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Sexual Health

Sexual Health

Sexual Health publishes contributions on sexual health from the widest perspectives including HIV/AIDS, STIs, issues of sexuality, and reproductive health. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Jason Ong and Joseph Tucker

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Sexual Health has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 16 July 2024

SH24049Obesity and sexual health trends among a large, national sample of men who have sex with men on Grindr in the USA

Michael Zaliznyak 0000-0001-7242-2307, Manuel Gonzales and Thomas W. Gaither
 

Men who have sex with men (MSM) suffer from health disparities at higher rates than men who have sex with women, which combined with the well understood association between obesity and poor health outcomes, calls attention to the unique health considerations of MSM with obesity. Mobile applications, such as Grindr, can be a valuable source of information on sociological predictors of health among MSM. We aimed to describe differences in the use of Grindr between MSM with and without obesity, and to use Grindr information to reveal trends that may serve as potential predictors of health. Our study highlights important trends that may serve as predictors of health in urban settings. These findings may be useful in informing providers and healthcare officials on when and how to provide outreach to this unique population.

SH24049 Abstract  | PDF (228 KB) - $35.00   | SH24049Supplementary Material (976 KB)
Published online 15 July 2024

SH24066First-line treatment with ceftriaxone for Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection less likely to be prescribed to patients with a penicillin allergy label: a retrospective audit of medical records

E. Durban 0009-0000-8726-8111, K. English 0000-0001-7345-0465, R. Evans and S. Martin 0000-0002-9325-1647
 

Although designed to protect patients, the penicillin allergy label on medical records is associated with increased use of less effective, more toxic and more expensive antibiotics. This study found that patients with the label were significantly less likely to receive first-line treatment (ceftriaxone) for gonorrhoea infection, even if they were likely able to tolerate the antibiotic. This impact on antibiotic prescribing is detrimental to patient care, healthcare costs and antimicrobial stewardship, and may occur in other jurisdictions, populations and care settings.

SH24066 Abstract  |  SH24066 Full Text  | SH24066PDF (210 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 July 2024

SH24043Validity, reliability and factor structure of the Female Sexual Well-Being Scale in married Iranian women

Farzaneh Ashrafinia 0000-0002-2697-4108, Nouzar Nakhaee, Hui Chen, Erika L. Kelley and Omolbanin Heydari
 

Understanding women’s sexual well-being is critical to their overall quality of life. This study presents the Iranian adaptation of the Women’s Sexual Well-Being Scale and assesses its cross-cultural comparability. The Women’s Sexual Well-Being Scale can contribute to the development of targeted interventions, policy making and overall improvement in sexual health outcomes, particularly the Persian version for Iranian women.

SH24043 Abstract  | PDF (702 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 03 July 2024

SH24021Providing sexual health care for international students in Australia: a qualitative study of a general practice team approach

Sanjyot Vagholkar 0000-0002-1002-3623, Janani Mahadeva, Yang Xiang, Jiadai Li and Melissa Kang 0000-0002-9438-2518
 

Research has shown that there is a need for culturally responsive sexual and reproductive health care for international students from China. This study evaluated a team-based model of care that involved a practice nurse who spoke Mandarin, and had advanced skills in sexual health care, who provided preventive care advice followed by a consultation with a GP. The model was well received by both patients and GPs; however, the challenge is finding appropriate mechanisms of funding for this model of care in Australian general practice.

SH24021 Abstract  |  SH24021 Full Text  | SH24021PDF (331 KB)  | SH24021Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 July 2024

SH24037A typology of HIV self-testing support systems: a scoping review

Arron Tran 0009-0007-2800-0941, Nghiep Tran, James Tapa, Warittha Tieosapjaroen 0000-0001-9712-9262, Christopher K. Fairley 0000-0001-9081-1664, Eric P. F. Chow 0000-0003-1766-0657, Lei Zhang 0000-0003-2343-084X, Rachel C. Baggaley, Cheryl C. Johnson, Muhammad S. Jamil and Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403
 

The success of HIV self-testing requires the user to accurately use the self-test, interpret the result, and be linked to relevant follow-up services. We summarised the systems and tools that have been used to support users through the self-testing process (‘support systems’), and found a diverse range of support systems, including pictorial instructions, in-person support, and virtual tools. We have developed a typology to categorise these support systems, which can be used as a framework for further research.

