecting elements of identity are negotiated by the characters of Nishat and Hani, two queer Muslim girls. This intersectional analysis will focus on how sexuality and religion working simultaneously both shape, and are influenced by, the girls’ experiences in a multicultural yet mainly white and Catholic Ireland.

Cultural taboos and low sexual and reproductive health literacy among university students in Magway city, Myanmar

University students in Myanmar experience a high prevalence of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems including unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. These are compounded by pervasive cultural taboos surrounding sex and sexuality. Sexual and reproductive health literacy is crucial to addressing these problems. Four focus group discussions with 33 university students revealed how cultural taboos act as barriers across five SRH literacy subdomains: accessing, comprehending, criticising and applying SRH information, and communicating with healthcare providers. Students primarily relied on online health information rather than face-to-face discussions. Many students considered SRH information to be ‘dirty’ and experienced feelings of shame, guilt and fear of being blamed or disrespected while seeking healthcare. They therefore hesitated to visit healthcare providers and sought SRH services only in urgent medical situations. Additionally, all SRH literacy subdomains were influenced by cultural taboos surrounding sex: societal denial towards youth premarital sex, and the perception of sexual matters as embarrassing and inappropriate. Advocacy is needed to promote positive societal attitudes towards sexual matters and youth premarital sex, signalling the value of culturally tailored digital SRH literacy interventions using vernacular language. Healthcare providers should offer non-judgemental youth-centred services to promote SRH literacy among students.

The Ecstasy of Desire: Some Notes on Asceticism and the Church of England's Living in Love and Faith

Recently the General Synod of the Church of England agreed to approve liturgical resources— Prayers of Love and Faith—for blessing same-sex couples. This decision was the result of a long process of discernment concerning matters of sexuality and identity called Living in Love and Faith. This article aims to critique some of the background ethical and theological assumptions at work in the Living in Love and Faith resources, specifically the way the role of asceticism is conceived in them. I argue that while there are promising references to formation of desire through discipline and restraint in the LLF resources, their ascetic intuitions remain limited to world-related goods, neglecting the significance of bodily practices for God-related goods and for our final flourishing. Paying attention to the theological dimensions of Christian ascetic practice will also reveal the importance of concrete limitations for ascetic formation of desire. I argue that such limits are required for unravelling the transcendent capacities of human desire. At the end of the article, I make some suggestions as to how the revitalisation of not just ethical but theological ascetic praxis can be helpful in navigating the Church of England's current disagreement with respect to same-sex unions.

Sex talks-experiences with and barriers to communication about sexuality with healthcare staff among patients with anxiety disorder in Denmark.

Previous research among diverse patient populations suggests that healthcare staff routinely do not talk about sexuality with their patients even when such talks are highly indicated and relevant. In this study we sought to investigate how patients at outpatient anxiety clinics in Denmark experience sexual communication with healthcare staff and what barriers they encounter in this connection. We employed a survey design from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. In collaboration with 11 outpatient anxiety clinics in Denmark, patients with a primary diagnosis of panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder were invited to participate in the study. The final sample included 272 patients. Survey questions were related to sociodemographic characteristics, sexual activity and dysfunctions, pharmacological treatment adherence, anxiety and depression symptoms, and experience with and barriers to sexual communication. For each participant, clinicians at the clinics provided the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, diagnostic codes, medications, and dosage. Study inclusion criteria were not having an organic disorder that may cause anxiety, not having a previous diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder or schizophrenia, and the ability to speak and read Danish. Outcomes included patients' experiences with and barriers to sexual communication with healthcare staff. In total, 61% of the patients in this sample group found it relevant to talk to healthcare staff about sexuality but only 28% of the study patients had done so, of whom 83% reported this communication to be a positive experience. The most frequently reported patient barriers to communication with healthcare professionals regarding sexual concerns were a belief that if sexual matters were relevant, the healthcare staff would bring it up (94%), fear of transgressing their own boundaries (94%), embarrassment (92%), and lack of knowledge as to how to start a conversation about sex (91%). The study results indicated a need for healthcare staff to routinely map out and address sexual matters in their clinical work with anxiety patients while bearing in mind the common patient barriers for this topic. This study included a large clinical outpatient sample of anxiety patients and an extensive survey. However, the results may not be generalizable across all anxiety patients or patients in general. The results of this study strongly indicate that a majority of anxiety patients find it both relevant and beneficial to discuss sexual matters with healthcare staff in connection with their anxiety treatment, and therefore healthcare staff should be educated and equipped to routinely address these matters while bearing in mind the most common patient barriers for conversations about sexuality.

