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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 is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 21 November 2024

SH24143Community-engaged strategies to improve sexual health services for adults aged 45 and above in the United Kingdom: a qualitative data analysis

Michel Nunez, Yoshiko Sakuma 0009-0004-3751-0837, Hayley Conyers 0000-0002-2059-0402, Suzanne Day, Fern Terris-Prestholt, Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, Stephen W. Pan, Tom Shakespeare, Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181, Eneyi E. Kpokiri 0000-0003-1180-1439 and Dan Wu 0000-0003-0415-5467
 

Sexual health research and community engagement projects often focus on youth and neglect middle-aged and older adults. This research demonstrates that crowdsourcing open calls and co-creation activities focused on sexual health are feasible among middle-aged and older adults, including those with disabilities. Key findings from this study suggest that improving sexual health services for middle-aged and older adults must be addressed at various levels of healthcare service delivery.

This article belongs to the collection: Sexual health among older adults: A multi-disciplinary collection.

SH24143 Abstract  |  SH24143 Full Text  | SH24143PDF (866 KB)  | SH24143Supplementary Material (26.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 November 2024

SH24094Relationship status and sexual health service engagement among young people in the United Kingdom: a cross-sectional survey study

Jack Large, Selma Vieira, Cora Sargeant, Clare Scholfield and Heather L. Armstrong 0000-0002-1071-8644
 

Sexual health service engagement among young people is important and needs may vary depending on relationship status. We explored use of five different sexual health services and found that, in general, engagement was low and those in relationships were more likely to have used services for free condoms, to start the pill, and for pregnancy testing. Healthcare and relationship and sexual education providers should encourage all young people to engage with sexual health services, whatever their relationship status.

SH24094 Abstract  | PDF (223 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 12 November 2024

SH23195Perceptions, experiences and concerns with sexually transmitted infections among current and former PrEP users: a longitudinal qualitative study of gay, bisexual and queer men in Canada

Emerich Daroya 0000-0003-2024-4240, Alex Wells, Mark Gaspar, Jad Sinno, Mark Hull, Nathan J. Lachowsky, Darrell H. S. Tan and Daniel Grace 0000-0002-9032-3959
 

PrEP has been attributed to increased rates of STIs due to condomless anal sex, but little is known about how gay, bisexual and queer men (GBQM) perceive PrEP and STIs and how these perceptions influence sexual behaviours. This study is the first longitudinal qualitative research that explores the experiences and attitudes of GBQM using PrEP in Canada. Understanding GBQM’s perspectives can inform the development of more effective strategies to promote safer sexual practices and mitigate the spread of STIs within and beyond GBQM communities.

SH23195 Abstract  |  SH23195 Full Text  | SH23195PDF (276 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 12 November 2024

SH24137Sexual health in an aging world: a global call to action for more resilient services for older and disabled adults

Sophia Randazzo, Suzanne Day, Isabella Kritzer, Huachun Zou 0000-0002-8161-7576, Hayley Conyers, Yoshiko Sakuma, Dan Wu 0000-0003-0415-5467, Eneyi E. Kpokiri 0000-0003-1180-1439, Lianne Gonsalves and Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181
 

Many sexual health services neglect older adults, defined here as people 60 years and older. Physicians sometimes assume that older adults do not have sex. This editorial describes why we should focus more on the sexual health of older adults. More research, programs, and policies are needed to support sexual health among older people.

This article belongs to the Collection Sexual health among older adults: A multi-disciplinary collection.

SH24137 Abstract  |  SH24137 Full Text  | SH24137PDF (160 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 12 November 2024

SH24018Prescribing pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention: a cross-sectional survey of general practitioners in Australia

Jason Wu 0009-0002-6175-5784, Christopher K. Fairley 0000-0001-9081-1664, Daniel Grace 0000-0002-9032-3959, Benjamin R. Bavinton 0000-0001-5834-8278, Doug Fraser, Curtis Chan 0000-0002-9581-1011, Eric P. F. Chow 0000-0003-1766-0657 and Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403
 

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication used to stop people from acquiring the HIV virus and is a key part of reducing HIV rates worldwide. We investigated the Australian GP perspective on PrEP, and found half of our participants lacked knowledge on PrEP, half were not confident prescribing it, and key barriers were difficulty identifying suitable patients and lack of time. GPs need support to provide PrEP, with paid training and Medicare item numbers that encourage PrEP prescribing.

