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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 24 February 2025

SH24071Determinants of intention to test for sexually transmitted infections among late adolescent women in the United States

Alyssa M. Lederer 0000-0002-9430-0287 and Callie Patterson Perry
 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common and consequential among young people in the United States, especially late adolescent women, but STI testing rates are low. This research identified beliefs associated with STI testing, with the primary finding that the Reasoned Action Approach, a prominent health behavior theory, is a useful framework for understanding influential factors. Study results should be integrated into future interventions to improve STI testing among young women in the United States, thereby improving sexual health outcomes.

SH24071 Abstract  | PDF (586 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 24 February 2025

SH24152Australian veteran sexual health: ‘…you are the first person I’ve spoken to about it.’

Kosta Douvos 0009-0002-9850-3804, Louise Bourchier 0000-0003-0617-2690, Meredith J. Temple-Smith and Sue Malta
 

Veterans experience poor sexual health and functioning outcomes due to the physical, psychological and social costs of military service, as well as the transition back to civilian life and its associated obstacles. Although research in other countries explores the sexual health of veterans, there is limited research in the Australian context. Our study found that although Australian veterans experience significant difficulties in the domain of sexual health, this area is not often on the radar of healthcare and research professionals.

SH24152 Abstract  |  SH24152 Full Text  | SH24152PDF (282 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 February 2025

SH24088Enhancing future HIV services through telehealth services: an observational study to explore telehealth adoption and usage for HIV prevention and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic

Chen Seong Wong, Anwar Hashim, Sejun Park, Nittaya Phanuphak 0000-0002-0036-3165, Rena Janamnuaysook 0000-0002-8054-482X, Edel Buna Simpauco, Timothy Wong, Amanda Rui En Woo 0000-0003-4372-2532, Billy Mo and Kimberly Green
 

Telehealth usage increased in the HIV community in Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth has the potential to bridge healthcare inequity and improve outreach during public health crises. Concerns associated with data privacy, trust in telehealth services and misalignment of actual available services locally with preferred services affected its adoption within the HIV community. Community-based organisations experienced resourcing and organisational challenges, which affected telehealth implementation. There is a need to enhance HIV telehealth services to prepare for future public health crises.

SH24088 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00   | SH24088Supplementary Material (1.4 MB)
Published online 13 February 2025

SH24223Substantial underdiagnosis and underreporting: changes in reported HIV and AIDS cases in 31 provinces in China at the beginning of COVID-19

Xinsheng Wu, Zhongwen Wang, Bin Li, Weijie Zhang, Yuanyi Chen, Guozhen Wu, Juan Yang and Huachun Zou 0000-0002-8161-7576
 

China implemented many measures to control COVID-19. This study analyzed the number and trend of reported HIV and AIDS cases from 2017 to 2020. They found that in January 2020, when these measures started in China, there were fewer HIV and AIDS cases reported than counterfactual. They estimated that many cases were not diagnosed or not reported in some provinces. Health departments should improve and maintain their surveillance and reporting systems during pandemics, such as COVID-19.

SH24223 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00   | SH24223Supplementary Material (611 KB)
Published online 13 February 2025

SH24156Exploring residents’ and fellows’ confidence in sexually transmitted infection management and confidential care for adolescents

Cameron L. Wynn 0000-0002-0877-8787, Catherine Wong, MinJae Lee, Jasmin A. Tiro and Jenny K. R. Francis
 

In the United States, medical residents and fellows may encounter challenges when counselling adolescents about sexual health. This study explores the association of residents’ and fellows’ demographics, medical training, personal adolescent sexual healthcare experiences, with confidence in STI management and confidential care for adolescents. Findings highlight the pressing need for communication training to address gaps in confidence.