Burden, consequences and associate factors of childhood maltreatment in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionChild maltreatment is any type of abuse or child negligence which results the concrete or prospective hurt for those under age of eighteen. It is a global issue which severely endangered children's physical, emotional, behavioral, developmental and mental well-being for immediate and later in life. Although, its magnitude and devastating burden are difficult to comprehend, much remains to be done to know its prevalence and comprehensive impact. This meta-analysis and comprehensive review will provide important light on the burden, consequences, and contributing factors for child maltreatment. MethodsThis meta-analysis and comprehensive review was coded at Prospero number of CRD42024503799. Universal online databanks including PubMed, Cochrane, Google, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and Web of Science and Global Health were used to search for articles. Microsoft Excel was used for data extraction, and STATA17 was used to analyze this systematic review and meta-analysis. A random effect model exploration was employed when heterogeneity among included studies were evidenced. ResultsThe pooled prevalence of childhood maltreatment was 57.0 % (95 % CI = 32.00, 83.00). Included studies revealed that childhood maltreatment has multiple child health-related consequences. Being female (AOR = 2.94, 95 % CI: 1.48, 4.41), being young (AOR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.09, 3.35), paternal illiteracy (AOR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.012, 3.302) and have an open family discussion about sexual matters (AOR = 0.381 (95%CI: 0.121, 0.884) were considerably associated with child maltreatment. ConclusionThis finding publicized that the burden and multiple consequences of childhood maltreatment need much attention. Childhood maltreatment has both immediate and life time consequences for children later in life. Being female, being young, having illiterate fathers, and open family discussion about sexual matters were associated factors of child maltreatment.

Child welfare workers’ understanding of young people’s sexual health when conducting assessments due to substance use problems

Young people with substance use problems often have an early sexual debut, an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies, and a high risk of experiencing sexual violence. At the same time, according to the national action plan on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), the social services in Sweden have an important role in addressing sexual health in various contexts, such as in child welfare investigations. Therefore, this study has investigated how Swedish child welfare workers understand and relate to sexual health issues in child welfare investigations regarding young people with substance use problems. Following a strategic sampling, 15 child welfare workers were interviewed. The interviews were examined with a thematic content analysis with results showing that sexual health issues represented an area where knowledge was lacking. This was largely connected to that the child welfare workers had not been taught about SRHR in their bachelor’s degree nor in their continued education within the child welfare system. As a result of this, they often developed their own individual, professional approach for assessing sexual health matters, guided by the principle of “not investigating more than necessary”. When addressing sexual health in their assessment work, the child welfare workers primarily focused on risk, vulnerability and exposure. Not assessing young peoples’ sexual health was seen as protecting the right to confidentiality and privacy. In summary, this meant that young people with a problematic substance use were seldom given opportunities to talk about their sexual health, and especially not about positive sexual experiences related to their substance use.

Understanding nurses' perceptions of sexual health and function in people requiring haemodialysis.

Sexual dysfunction is common for adults receiving chronic haemodialysis; however, renal nurses seldom discuss this topic with patients. This study aimed to identify renal nurses' attitudes towards providing sexual healthcare and to determine their confidence in discussing sexual dysfunction with adults who are receiving haemodialysis. An online cross-sectional study. Renal nurses across Australia and New Zealand (n = 65) who were members of the Renal Society of Australasia provided direct care to adults receiving haemodialysis. Two questionnaires measuring (1) the frequency of sexual health discussions, levels of knowledge and competence, barriers to discussing sexual dysfunction and views on accountability (Van Ek survey) and (2) communication, practical knowledge, and attitude (sexual health educator for professionals scale) were used. Demographic characteristics were also collected. Most participants were females (60%) with postgraduate qualifications (61.4%). The average nephrology nursing experience was 13.10 ± 9.14 years. Most renal nurses identified as having positive attitudes (77.2%) about providing sexual healthcare and were confident in communicating with patients about sexual concerns (42.9%), although many nurses (64.35%) rarely did so. Less than one-half (48.6%) indicated feeling competent to discuss sexual dysfunction, and less than one-third (30%) had sufficient knowledge about sexual dysfunction. Barriers were lack of practical training (74.2%)and insufficient time (57.1%). Younger nurses (≤45 years old) and male nurses were significantly more confident in discussing sexual health matters. Overall, renal nurses had positive attitudes towards discussing sexual health concerns with patientshoweverthey rarely did so.