SH24018 Abstract  |  SH24018 Full Text  | SH24018PDF (248 KB)  | SH24018Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 November 2024

SH23188Rising incidence of gonorrhea in Taiwan amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide surveillance study

Hsing-Yuan Chen, Yi-Hsiang Sung, Chung-Chu Chen 0000-0003-4415-7811, Shun-Long Weng, Bo-Huang Liou, Chun-Yan Yeung, Chi-Hone Lien, Chao-Hsu Lin, Hsin Chi, Liang-Yen Lin, Nan-Chang Chiu and Chien-Yu Lin 0000-0003-4630-8724
 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, societal shifts prompted a retrospective study on sexually transmitted infections in Taiwan. Gonorrhea cases surged despite pandemic measures, contrasting declines in syphilis, HIV, and enterovirus during the pandemic. This highlights gonorrhea’s resilience and calls for deeper investigations into its dynamics amid crises. The study underscores the complexity of public health management during pandemics and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive surveillance.

SH23188 Abstract  | PDF (876 KB) - $35.00   | SH23188Supplementary Material (2.1 MB)
Published online 04 November 2024

SH24067Telehealth for HIV care and management among people living with HIV in Australia: results from an online survey

Juan Martinez-Andres 0000-0001-6661-1689, Christopher K. Fairley 0000-0001-9081-1664, Timothy Krulic, Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, Louise Owen, Anna McNulty 0000-0003-3174-1242, Melanie Bissessor, Caroline Thng 0000-0002-1457-1539, Charlotte Bell, Mahesh Ratnayake, Dean Murphy 0000-0003-2752-7091, Eric P. F. Chow 0000-0003-1766-0657 and Tiffany R. Phillips 0000-0001-6920-7710
 

As a consequence of COVID-19, sexual health clinics in Australia adopted the use of telehealth for the routine care of people living with HIV. Telehealth has been positively evaluated among this population. Hybrid models between in-person and telehealth conjunction were suggested for the future care model.

SH24067 Abstract  |  SH24067 Full Text  | SH24067PDF (238 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 October 2024

SH24057Trends in high-risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical cytology of women in Karamay City, 2012–2021

Xiaoping Jia, Min Jiang, Jing Zhou and Cailing Ma 0000-0001-9049-5833
 

In the past 10 years, the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection has shown a decreasing trend, whereas the detection prevalence of cervical lesions has shown an upward trend among women in Karamay City, China. Importantly, particular emphasis should be placed on cervical cancer screening in women aged >55 years.

SH24057 Abstract  |  SH24057 Full Text  | SH24057PDF (900 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 October 2024

SH24045Stigma, support, and messaging for people recently diagnosed with HIV: a qualitative study

Loretta M. Healey 0000-0002-5718-861X, Shirin R. Markham, David J. Templeton, Lionel Rabie and Anthony K. J. Smith 0000-0002-0005-9542
 

Despite improvements in treatment, there remain important gaps in quality of life for people recently diagnosed with HIV. Through interviews with people diagnosed with HIV between 2016 and 2021 at a sexual health clinic in Sydney, Australia, this study aimed to understand experiences of recent diagnosis and care. Findings suggest that more opportunities for discussions about sex and dating in early years of diagnosis and checking understandings of key health messages may promote improved care and quality of life.

SH24045 Abstract  |  SH24045 Full Text  | SH24045PDF (238 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 October 2024

SH24096Parents’ attitudes and response to their child’s pornography consumption in Australia: cross-sectional survey

Megan S. C. Lim 0000-0003-3136-6761, Eleanor R. Johnson 0009-0009-6715-1448 and Michelle H. Raggatt
 

We found that one in four parents were aware that their child had seen pornography. Fewer than half had ever spoken to their child about pornography. Parents believe that educating children about pornography is important, but they require support to do this with their children.

SH24096 Abstract  | PDF (430 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 10 October 2024

SH24178Transactional sex and its associated factors among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Nepal

Md. Safaet Hossain Sujan 0000-0003-0313-2423, Kiran Paudel, Kamal Gautam, Antoine Khati, Jeffrey Wickersham, Manisha Dhakal, Toan Ha and Roman Shrestha
 

Globally, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are at higher risk for HIV and STIs due to behaviours such as condomless sex and multiple sexual partners. GBMSM engaging in transactional sex heightens the risk of these occurrences. The study examines the prevalence and factors associated with transactional sex among GBMSM in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, revealing that 16.4% of participants engaged in transactional sex in the past 6 months. Key factors include financial dependants and police detention, whereas condomless sex was less likely among those engaging in transactional sex. The findings underscore the need for targeted sexual health interventions and policies tailored to the specific needs of this high-risk group.