SH24037 Abstract  |  SH24037 Full Text  | SH24037PDF (556 KB)  | SH24037Supplementary Material (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 July 2024

SH24041Sexual risk and testing for sexually transmissible infections in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous young South Australians: results of an online survey

Stephen Harfield 0000-0002-6283-2350, Salenna Elliott, Federica Barzi, Kiara Minto 0000-0001-9758-5401, Judith A. Dean 0000-0002-2513-2013 and James Ward
 

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) rates among young Australians are increasing with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples disproportionately affected. Similar patterns of key risk behaviours, and greater engagement in sexual health care among young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, refute suggestions that higher STI rates are caused by this population engaging in more risky behaviour compared to their non-Indigenous peers. Social determinants of health and STI rates among sexual networks should be priorities for future research and intervention.

SH24041 Abstract  |  SH24041 Full Text  | SH24041PDF (411 KB)  | SH24041Supplementary Material (634 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 June 2024

SH23182Time trends in positive gonorrhoea diagnoses at the Christchurch Sexual Health Service (2012–2022): a data audit study

Hayley J. Denison 0000-0003-1727-3745, Julie Creighton, Jeroen Douwes, Maureen Coshall and Heather Young
 

Gonorrhoea incidence is rising, and international studies have found that extragenital gonorrhoea positivity has increased at a faster rate than urogenital positivity among men who have sex with men. Data about extragenital gonorrhoea infection in New Zealand is lacking. Using data from a sexual health service, this study shows that extragenital infection is common, occurs without urogenital infection at high rates, and has increased at a faster rate than urogenital infection among males, highlighting the importance of extragenital sampling.

SH23182 Abstract  |  SH23182 Full Text  | SH23182PDF (210 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 June 2024

SH24064Sustaining sexual health programs: practical considerations and lessons from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181, Suzanne Day, Ucheoma C. Nwaozuru, Chisom Obiezu-Umeh, Oliver Ezechi, Kelechi Chima, Chibeka Mukuka, Juliet Iwelunmor, Rachel Sturke and Susan Vorkoper
 

Practical tools to enhance the sustainability of sexual health programs are needed. Early planning, strong community engagement, consideration of financing, and multi-sectoral partnerships can all be used to increase sustainability. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief demonstrates several of these lessons in the context of global sexual health programs.

SH24064 Abstract  |  SH24064 Full Text  | SH24064PDF (211 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 June 2024

SH23192Improving preparedness for introducing and scaling up long-acting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Asia

Benjamin R. Bavinton 0000-0001-5834-8278, Heather-Marie A. Schmidt, Stephen Mills and Nittaya Phanuphak 0000-0002-0036-3165
 

In June 2023, a roundtable of experts and stakeholders was held in Singapore focusing on the introduction of long-acting formulations of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Asia, particularly long-acting injectable cabotegravir. This paper describes issues discussed at the roundtable related to preparedness in research and implementation science, product licensing and accessibility, and capacity readiness for scale-up of long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis and future pre-exposure prophylaxis products.

SH23192 Abstract  |  SH23192 Full Text  | SH23192PDF (167 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 June 2024

SH24033What young women (aged 24–29 years) in Australia think about self-collection for cervical screening: a brief report

Claire M. Zammit 0000-0002-3199-6715, Alexandra Brooks, Julia M. L. Brotherton 0000-0002-2304-3105 and Claire E. Nightingale 0000-0002-4103-6240
 

Now available for the first time to young women and people with a cervix (aged 25–29 years), self-collection cervical screening is a safe, accurate and easy method to complete regular cervical screening without the use of a speculum. However, the best ways to communicate and promote self-collection to this age group has not been researched. This is important, because self-collection creates a positive screening experience, and will encourage young people to continue screening throughout their life, ultimately preventing cervical cancer.

SH24033 Abstract  |  SH24033 Full Text  | SH24033PDF (178 KB)  | SH24033Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 May 2024

SH240172023 Undetectable = Untransmittable global policy roundtable report: a multistakeholder perspective on Undetectable = Untransmittable research and policy priorities

N. Wells 0000-0002-2827-8480, B. Richman, D. Grace 0000-0002-9032-3959, B. Riley, C. Hui 0000-0002-6569-7422, L. Vojnov, L. Stackpool-Moore, J. J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, A. Dowell-Day and B. Allan
 

The ‘Undetectable = Untransmittable’ (U=U) campaign aims to empower people living with HIV. Key priorities for U=U policy and research were the focus of a half-day global roundtable held alongside the 2023 International AIDS Society conference. There is a need to include all priority populations in U=U policy and promotion. Adopting language of ‘zero risk’, was identified as crucial when describing U=U. Addressing structural barriers to HIV care is vital to ensure the full benefits of U=U are realised.

