Cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer among Sri Lankan women and knowing its aetiology, detection and prevention is important. This study assessed the knowledge of cervical cancer, its aetiology, prevention and screening among a group of urban Sri Lankan women, which revealed to be low but with favourable attitudes to take up screening. This study highlights the importance of a comprehensive education program to the public.

Despite heterosexuals representing the majority of HIV cases worldwide and an important segment of cases in the US, limited research has been conducted to understand barriers and facilitators of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adoption. Drawing from the Theory of Planned Behaviour, we used cross sectional surveys to understand how theoretical constructs affect PrEP intentions in a diverse sample of heterosexuals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Low perceived HIV risk, as well as PrEP-related attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control differentially influenced intention and are potential targets for interventions to increase PrEP adoption in this population.

Sexual dysfunction which can affect sexual quality of life (QOL) is common after hysterectomy. This study proved the effects of the EX-PLISSIT model of counselling on sexual function and sexual QOL of women after hysterectomy. The training of knowledgeable and empowered health care professionals in the field of sexology would increase QOL of women after gynaecological surgeries.

There is limited information about the health and wellbeing of male sex workers in Australia and elsewhere. As part of a larger study involving sex workers in Western Australia, this study aimed to investigate the health and wellbeing of male sex workers. Generally, sex work enhanced the wellbeing of study participants, but stigma and discrimination and uncertainty about income negatively impacted on their wellbeing.

Anal cancer is a growing problem among gay and bisexual men. Low levels of awareness and knowledge were found in a group of over 1000 men recruited through an online survey. Opportunities exist to increase community level awareness and when gay and bisexual men attend health services for routine attendances.

Best practice care is essential for women at risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) that can follow sexually transmissible infections. We investigated PID diagnosis time trends in a sexual health clinic after a clinical audit and found that increasing PID diagnosis rates were explained by a greater risk profile of female patients. While clinical audit can inform clinical practice, redesigning services can improve capacity and efficiencies.

Syphilis continues to be a public health challenge and prevention methods need to be investigated. The aim of the study was to use mathematical modelling to project syphilis trends and assess the possible effect of several interventions, such as increasing syphilis testing. The findings highlight that frequent testing remains crucial to prevent new syphilis cases, particularly as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis use increases and condom use decreases.

This study assessed implementation of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in Thai public secondary schools. Implementation of CSE was incomprehensive and inconsistent; emphasis was primarily on biology and negative consequences of sex, in particular preventing adolescent pregnancy. Topics related to human rights, gender equality, and sexual and gender diversity were not addressed sufficiently, reflecting the challenges of providing CSE in school settings where society’s political and sociocultural norms are imposed and traditional pedagogical ways have remained dominant.

Sexually transmissible infections (STI) during pregnancy increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Even when treated, reinfection may occur. Disclosure to and treatment of sexual partners reduces STI transmission and reinfection. We assessed motivating and enabling factors influencing disclosure practices of HIV-infected pregnant women participating in a STI testing and treatment intervention. To optimise the impact and effectiveness of STI testing and treatment, disclosure counselling and support must be included.

Women are a minority group of the population living with HIV in Australia and are underrepresented in research so their needs remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to characterise the demographic, clinical and reproductive features among women living with HIV in Australia. This study found that >90% of women are on treatment and have a suppressed viral load however the most common co-morbidity reported was mental health (anxiety and depression) and should be a focus for future research and interventions.

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) have reached record high rates indicating the need for improved prevention and treatment, including expedited partner therapy (EPT). This Internet-based survey of pharmacist staff highlighted inconsistent knowledge of EPT between staff and identified barriers to using EPT at the pharmacy. Addressing these knowledge deficits and barriers is vital to improving the use of EPT which will help combat the rising rates of STIs.

The rate of reported US gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases has increased; most people infected do not receive proper screening. This study explores the acceptability of self-collecting pharyngeal swabs for sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing among men and women. Providing patients with self-collection pharyngeal swabs could increase screening for asymptomatic individuals and test more people who are reluctant to visit a clinic.