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 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 , Nicolas Lorente , 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

 

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

 

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

Published online 13 September 2024

SH24174Digital technology and self-care in sexual health

Jason J. Ong and Joseph D. Tucker

 

This Editorial highlights recent publications included in a new Collection for 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.

SH24174 Abstract  |  SH24174 Full Text  | SH24174PDF (144 KB)

Published online 09 September 2024

SH23204Fear really comes from the unknowns: exploring the impact of HIV stigma and discrimination on quality of life for people living with HIV in Singapore through the minority stress model

Ritu Jain, Chen Seong Wong and Rayner Kay Jin Tan

 

Our analysis, framed through a minority stress model, reveals distal and proximal stressors relating to living with HIV. Participants had experienced or were aware of institutionalised discrimination towards people living with HIV (PLHIV) across various aspects of their lives. Participants highlighted the role of anticipated stigma and the stress of concealment. An anti-discrimination framework, enforceable by law, on the institutional treatment of PLHIV would address unpredictability, address the manifold unknowns surrounding discriminatory experiences and improve their quality of life.

SH23204 Abstract  | PDF (232 KB) - $35.00 

Published online 09 September 2024

SH24087Where would young people using an online STI testing service want to be treated? A survey of young Australians

Olivia Walsh , Ethan T. Cardwell, Jane S. Hocking , Fabian Y. S. Kong and Teralynn Ludwick

 

With rising STI rates and increased use of online STI testing services by young people, there is a need to strengthen treatment pathways from online services. This survey explored young Australians’ preferences for where to receive injectable antibiotics after receiving a positive result online for gonorrhoea or syphilis. Young people’s service preferences differed by sociodemographic characteristics, suggesting a need for multiple service offerings with an emphasis on convenience, affordability and creating a safe space.

SH24087 Abstract  |  SH24087 Full Text  | SH24087PDF (206 KB)  | SH24087Supplementary Material (755 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 August 2024

SH23190Sexual mixing in bisexual activity in male–male partnerships in Melbourne, Australia

Hayden A. Griffiths , Christopher K. Fairley , Jason J. Ong , Eric P. F. Chow and Tiffany R. Phillips

 

This retrospective data analysis included 2056 male–male partnerships attending an urban sexual health clinic in Melbourne. We found that one in 20 male–male partnerships had at least one man who had both same-sex and opposite-sex partners within the preceding year. There is no assortative relationship in sexual mixing by bisexuality, suggesting bisexual men do not specifically choose other bisexual men as their sexual partners.

SH23190 Abstract  |  SH23190 Full Text  | SH23190PDF (213 KB)  | SH23190Supplementary Material (623 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 August 2024

SH24098Social-ecological factors associated with trajectories of adolescent sexual and reproductive health stigma: longitudinal cohort findings with urban refugee youth in Kampala

Carmen H. Logie , Moses Okumu , Frannie MacKenzie , Daniel Kibuuka-Musoke , Robert Hakiza , Brenda Katisi , Aidah Nakitende , Lawrence Mbuagbaw , Peter Kyambadde and Zerihun Admassu

 

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) stigma targets youth who are sexually active, parenting and/or seeking SRH services, and presents barriers to accessing SRH services. We examined trajectories of adolescent SRH stigma over 2 years among urban refugee youth in Uganda. We found two trajectories of adolescent SRH stigma – consistently high and sustained low – and unemployment, having children, recent multiple sex partners, higher depression and living in Uganda longer were associated with the consistently high adolescent SRH stigma trajectory.

SH24098 Abstract  | PDF (238 KB) - $35.00 

Published online 27 August 2024

SH24097Development and acceptability of a digital tool for promoting syphilis testing in Australian general practice: qualitative study using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability

Barbara Hunter, Jane S. Hocking , Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis, Jun Jung , Rebecca Wigan, Marcus Y. Chen, Douglas Boyle, Christine Chidgey, Heather O’Donnell and Jane L. Goller

 

Syphilis infection and congenital syphilis has increased substantially in Australia. Timely diagnosis and management can reduce transmission and complications. We developed and implemented a digital tool to promote syphilis testing in general practice, finding it was acceptable to clinicians and alerted some to updated guidelines who expanded their sexually transmissible infection testing practices to routinely include syphilis.

SH24097 Abstract  |  SH24097 Full Text  | SH24097PDF (260 KB)  | SH24097Supplementary Material (755 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 19 August 2024

SH24083Associations between antibacterial mouthwash use with sexual behaviours and sexually transmitted infections among Chinese men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study

Yawu Hu , Rui Zhao , Gaixia Li, Yi Liu, Fang Lu, Bingyang She, Min Zhao and Lei Zhang

 

Mouthwash is a commonly used product with the potential to prevent the transmission of STIs. Our results found that frequent mouthwash use was associated with lower chlamydia prevalence, lower condom use and more sexual partners, suggesting potential STIs prevention among men who have sex with men. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms.