SH24017 Abstract  |  SH24017 Full Text  | SH24017PDF (215 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 May 2024

SH24019Interventions aimed at increasing syphilis screening among non-pregnant individuals in healthcare settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Leah Moncrieff 0009-0006-7671-6808, Morgan O’Reilly, Leanne Hall and Clare Heal
 

Syphilis, a pressing public health issue with severe potential complications, demands increased targeted screening interventions, especially among high-risk populations. This review examines a range of approaches, revealing technology-driven methods and linked syphilis screening with HIV monitoring particularly promising. Implementing successful, feasible and cost-effective interventions has the potential to enhance syphilis detection leading to prompt treatment, better patient outcomes and reduced community transmission.

SH24019 Abstract  |  SH24019 Full Text  | SH24019PDF (763 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 May 2024

SH23211Early sexual experiences of adolescent men who have sex with men

Chen Wang 0009-0004-2699-0660, Christopher K. Fairley 0000-0001-9081-1664, Rebecca Wigan, Suzanne M. Garland, Catriona S. Bradshaw, Marcus Y. Chen and Eric P. F. Chow 0000-0003-1766-0657
 

This study documents adolescent men who have sex with men aged between 16 and 20 years and assesses the magnitude of change in sexual practice and trajectory in this population. Compared to an earlier study cohort, the median age at first sex was slightly increased in this cohort and there was a small delay in first-sex activity. This study elicits evidence of changes in sexual practice which could translate into targeted sexually transmitted infections prevention strategies.

SH23211 Abstract  |  SH23211 Full Text  | SH23211PDF (657 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 May 2024

SH24025Adolescents’ pornography viewing frequency and its relationship with condom attitudes

Emily F. Galper 0000-0002-7986-1107, Laura Widman 0000-0001-8117-5467, Julia Brasileiro 0000-0001-6936-6965 and Seth M. Noar 0000-0002-3453-5391
 

Engaging in a critical exploration of adolescent behaviour, this study delves into the relationship between pornography viewing frequency and condom attitudes. Investigating 457 adolescents aged 13–18 years old, we found that those who viewed pornography more frequently exhibited more negative attitudes towards condoms. Notably, irrespective of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or sexual activity status, this relationship persisted, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and experimental studies to enhance pornography literacy among adolescents.

SH24025 Abstract  | PDF (229 KB) - $35.00   | SH24025Supplementary Material (540 KB)
Published online 20 May 2024

SH24022Barriers to sexual health care for sexually diverse Muslim men: a scoping review

Muhammad Naveed Noor 0000-0002-7847-6637, Souradet Shaw, Janice Linton and Robert Lorway
 

We provide a synthesis of research on access to sexual health care to sexually diverse Muslim men. Our results showed that a range of intersecting individual, interpersonal, healthcare system-related, and structural factors collectively work to produce contexts where it becomes difficult for sexually diverse Muslim men to access sexual healthcare services. Intensive research and advocacy efforts are required to improve sexually diverse Muslim men’s access to sexual health care, for countries to achieve HIV prevention goals.

SH24022 Abstract  | PDF (583 KB) - $35.00   | SH24022Supplementary Material (1.3 MB)

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Collections

Emerging Sexual and Reproductive Health in Australia and New Zealand: Gaps, Challenges and Solutions

We are pleased to present this Collection on emerging topics in sexual and reproductive health in Australia and New Zealand. This collection of research articles underscores the pressing significance of addressing sexual and reproductive health matters, inviting an in-depth examination of challenges, solutions, and innovative approaches.

Collection Editors
Tiffany Phillips, Eric Chow and Jacqueline Coombe

Last Updated: 14 Sep 2023

STIs in MSM - long and the short of it

This Collection includes papers on rising rates of specific STIs in MSM, possible explanations for the rises, ways to improve surveillance and ways to prevent STIs. It also highlights a number of key papers relating to HPV-associated malignancies and potential approaches to reducing these. Fortunately for young MSM, at least Australia’s national childhood HPV vaccination program will prevent virtually all HPV-related malignancies.

Last Updated: 14 Jun 2017

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