Individual and relational dynamics perceived to influence the sexual behaviour of adolescents in Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

There are 1.2 billion adolescents in the world today, more than ever before, making up 16% of the world's population and nearly one-fourth of the total population in Sub-Saharan Africa. Adolescents are facing life-threatening health challenges attributed to sexual and reproductive health issues such as unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections, including the human immunodeficiency virus, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The aim of this research is to explore the individual and relational levels of factors that drive adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviour. A qualitative phenomenological study design was used from February to June 2020. Adolescents and health professionals were selected purposefully. A total of 12 individual in-depth interviews, five focus group discussions with adolescents, and eight key informant interviews with health professionals were conducted using a semi-structured guide. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis with ATLAS Ti version 7 software. Credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability were used to ensure the trustworthiness of the data. In this study, two themes were identified; individual level factors such as sexual desire and emotion driven sex, limited knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, and a permissive attitude towards sexual activities drive adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviour; and relational level factors such as, limited family support and involvement, negative peer pressure and influence, male partner dominance during the partnership, and pressuring females to engage in sexual intercourse were perceived factors influencing adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Various individual-level and relational-level factors are influencing adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Socially and culturally acceptable, comprehensive sexual education should be provided for in-school and out-school adolescents to enhance their knowledge, attitude, and skill about sexual and reproductive health. Interventions at the peer and partner level should be considered to enhance the life skills that enable them to resist pressure from peers and their partners. Child-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health matters should be promoted.

Barriers to the Father-adolescent Sexual Communication: A Cross-sectional Study

Background and Purpose: The majority of research on parent-adolescent sexual communication has predominantly focused on mothers, leaving fathers’ involvement in this matter largely unexplored. Therefore, this study seeks to identify the obstacles hindering sexual communication between fathers and adolescents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 196 fathers of adolescents aged 15 to 19 from August 2020 to January 2021 in northern Iran. A socio-demographic medical information form, a culturally validated parent-adolescent sexual communication barriers questionnaire, and the sexual communication topics between parents and adolescents were used to gather information. A logistic regression test was administered using SPSS software, version 18 to determine the barriers to sexual communication. Results: The mean age was 47.38±5.04 for fathers, 16.79±1.46 for boys, and 17.00±1.30 for girls. The prevalence of father-girl sexual communication (51.1%) was lower than that of father-boy sexual communication (55.8%). The most frequent barriers to fathers’ sexual communication with both genders were the adolescent’s embarrassment and the possibility of provoking their curiosity about sex. The logistic regressions showed that adolescents’ embarrassment and not trusting them and approving of them having sex were barriers to father-adolescent sexual communication (P&lt;0.001). Conversely, adolescents asking more private questions were positive predictors of father-adolescent sexual conversation (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The findings underscore the prevalence of adolescent embarrassment and concerns about sparking curiosity about sex as key obstacles to such communication. Additionally, the results highlight the importance of adolescents feeling trusted and supported by their fathers in discussing sexual topics. These insights emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these barriers and promote healthier, more open communication between fathers and adolescents regarding sexual matters.

Examining Asian Parents' Perspectives and Challenges in Sexual and Reproductive Health Education with Implications for Public Health: A Systematic Review.

In Asian cultures, discussing sexual matters with adolescents is often considered taboo and culturally or religiously sensitive. Due to a lack of knowledge and skills, many parents find approaching such a topic with their children challenging, fearing that raising such an issue will bring concerns about encouraging promiscuity. This systematic review aims to assess evidence on Asian parents' perspectives and practices regarding delivering sexuality information to adolescents. It also seeks to identify the factors that facilitate or hinder the effective delivery of such knowledge. The electronic databases EBSCO-CINAHL, Scopus, and Science Direct were searched using keywords and synonyms such as "sexuality information," "sexuality education," "parent-child," "communication," and "Asian." The studies' quality was assessed using the Mixed-Method Assessment Tool. A comprehensive database search identified 1392 potentially relevant literature sources for this review. Following the application of inclusion criteria, a final set of 16 eligible full-text research articles was selected for inclusion in the review. In most quantitative literature, parents were found to have a good level of knowledge, whereas most qualitative studies reported the opposite, indicating inadequate knowledge. Seven studies highlighted the cultural denial of delivering regarding sexuality, whereas six studies emphasized the need for parental support. Negative experiences, including discomfort, shyness, embarrassment, fear of intimidation, and fearful encounters, were reported in the literature. In conclusion, this review aims to pinpoint gaps and challenges in the delivery of sexuality education among Asian parents, offering valuable insights for public health practitioners and policymakers.

