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Abstract: Introduction Previous studies revealed that Chinese lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience both minority stress and culture-specific stress, including the pressure to get married. Recent studies have indicated the joint effects of cultural factors (e.g., filial piety) and minority stress on LGB individuals’ mental health in China. This study aimed to examine the interaction effect of minority stress and pressure to get married on mental health symptoms of Chinese LGB individuals. Methods A total of 2200 Chinese LGB individuals (1506 sexual minority men, 694 sexual minority women; Mage = 23.8) were recruited to complete an online questionnaire assessing the pressure to get married (i.e., parental, social, internalized stressors), minority stress (i.e., internalized homophobia, self-concealment), and mental health symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) from November 2019 to May 2020. We used latent moderated structural equations approach to test the interaction effect of minority pressure and pressure to get married on mental health symptoms. Results The results indicated that minority stress moderated the relationship between external pressure to get married (parental and social pressure) and mental health symptoms. Minority stress can facilitate the effects of external pressure to get married on mental health symptoms. Conclusion The findings indicated the interactive effects of minority stress and culture-specific stress on LGB individuals’ mental health symptoms. Policy implications. Actions could be taken to increase the acceptance of the sexual orientation of Chinese sexual minority individuals. PubDate: 2023-03-20
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Abstract: Introduction Abortion, which has health, social, political, and moral dimensions, is a sensitive issue for many societies. In many studies in the literature, religiosity, and education have been highlighted as the most prominent indicators in shaping individuals’ attitudes toward abortion. Turkiye is a secular country that a conservative party has governed since 2002. Recent studies indicate an increase in the number of deists in Turkiye. When the data of the World Values Survey (WVS) for the years 2009 and 2019 were examined, there was a decrease in the rates of those who responded in the form of “God is very important,” “Abortion is never justified,” and “I visit religious services more than once a week” in the recent period. This study investigated whether the dynamics affecting the attitudes toward abortion have changed by considering the WVS data for the years 2009 and 2019. Methods The dynamics affecting the attitudes toward abortion have been studied broadly. In the first step, based on the Reiss hypothesis, the direct and indirect effects of gender roles, education, number of children, and religiosity were evaluated by structural equation modeling. In the second step, the impacts of socioeconomic and demographic factors were assessed by ordinal logistic regression and correspondence analysis. Results According to the findings obtained from the data for 2009 and 2019, the effect of the level of religiosity on the attitudes toward abortion is not statistically different. With the increase in the level of religiosity in individuals, support for abortion decreases. Similarly, the effects of gender roles on attitudes toward abortion are not statistically different for both periods; it seems that those who believe in gender role equality are more tolerant of abortion. Interestingly, while the education variable was an effective variable on the attitudes toward abortion for the data of 2009, it was found that the level of education was not effective in 2019. The effects of educational attainment and religiosity on the number of children are statistically different for both periods, and the impacts of these variables decreased over time. The income level, town size, political view, and marital status indicators impact the attitudes toward abortion for both periods. However, for the data of 2009, while “single people and cohabitees” were more tolerant of abortion than married people, there is no difference in terms of the impact of these groups in 2019. Conclusions Although religiosity, perspective on gender roles, income level, and political affiliation stand out in determining the attitudes toward abortion for both periods, educational level and marital status are significant only for 2009 data. Policy Implications According to the literature, low education levels and high religiosity negatively affect support for abortion and egalitarian attitudes toward gender roles. While the 2009 data gave results in line with the literature, it was seen that the effects of education and religiosity were not statistically significant in 2019. The results show that there has been a change in society’s education level and religiosity in the recent period. In this sense, the relationship between the education policy being followed and gender inequality, an indicator of development, should be examined. PubDate: 2023-03-15