SH24178 Abstract  | PDF (309 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 07 October 2024

SH24144Pelvic myofascial pain is associated with restriction of sexual activity in women with pelvic pain: a cross-sectional study

Sara R. Till 0000-0001-6790-132X, Andrew Schrepf and Sawsan As-Sanie
 

Painful intercourse and sexual dysfunction are very common among patients with chronic pelvic pain conditions. Pelvic myofascial pain is strongly associated with painful intercourse that leads to restriction of sexual activity, even after accounting for other factors that are commonly associated with painful intercourse and sexual dysfunction, such as endometriosis and depression. Prompt assessment for pelvic myofascial pain via a comprehensive, standardised pelvic floor muscle exam can facilitate timely and effective treatment for patients who report painful intercourse.

SH24144 Abstract  | PDF (330 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 17 September 2024

SH23112Sex work, syndemic conditions and condomless anal intercourse among men who have sex with men who engage in sex work in Latin America

Ibrahim Sönmez 0000-0001-8941-0468, Nicolas Lorente 0000-0002-5320-1493, Jocelyn Mesías-Gazmuri, Axel J. Schmidt, Kai J. Jonas, Valeria Stuardo Avila, Ulrich Marcus, Maria Amelia Veras, Jordi Casabona Barbarà and Cinta Folch
 

Men who engage in sex work are disproportionately affected by conditions that worsen their sexual health. We sought to investigate how certain conditions influence having many non-steady condomless sex partners, and we found that polydrug use, homophobic abuse and alcohol dependency are important conditions that may worsen the sexual health of male sex workers. There is an interplay between contextual and behavioural factors that impact prevention efforts, and this needs to be considered for the global health of men who sell sex.

SH23112 Abstract  | PDF (448 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 17 September 2024

SH24130Exploring midwives’ training needs and preferences for providing sexual health education for pregnant women: a mixed-methods study

Xiaolan Xie, Jie Li, Xiaojiao Wang, Surui Liang, Xiuming Zhong and Wenzhi Cai 0000-0002-2354-5199
 

Midwives play a crucial part in providing comprehensive care for pregnant women, yet many feel unprepared to address sexual health issues. Our study reveals that the majority of midwives in Guangdong Province are eager for more training in sexual health education, with a strong preference for online courses. Enhancing midwives’ knowledge in this area can significantly improve the quality of care and support for pregnant women, ensuring their overall wellbeing.

SH24130 Abstract  | PDF (212 KB) - $35.00   | SH24130Supplementary Material (1 MB)
Published online 16 September 2024

SH24068Women living with HIV: identifying and managing their menopause, age-related, and psychosocial health needs in a metropolitan sexual health service in Sydney, Australia

Zoe Y. Huang, Rachel M. Burdon, Rachael Thomas and Vincent J. Cornelisse 0000-0003-0657-9677
 

Aging women living with HIV are significantly affected by menopause and age-related comorbidities, yet international and Australian clinical guidance is scarce. Our study identified gaps in the clinical care for women living with HIV. Consequently, our service has implemented a clinical reference tool for women living with HIV, with sections dedicated to reproductive health, menopause symptoms, and psychological wellbeing. We argue that Australian clinicial guidelines should include comprehensive management of women living with HIV.

SH24068 Abstract  |  SH24068 Full Text  | SH24068PDF (216 KB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Sexual health among older adults: A multi-disciplinary collection

Older adults (people 60 years and older) are often neglected in sexual health research, programs, and services. This special collection addresses this gap in the literature, drawing on a wide range of perspectives.

Collection Editors
Lianne Gonsalves (World Health Organization)
Dan Wu (Nanjing Medical University)
Eneyi Kpokiri (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
Titilola Gbaja-Biamila (Washington University in St Louis)
Huachun Zou (Fudan University)
Reena Rajasuriar (University Malaya Medical Centre)
Maggie L. Syme (Mass General Brigham)

Last Updated: 21 Nov 2024

Hidden gems in Sexual Health: the use of technology to improve the control of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

This Collection highlights some recent publications in Sexual Health on using technology to optimise sexual health. By leveraging innovations such as rapid diagnostic tools, mobile health (mHealth), self-testing and artificial-intelligence-powered tools, we can empower individuals to take control of their sexual health, reducing risks and enhancing accessibility.

All papers in this collection are free to read for three months, from 13 September 2024.

Collection Editors
Jason Ong and Joseph Tucker

Last Updated: 13 Sep 2024

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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