Factors Affecting the Expected Outcomes of Implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education on Learners in Rural Public Secondary Schools of Muchinga Province of Zambia

The study was focused on the factors affecting the expected outcomes of implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education in rural public secondary schools of Muchinga province of Zambia. The main objectives was to identify factors that affects the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education. The research employed Qualitative method. It used interpretivism paradigm. It employed descriptive design which described the state of affairs of Comprehensive Sexuality Education as it existed at the time when the research was conducted. The study sample comprised of headteachers, teachers, parents and learners with the total number of 384. It employed three instruments namely; semi structured interviews for headteachers, teachers, parents and learners, the close ended questionnaires administered on teachers, parents and learners whereas observation checklist was on used to teachers and learners. The study identified various factors for implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education such as; learners having difficulties in sharing experiences to friends who have already been exposed to unhealthy and unsafe sexual experiences, inaccurate information on sexuality matters found on social media, difficulty in understanding some sexuality terms in English, being uncomfortable when learning about private parts which sounds like insults, learners fail to abstain from sexual intercourse after learning instead they opted to experiment what they were learning, inappropriate dress code among some female learners and teachers, inappropriate cultural and traditional practices, such as elopement. Parents who have difficulties in understanding why their children are learning Comprehensive Sexuality Education should be counselled and sensitized by school leaders. It is highly recommended that, the government should develop a deliberate policy of teaching Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a standalone subject and intensify the training of teachers in Comprehensive Sexuality Education using cascading model during in-service and pre-service trainings. The future recommendation from this study was that, A research on exploring the factors affecting the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education and its expected outcomes in selected rural public secondary schools of Muchinga province of Zambia would be worthwise in order to establish the expected outcomes on learners. The same research should be conducted in other rural settings of Muchinga Province.

(138) ARE WE THERE YET? ASSESSING OUR CURRENT STATE OF SEX MED EDUCATION

Abstract Introduction Sexual concerns are prevalent, but studies have demonstrated that patients often feel most comfortable if the clinician initiates the conversation. Many patients are hesitant to discuss sexual concerns with their providers for a variety of reasons including fear of judgment, lack of clinician knowledge, and concerns that these issues are abnormal or unusual. Clinician education plays an important role in helping to facilitate these difficult conversations. However, there has never been a broad assessment of education across medical training programs, while the most recent assessment of MD training programs occurred approximately a decade ago. Objective We set out to create and administer a survey to assess sexual medicine training across most major medical disciplines where sexual health matters may be discussed, including nurse practitioner, midwifery, physician, and physician assistant training. Methods A subcommittee of the ISSWSH Advocacy Committee was formed with members representing the medical disciplines to be surveyed. A survey was developed to gather data on sexual medicine education offered at nursing, midwifery, physician, and physician assistant training programs. The survey included a series of questions regarding content taught during these programs (checklists, open ended responses). The survey was approved by the Wake Forest IRB and distributed using RedCap to various institutions from the above disciplines throughout the United States. Results We received a total of 33 complete responses. 88.5% of respondents stated they used traditional lecture as their teaching method, whilst only 11.5% used simulation, and 7.7% used actual mechanical models. The majority of programs that responded spent 3-5 hours total dedicated to human sexuality and sexual function education. Interestingly, respondents noted that faculty involved in sexual medicine education were mostly OB/GYN in background (63%), followed by family medicine (18.5%) and urology (18.5%). While not all respondents indicated that their students were assessed on their knowledge after teaching, it was noted that the majority of programs that did respond indicated that examination was the most common mode of assessment. Only 33% of institutions noted having a regional or nationally recognized expert in the field. Conclusion It is essential that the accrediting bodies for medical programs incorporate the input of international societies such as ISSWSH (in collaboration with other sexual medicine organizations) to formulate an official statement and recommendations for a standardized curriculum for sexual medicine.