SH24156 Abstract  | PDF (644 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 10 February 2025

SH24111Multiple sexual partners and condomless anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in southern China: investigating the role of receiving HIV serostatus disclosure from partners before sex

Jinli Mo 0009-0005-4881-5051, Weiyi Tian 0009-0001-6482-3394, Min Wang 0000-0002-0285-9869, Yun Zhang, Yinxia Liang, Hongbin Peng, Xia Luo, Haimei Huang, Sumin Tan, Jiawen Zhu, Ping Cen, Guanghua Lan, Hao Wang, Li Jiang and Chuanyi Ning
 

This study explored the impact of HIV serostatus disclosure on multiple sexual partners and condomless anal intercourse among HIV-negative MSM. Regular HIV testing promoted serostatus disclosure, and disclosure of HIV serostatus was associated with fewer sexual partners. However, among MSM with casual partners, disclosure was associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in condomless anal intercourse. These findings highlight the importance of regular HIV testing and disclosure in managing sexual health.

SH24111 Abstract  | PDF (1023 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 06 February 2025

SH24153Sex differences in alcohol and other substance use in sexual contexts among adolescents: an observational study

Helena González-Casals, Albert Espelt 0000-0002-8625-4356, Marina Bosque-Prous, Judit Rogés, Marina Robles-Muñoz, Joan Colom, Jordi Casabona, María José Belza and Cinta Folch
 

There is a co-occurrence between substance use and sexual practices in adolescence, with important health impacts. Girls, sexual minorities, and native-born students are more vulnerable to engaging in this practice. Moreover, substance users in sexual contexts are more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as having multiple partners, inconsistent condom use, and ineffective contraception, leading to increased risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies. More longitudinal studies are needed to identify their motives, predisposing factors and design public health measures.

SH24153 Abstract  | PDF (488 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 06 February 2025

SH24180Characteristics and associations between sexting and high-risk sexual behaviors among college students in Jiangxi Province, China

Duoqin Huang 0009-0000-5952-7884, Xin Wan, Hong Wang, Jiangqing Chen, Yanan Zheng, Li Li and Xi Gong
 

Our recent study in Jiangxi Province, China, highlights the significant link between sexting and high-risk sexual behaviors among college students, with 12.7% reporting sexting and 11.0% of students reporting high-risk behaviors. The research underscores that students who have engaged in sexting are significantly more likely to partake in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, casual sex and commercial sex. This calls for enhanced sexual health education and safety measures to curb these risky behaviors among college students.

SH24180 Abstract  | PDF (243 KB) - $35.00   | SH24180Supplementary Material (199 KB)
Published online 04 February 2025

SH24197A holistic evaluation of sexual health disease investigation: case study of the 2022 Mpox outbreak in Santa Clara County, California

Harit Agroia 0009-0001-1710-6309, Leyla Mousli and Disha Nangia
 

Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease, recently emerged as a growing public health concern in the United States. During the 2022 outbreak, a disease investigation team was established by a local health department as part of its emergency response. This report presents an evaluation of the range of outcomes achieved by this team; a composite score was calculated to determine that the team achieved almost two outcomes for every completed investigation. Health departments may consider similar approaches to conduct program evaluations.

SH24197 Abstract  |  SH24197 Full Text  | SH24197PDF (343 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

SH24053Chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing and positivity within an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service 2016–2021

Condy Canuto 0000-0001-8460-9646, Jon Willis, Joseph Debattista, Judith A. Dean 0000-0002-2513-2013 and James Ward
 

A recent study examined the trends in testing, positivity, and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea among individuals aged ≥15 years at an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service from 2016 to 2021. The findings revealed variation in testing rates, with higher rates among young adults and females, and highlighted sex disparities in treatment and follow-up care. The research underscores the importance of targeted public health strategies to improve sexual health outcomes in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

SH24053 Abstract  |  SH24053 Full Text  | SH24053PDF (539 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

SH24075Cascade of testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea inclusive of an annual health check in an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service

Condy Canuto 0000-0001-8460-9646, Judith A. Dean 0000-0002-2513-2013, Joseph Debattista, Jon Willis, Federica Barzi, Jonathan Leitch and James Ward
 

A recent study examined the trends in testing, positivity, and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea among individuals aged ≥15 years at an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service from 2016 to 2021. The findings revealed variation in testing rates, with higher rates among young adults and females, and highlighted sex disparities in treatment and follow-up care. The research underscores the importance of targeted public health strategies to improve sexual health outcomes in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples populations.