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Abstract: Introduction Sexuality is an important aspect of comprehensive care for patients with disabilities. However, for many healthcare professionals in clinical practice, sexuality is not usually an issue discussed with patients. The aim of this study was to explore and describe physiotherapists’ perceptions of sexuality in people with disabilities. Methods This study follows a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. Two focus groups were carried out, and twelve interviews were conducted with 24 physiotherapists involved in the care of persons with physical and intellectual disabilities. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the help of qualitative software. Results Two main themes and five subthemes emerged from the data: (1) Silenced and denied sexuality in the lives of people with disabilities, with the subthemes “sexuality in people with intellectual disabilities: a human right not exempt from risks” and “the sexual challenges of living with a physical disability”; (2) the management of the physiotherapist is key for healthy sexuality, with the subthemes “physiotherapist-patient trust: an essential element in dealing with sexuality,” “physiotherapists’ barriers to addressing sexuality,” and “the role of physiotherapy in sexual health of people with disabilities.” Conclusions and Policy Implications Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions, the sexual education of people with disabilities, and their relationship to their environment. Physiotherapists’ lack of training and their excessive workload make it difficult for them to give advice on sexuality. Providing sex education to disabled people and their caregivers is essential to avoid risks. PubDate: 2023-03-15
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Abstract: Introduction While sexual minority people have been widely considered at risk for developing a range of body image concerns, evidence of body dissatisfaction and shame amongst LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) individuals is mixed. This study investigated differences in body uneasiness, body dissatisfaction, and self-blaming/attacking attitudes between LGB and heterosexual individuals, as well as within LGB groups, while also examining the predictive role of body mass index (BMI). Methods A sample of cisgender lesbian women (n = 163), gay men (n = 277), bisexual women (n = 135), bisexual men (n = 39), heterosexual women (n = 398), and heterosexual men (n = 219) completed an online survey assessing different aspects of body image between May and July 2020. Results Gay and bisexual men reported greater body image disturbance and self-blaming attitudes relative to heterosexual men. In contrast, lesbian women reported lower body uneasiness than their bisexual and heterosexual counterparts, but greater self-hate. Moreover, lesbian and bisexual women showed more body dissatisfaction than gay men, and bisexual individuals reported more body uneasiness than individuals in other sexual minority subgroups. Higher BMI emerged as a significant predictor of body image concerns and dissatisfaction. Conclusions Body image dimensions showed sexual identity–based differences. Determining the specific nuances of body image in LGB individuals can provide important information on potential risk factors that may impact mental health outcomes. Policy Implications In-depth knowledge of body dissatisfaction and uneasiness in individuals with LGB identities may have critical implications for the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies. PubDate: 2023-03-14
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Abstract: Introduction Recent research highlight increasing at-risk online sexual activities and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among young adults. Specifically, sexting refers to exchanging sexually suggestive messages, photos, and videos through technological devices, and it can be placed on a continuum from safer to riskier behavior. This study aims to improve our knowledge about sexting behaviors in Italian and Colombian young adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A survey online was filled in by all recruited participants through a snowball sampling procedure (from December 2019 to June 2021) both in Italy and Colombia, resulting in a total of 2931 participants (2051 from Italy and 880 from Colombia) aged 18 to 35 years old (Mage = 23.85; SDage = 3.63; 67.6% girls). Results Italian youth were more engaged in risky sexting than Colombian participants, while Colombians indicated being more engaged in non-consensual sexting than Italians. Sexual minority people reported more sharing their own sexts, higher levels of sexting under pressure, and 3.2 times more risky sexting than exclusively heterosexual counterparts. During the pandemic period, participants sent their own sexts 1.5 times more and were less involved in non-consensual sexting than in the pre-pandemic era. Conclusions The present research could help understand better the cultural dynamics underlying the differences in sexting behaviors, suggesting the relevance of investigating how sexting behaviors and online at-risk activities have changed since the pandemic started. Policy Implications Results provide implications for educational and prevention programs to improve young people's awareness of sexting behaviors. PubDate: 2023-03-06