SH24083 Abstract  | PDF (316 KB) - $35.00 

Published online 15 August 2024

SH24056Global, regional, and national burdens of HIV/AIDS acquired through sexual transmission 1990–2019: an observational study

Xinsheng Wu, Xinyi Zhou, Yuanyi Chen, Yi-Fan Lin, Yuwei Li, Leiwen Fu, Qi Liu and Huachun Zou

 

HIV/AIDS acquired through sexual transmission remains a major contributor to global burden of health. We used the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to estimate the global burden of HIV/AIDS acquired through sexual transmission in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019, and we found it accounted for ~695.8 thousand deaths and 36.4 million disability-adjusted life years in 2019. Efforts should be made to improve access to education and contraceptives in high-risk regions.

SH24056 Abstract  | PDF (2 MB) - $35.00   | SH24056Supplementary Material (2.2 MB)

Published online 13 August 2024

SH24006Key findings from the 2023 ‘ACT NOW on Global HIV Migration, Mobility and Health Equity’ community forum

N. Wells , J. J. Ong , L. Stackpool-Moore, Melissa Warner, D. J. Carter, R. McGoldrick, A. Wlodek, B. Riley, J. Holland, D. Heath-Paynter, A. Stratigos, E. Murphy, D. Haerry, M. Parczewski, M. Poonkasetwattana, N. Medland , S. Wade and B. Allan

 

People living with HIV experience laws and policies that negatively impact their potential for travel and migration. We report on key themes from a half-day community forum held as part of the 2023 12th International AIDS Society Conference in Brisbane, Australia. Recommendations are made to remove unfair migration policies that contribute to HIV-related stigma, and an update to migration policies to reflect the current context and cost of biomedical approaches to HIV management and prevention.

SH24006 Abstract  |  SH24006 Full Text  | SH24006PDF (230 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 August 2024

SHv21n4absAbstracts from the 25th IUSTI World Congress incorporating the Australasian Sexual and Reproductive Health Conference

 

SHv21n4abs Abstract  |  SHv21n4abs Full Text  | SHv21n4absPDF (2.8 MB)

Published online 29 July 2024

SH24105Patient-delivered partner therapy for chlamydia: health practitioner views on updated guidance in Victoria, Australia

Chloe Warda , Helen Bittleston , Jacqueline Coombe , Heather O’Donnell, Jane S. Hocking and Jane L. Goller

 

Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) involves providing a prescription or medication to a patient with chlamydia to pass to their sexual partner/s, but clinicians have expressed uncertainty about its permissibility and integration into practice. We surveyed clinician perspectives on updated health authority guidance for PDPT; finding they largely viewed it as supportive for PDPT decision-making and addressed some practical barriers. Low awareness of the updated guidance, and medico-legal concerns, for some, highlight scope for further dissemination and clarification of PDPT permissibility.

SH24105 Abstract  |  SH24105 Full Text  | SH24105PDF (360 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 July 2024

SH24058The impact of Chatbot-Assisted Self Assessment (CASA) on intentions for sexual health screening in people from minoritised ethnic groups at risk of sexually transmitted infections

Tom Nadarzynski , Nicky Knights, Deborah Husbands, Cynthia A. Graham, Carrie D. Llewellyn, Tom Buchanan, Ian Montgomery, Nuha Khlafa, Jana Tichackova, Riliwan Odeyemi, Samantha Johnson, Neomi Jesuthas, Syeda Tahia and Damien Ridge

 

Health disparities remain a pressing issue globally, and Chatbot-Assisted Self Assessment (CASA) may enhance sexual health screening intentions among minoritised ethnic groups at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This innovative study reveals that CASA significantly boosts screening intentions, alleviates concerns about STIs, and fosters positive attitudes towards sexual health screening. Importantly, these findings underscore the potential of artificial intelligence to bridge gaps in health care and contribute to the broader goal of achieving health equity, particularly in underserved communities.

SH24058 Abstract  |  SH24058 Full Text  | SH24058PDF (633 KB)

More content

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.

SH24027, Accepted 14 August 2024

Can network-based testing services have an impact beyond testing for HIV?

Aliza Monroe-Wise , Magdalena Barr-DiChiara, Antons Mozalevskis, Busisiwe Msimanga-Radebe, Maeve Brito de Mello, Kafui Senya, Niklas Luhmann, Cheryl Johnson and Rachel Baggaley

 

SH24027Abstract

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