SH24075 Abstract  |  SH24075 Full Text  | SH24075PDF (255 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

SH24070Using a novel and validated survey tool to analyze sexual functioning following vaginoplasty in transgender individuals

Alyxandra Ramsay 0009-0001-7889-0416, Jo Blankson, Lara Finnerty-Haggerty, Jiaxin Wu, Joshua D. Safer and John Henry Pang
 

Previous research on gender-affirming surgery outcomes has suffered from inadequate sampling and a lack of emphasis on the self-reported experience of transgender patients. Using a novel validated survey tool (the Affirming Surgery Form and Function Individual Reporting Measure), this study demonstrated a significant improvement in pleasurable sensation and genital functioning over 12 months following vaginoplasty. Our findings support existing literature on the success of vaginoplasty, and call for additional investigations of gender-affirming surgery using tools validated for the transgender population.

SH24070 Abstract  | PDF (261 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 30 January 2025

SH24140The gonorrhoea care cascade in general practice: a descriptive study to explore gonorrhoea management utilising electronic medical records

J. Jung 0000-0003-1041-9588, J. L. Goller 0000-0001-5580-360X, P. Chondros, J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, R. Biezen, D. Pires, D. Capurro, N. Faux and J. A. Manski-Nankervis
 

Gonorrhoea is the second most common notified sexually transmissible infection in Australia with increased concern of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance strains. Our study found that approximately half of gonorrhoea cases did not have guideline-recommended dual antibiotic prescriptions recorded, and two-thirds of gonorrhoea cases were not retested within the recommended retesting timeframe. Further work in integrating Australian STI guidelines into primary routine care and understanding care pathways for people with gonorrhoea infection is urgently needed.

SH24140 Abstract  |  SH24140 Full Text  | SH24140PDF (891 KB)  | SH24140Supplementary Material (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

SH24170Characteristics and determinants of quality non-directive pregnancy options counselling: a scoping review

Kari Dee Vallury 0000-0003-0243-7663, Amanda Asher, Olivia Sarri and Nicola Sheeran
 

This review synthesises global evidence regarding determinants of access to and characteristics of quality non-directive pregnancy options counselling (POC), a crucial component of reproductive health care that supports informed decision making. It finds anti-abortion policies and professionals’ abortion-related attitudes are primary determinants of access and quality. Upskilling health professionals to deliver non-directive POC and embedding referral pathways to non-directive POC throughout the health system will support Australia is to achieve its commitments to universal access to reproductive health care by 2030.

SH24170 Abstract  |  SH24170 Full Text  | SH24170PDF (289 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

SH24250‘Does human papillomavirus (HPV) cause cancer?’ – A cross-sectional study of HPV awareness among sexual minority men in Nigeria

Connor R. Volpi 0000-0002-6292-6306, John Chama, Natalia Blanco, Ruxton Adebiyi, Kareshma Mohanty, Ayuba Doroh, Jumoke A. Aigoro, Christiana Katu, Uche Ononaku, John Maigida, Abayomi Aka, Ashley Shutt, Patrick Dakum, Man Charurat, Sylvia Adebajo and Rebecca G. Nowak 0000-0001-8404-4569
 

HPV-associated cancers are likely to rise as survival with HIV increases. Knowing the community levels of understanding of personal risk would help tailor educational strategies to promote prevention-seeking behavior. Our study suggests a low understanding of HPV’s carcinogenicity, but those aware of its carcinogenicity are more likely to identify male-associated cancers, suggesting that HIV care centers have an opportunity to expand education on cancer risk among their aging population.

SH24250 Abstract  |  SH24250 Full Text  | SH24250PDF (222 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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