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Abstract: Introduction Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence (SSIPV) is a complex issue that can be severely damaging. When involved in SSIPV, victims and perpetrators sometimes choose to seek help. The help-seeking process, however, can be difficult. Experiences of help-seeking seem to vary and may be positive or negative depending on several factors, some of which appear to be specific to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people involved in a same-sex relationship. Methods A systematic review of the literature has been conducted across four databases following the PRISMA statement guidelines. Out of 410 screened abstracts, 78 articles were selected for full-text review. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 studies were included in the current review. Thematic analysis was conducted on these studies and results were discussed by three reviewers. Results Help-seekers tended to use informal sources of help, perceived to be ambivalently helpful. Formal sources tended to be utilized sparingly, except for counselors. Many formal sources were perceived to be unhelpful, and most of the studies identified several barriers to services that prevented effective help. Formal and helpful sources were perceived as knowledgeable and sensitive about LGB themes. Conclusions While existing research is limited, formal services that can provide effective care for SSIPV appear scarce. Barriers to services seem widespread, limiting accessibility. Policy Implications Existing services would benefit from increasing their knowledge and sensitivity on SSIPV-specific themes. The development of policies, programs, and interventions that aim to provide effective help is needed, as well as more research. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction Due to conflicts of national identity and religion, human rights legislation has been integral to Northern Ireland’s post-war journey. As a result of this, the post-conflict generation of girls, female adolescents, and non-heterosexual, queer-identifying peoples have more rights, opportunities, and recognition in educational policy than generations prior. However, government reports show issues within the country’s Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) curricula, including that only one in five Northern Irish schools have touched upon lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) topics. Methods This paper presents the first feminist post-structuralist analysis focusing on gender and sexual inequalities within the current national policy framework (as of September 2021) informing school-based RSE. Applying feminist critical discourse and content analysis to examine official government circulars, legislative text, and RSE policy guidance distributed to schools, feminist lenses are drawn on to examine four main sets of issues: bodies, sexual agency and pleasure, the inclusion of gender and sexual diversity, and heteronormativity. Results Findings show that despite human rights legislation and having statutory RSE with legislated content, central discourses within the national RSE policy framework impose a story of female victimization, problematize binary constructions of gender, participate in the erasure of non-binary identifying persons, and prioritize compulsory heteronormativity. Conclusions Until inclusive, non-binary language and standardized content is prescribed within the minimum content found in legislation and deemed statutory by the Department of Education, young people will not receive uniform RSE, undermining the importance of gender and sexual inclusivity and diversity. Policy Implications Discourses illuminated within this paper may be drawn on by international policy actors and researchers to elucidate taken-for-granted or problematic language found within their own policies so that the rights of marginalized bodies and sexual identities are instilled and those who have been victimized may find empowerment. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine the racial-ethnic disparities between receiving sex education and contraceptive use at the last sexual encounter among 15- to 20-year-old females. This is a prominent issue as the USA has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates. Methods This study utilized cross-sectional data of 380 adolescent females from the 2015–2017 and 2017–2019 National Survey of Family Growth female public file datasets. Bivariate and polytomous regression models assessed associations between receiving seven sex education topics and contraception use at the last sexual encounter. Results Ninety-nine percent of respondents received sex education on at least one topic. Race/ethnicity and contraceptive method were shown to be associated in bivariate analyses. Contraceptive use method at the last sexual encounter was less likely to be reported by minorities than non-Hispanic Whites. Conclusions A greater number of sex education topics delivered to adolescent females was negatively associated with their contraceptive method reporting. These findings suggest medically accurate comprehensive sex education for adolescent females may be the most effective method to reduce unplanned pregnancies. Policy Implications By funding medically accurate, comprehensive sex education programs/entities, and establishing evidence-based programming policymakers can influence adolescent pregnancy rates and improve contraceptive use while reducing sexually transmitted infections. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction Cisgender heterosexual boys and young men in Australia may experience or perpetuate a range of harms in their romantic and sexual encounters with women due to expectations that they adhere to problematic ideals and norms concerning masculinity and heterosexuality. This paper explores expert stakeholders’ perceptions on these key issues, and their broader implications for policy and practice. Methods Using inductive thematic analysis techniques, this paper draws on semi-structured interviews from 23 expert stakeholders working across sectors of gendered violence prevention, sexual health, relationships and sexuality education, sport, and emotional and physical wellbeing. Results Findings note several key concerns, including (1) hesitation and lack of adequate information regarding relationships with women; (2) the potential negative influence of pornography; (3) the lack of opportunities to be engaged in sexual health promotion initiatives; and (4) limited opportunities to have meaningful conversations about dating, sex, and intimacy. Conclusions Expert stakeholders note several important gaps in policy and practice that need to be addressed to better support cisgender heterosexual boys and young men, and to confront gendered violence and sexual violence. Social and Policy Implications Understanding these gaps is vital for policymakers, content and program creators, and service providers working with cisgender heterosexual boys and men. We advocate for thinking about a strategy that is centred around “heterosexual intimacies”, in which addressing boys and young men’s sexual health and wellbeing is brought together with gendered violence prevention and sexual violence prevention initiatives. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction Little is known about the relationship between sexual health information-seeking practices of adolescents, knowledge and behaviour. The aim of this analysis was to characterise types of sexual health information-seeking adolescents in Australia and examine the relationship between those types and sexual health outcomes. Methods The cross-sectional Australian national survey collected data in 2018. Participants (N = 6,929) reported their use of sexual health information sources, sexual health knowledge ( \(51\mathrm{ items}; \alpha =0.86)\) , sexual activity, condom and contraceptive use and socio-demographics. Latent class analysis identified 4 unique classes. Multinomial logistic regression models estimated class outcomes for knowledge and behaviour-related measures. Results Non-seekers (13.9%) were more likely than all other classes to be younger and not yet had sex; everyday seekers (41.9%) were more likely to be older, have medium sexual health knowledge (50–79% correct answers) and used condoms and/or the pill; peer seekers (34.1%) were no more likely to have good sexual health knowledge or use condoms and/or the pill; variety seekers (10.1%) were more likely to have medium sexual health knowledge and have used the pill. Everyday and variety seekers had greater odds of better sexual health knowledge and behavioural outcomes. Conclusions Findings can provide guidance for sexual health advocates in designing targeted and effective new information campaigns that address the barriers and facilitators to sexual health information seeking. Policy Implications Policy and resultant funding can be adapted based on findings to ensure a diversity of sexual health information sources are available to young people. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction When it is offered, sexuality education in the USA is far from standardized. While studies have explored differences in delivery and type of sexuality education across the USA, sexual and reproductive health inequities persist among historically marginalized groups (Latino/a/x, Black, African American, LGBTQ +). There is a critical need to better understand the systemic barriers to receiving effective sexuality education in these communities. Methods Participatory research methods were used in working with a community advisory board (CAB)—consisting of emerging adults and service providers from community-based organizations (CBOs) serving youth—to examine how structural barriers contribute to adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) inequities in Massachusetts. CAB meetings and semi-structured interviews were conducted in the cities of Springfield (n = 14) and Lynn (n = 9) between December 2020 and May 2021. Results Inflexible funding guidelines, a related evidence-based curricular mandate, and a lack of community-responsive sexuality education fail to meet the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of these youth. Conclusions Current evidence-based mandates must be revisited to improve young people’s access to quality sexuality information in public schools. To guarantee sexuality education curricula is centered in the context of the community and population in which it is implemented, collaboration between youth-serving CBOs and school districts could improve students’ overall experience and social-emotional growth by providing comprehensive, positive, and community-responsive curricula. Policy Implications Funders and programming should prioritize community responsiveness by financially supporting and developing and/or adapting evidence-based curricula to better match the community’s needs, which can be completed through culture-centered training and community-based partnership. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction Although adolescent sexual minority men (ASMM) use sexual networking applications (SNAs), little is known about their reasons to start and stop using these apps. Methods Between February and April 2018, 156 ASMM in the USA aged 15–17 completed an online survey and answered open-ended questions that elicited their reasons to start and stop using SNAs. We analyzed responses through an inductive thematic analysis. Results The most frequent reasons to use SNAs were to find users to date, and to establish friendships or socially connect with other users due to loneliness. Participants reported positive feelings using SNAs because they were connecting with other SMM. However, participants also reported negative sentiments after receiving unwanted sexually explicit messages. The most frequently cited reason to stop using SNAs was the feeling of only receiving messages for sex rather than for starting relationships or friendships. Conclusions ASMM have various reasons for initiating SNAs and perceived benefits and drawbacks. Although some ASMM may expect to, and are successful in, finding dating partners and friends on SNAs, many received unwanted sexually explicit messages that produced negative sentiments of SNAs. Policy Implications Creating online and offline spaces for ASMM to socially connect with other sexual minority adolescents is crucial. Youth-serving professionals should assess SNA use with ASMM clients and be prepared to provide education or counseling about their use and its potential sexual, social, and mental health implications. Sexuality education should include content on the usage, safety, and alternatives of SNAs to explore sexuality and social connectedness. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction Studies using geospatial data to understand LGBTQ+-friendly sexual health and wellness resource availability have often focused on services catered to adults. While HIV rates have increased in adolescents in recent years, few studies have explored disparities in resource access for adolescent gay and bisexual men (AGBMSM). Methods We used geospatial data of resources (collected and verified 2017–2018) from the iReach app to understand disparities in resource access for AGBMSM within and between 4 high HIV prevalence corridors in the US. Results AGBMSM in non-metro areas had access to fewer resources and some rural counties had no LGBTQ+ -friendly resources. Corridors comprising states with legacies of punitive laws targeting sexual and gender minorities demonstrate stark geographic disparities across the US. Conclusions Policy-makers must understand the granularity of disparities within regions. Online resources may be able to surmount LGBTQ+ resource deserts. However, physical access to LGBTQ+ -friendly services must be improved as a fundamental strategy for reducing HIV among AGBMSM. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Background Delivered globally to promote adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health, comprehensive sex education (CSE) is rights-based, holistic, and seeks to enhance young people’s skills to foster respectful and healthy relationships. Previous research has demonstrated that CSE programmes that incorporate critical content on gender and power in relationships are more effective in achieving positive sexual and reproductive health outcomes than programmes without this content. However, it is not well understood how these programmes ultimately affect behavioural and biological outcomes. We therefore sought to investigate underlying mechanisms of impact and factors affecting implementation and undertook a systematic review of process evaluation studies reporting on school-based sex education programmes with a gender and power component. Methods We searched six scientific databases in June 2019 and screened 9375 titles and abstracts and 261 full-text articles. Two distinct analyses and syntheses were conducted: a narrative review of implementation studies and a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies that examined programme characteristics and mechanisms of impact. Results Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria of which eleven were implementation studies. These studies highlighted the critical role of the skill and training of the facilitator, flexibility to adapt programmes to students’ needs, and a supportive school/community environment in which to deliver CSE to aid successful implementation. In the second set of studies (n = 8), student participation, student-facilitator relationship-building, and open discussions integrating student reflection and experience-sharing with critical content on gender and power were identified as important programme characteristics. These were linked to empowerment, transformation of gender norms, and meaningful contextualisation of students’ experiences as underlying mechanisms of impact. Conclusion and policy implications Our findings emphasise the need for CSE programming addressing gender and power that engages students in a meaningful, relatable manner. Our findings can inform theories of change and intervention development for such programmes. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Background Given that sex education programs are considered an educational-pedagogical tool for facilitating the sexual socialization of adolescents, contemporary debate in this field tends to distinguish between emphasis on conservative pedagogy and on critical pedagogy. Methods Based on a single case study design, the photovoice-based work model was implemented as a critical-pedagogical tool, part of community-based participatory research (2017–2109) on sex and sexuality in the daily lives of adolescents. The study involved 15 teens who took part in an intervention program designed to promote healthy sexuality in the framework of a nongovernmental community organization based in the city of Be’er Sheva, in southern Israel. Results Content analysis was used to identify the learning processes facilitated using photovoice. Four main themes emerged: (1) beyond the risk discourse; (2) the right to self-subjective recognition; (3) challenging gender constructions; (4) human rights and healthy communication. Conclusions The contribution of photovoice as a critical pedagogical tool for sexuality education is expressed in that it enables adolescents to take an active stance when it comes to creating knowledge and expressing perspectives on sexuality in daily life, to challenge the obvious; formulate and express perceptions that align with a discourse of human rights, equality, and subjectivity, as well as the ability to re-examine rigid sexual perceptions. Policy Implications Study results suggest drawing from critical pedagogy in the design of healthy sexuality programs to expand their scope beyond a narrow focus on risk and prevention and to broader aspects of healthy intimate relationships. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction Sexual initiation before age 14 is associated with risky sexual behaviors, substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs), mental disorders, body dissatisfaction, and behaviors indicative of eating disorders. However, there is not enough evidence in Brazil about the association between early sexual initiation and co-occurrence of health risk behaviors. This study examined whether early sexual initiation is associated with the co-occurrence of health risk behaviors among Brazilian adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional study using data from the 2015 National School Health Survey, with a representative sample of 3096 high school students from public and private schools in Brazil. The exposure was the sexual initiation before 14, referred to as Early Sexual Initiation (ESI). The outcomes were four health risk-behaviors domains: risky sexual behavior, substance use, internalizing symptoms, and unhealthy weight control behavior. We used Venn diagrams to describe the co-occurrence of risk behaviors. Multiple Poisson regression was performed.stratified by sex and adjusted for covariates. Results Co-occurrence of health risk behaviors was greater among adolescents with ESI, and it was more prevalent among girls (11.3% early vs 6.9% not early) than boys (5.8% early vs 4.1% not early). ESI was associated with no condom use in first intercourse (PRboys: 1.81, 95% CI = 1.56–2.10; PRgirls: 1.40, 95% CI = 1.06–1.83) and in last intercourse (PRboys: 1.29, 95% CI = 1.06–1.57; PRgirls: 1.58, 95% CI = 1.31–1.90), having four or more sex partner during their life (PRgirls: 2.65, 95% CI = 2.03–3.46; PRboys: 1.59, 95% CI = 1.40–1.80) and unhealthy weight control practices to lose weight (PRboys: 1.76, 95% CI = 1.21–2.57; PRgirls: 1.80, 95% CI = 1.11–2.92). ESI was associated with alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use among girls (PRalcohol: 1.21, 95% CI = 1.02–1.44; PRtobacco: 1.74, 95% CI = 1.10–2.77; PRillicit drugs: 1.83, 95% CI = 1.07–3.12), and with alcohol (PRalcohol: 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08–1.38) and illicit drug use (PRillicit drugs: 1.43, 95% CI = 1.02–2.00) among boys. Conclusion Adolescents with ESI were more vulnerable to the co-occurrence of several health risk behavior. Girls with ESI were more vulnerable to this co-occurrence, although vulnerability among boys cannot be ignored. Policy Implications Understanding this co-occurrence can contribute to the legislature and education and health sectors elaborating sexual health promotion strategies for adolescents. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction In Australia, there is a unique cohort of older (aged 60 and over) lesbian women and gay men who reached adolescence from as early as the 1940s up until the 1970s. Many have witnessed numerous social changes regarding the acceptance of lesbian and gay people in general society. Given the uniqueness of this cohort, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the histories of this group and how they perceive their lives today. Methods This paper utilises the Iridescent Life-Course Perspective as a framework and draws on semi-structured interviews from 33 lesbian women and gay men aged 60 years and older residing in Australia to explore their reflections and perspectives on their lives from their younger years to today. Results Participants recounted challenging coming out processes, relationship breakdowns, significant loss due to the HIV/AIDs epidemic, and experiences of discrimination. Despite this, participants on-the-whole expressed gratitude for the opportunity to age where they could reflect on their lives, as well as greater confidence and self-esteem. Conclusions While older lesbian women and gay men experienced severe discrimination in their lives, they also demonstrated a degree of resilience, with many referring to gratitude and contentment in their lives. Policy Implications Knowing the challenges as well as aspects of resilience is important for understanding how older lesbian and gay adults are experiencing life today. This is particularly important for policymakers and service providers in designing support programs that address challenges, build on strengths and seek to be fully inclusive and respectful of the diversity of the past and current life experiences of this population. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction Handling sexual interactions in a competent manner is a key skill for young adults, which is linked to positive aspects of sexual and general well-being. Several research conceptualizations of sexual competence have been proposed in the literature, but little is known about how young adults define sexual competence and what consequences they consider low sexual competence may have. Methods In this qualitative study conducted in 2019, 571 university students (365 women, 206 men) from Germany with a mean age of 22.6 years provided open-ended answers to two questions: (Q1) What do you consider to be sexual competence' (Q2) What consequences can low sexual competence have' Combining thematic analysis and qualitative content analysis, responses were coded into 264 categories that were then condensed into 30 latent themes, with 14 themes referring to Q1 and 16 themes referring to Q2. All categories showed strong inter-coder agreement. Result Participants defined sexual competence in a multi-faceted way and in partial overlap with research definitions. Gender differences emerged in four themes (needs/desires, communication, skills/abilities, and setting boundaries/limits). Participants’ statements about the consequences of low sexual competence corresponded closely with their definitions of sexual competence. Gender differences emerged in five themes (risk of sexual victimization and sexual aggression, problems in sexual communication, problematic [sexual] risk behavior, negative influence on [sexual] satisfaction, and lack of skills). Conclusions and Policy Implications The implications of the findings for research conceptualizations of sexual competence, for designing interventions to promote sexual competence, and for policy measures designed to reduce sexual aggression are discussed. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction Historically, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have lacked supports when it comes to sexual health and parenting. The aim of this study was to examine if, and how, Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) 1915(c) waivers provided sexual health and parenting supports to people with IDD. Methods We analyzed 107 fiscal year (FY) 2021 HCBS waivers for people with IDD from across the USA to examine trends in service provision. These data were collected between December 2021 and January 2022. Results Approximately 10% of HCBS waivers provided sexual health services to people with IDD and 8% provided parenting services for people with IDD. Most sexual health services took a reactive, sex-negative approach to people with IDD’s sexuality, rather than a proactive sex-positive approach. In terms of spending, $282,492 was projected for stand-alone sexual health services and $475,213 for stand-alone parenting services. However, less than 0.05% of people with IDD who received HCBS in FY 2021 were projected to receive stand-alone sexual health or parenting services via the waiver. Conclusions HCBS are a useful vehicle to expand sexual health and parenting supports for people with IDD; however, most states have failed to utilize this funding mechanism to promote the sexual and reproductive rights of people with IDD. Policy Implications There should be an expansion of sexual health and parenting supports offered to people with IDD in HCBS. PubDate: 2023-03-01
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Abstract: Introduction The importance and benefits of open discussion between teachers and pupils on the subject of child sexual abuse and harassment have been widely acknowledged, yet little research has focused on the importance of how these discussions are conducted. In the current study, we examined different types of communication via the use of three types of mediation (restrictive, negative active, and positive active) regarding child sexual abuse and harassment from the perspectives of both middle-school and high-school pupils and their homeroom teachers. We sought to explore which of the three types of mediation styles would be most constructive in discussions between pupils and their teachers, with the goal of identifying the most beneficial mediation to be recommended for use in school policies. Methods The study comprised 756 Israeli pupils (341 boys and 415 girls), aged 11–18 years, and their homeroom teachers (n = 66). Results Teachers reported significantly higher levels of communicating with pupils about child sexual abuse and harassment than pupils perceived teachers communicating with them about these issues. From the pupils’ perspectives, we found no differences in how the three types of mediation style affected them. The more pupils perceived better quality of discussion and higher support from their teachers regarding child sexual abuse and harassment, the more they perceived their teachers communicating with them about these issues (via any of the three strategies – restrictive, active negative, and active positive). A greater sense of acceptance from teachers was related to pupils perceiving the discussions about child sexual abuse and harassment as being communicated by teachers in a more active way (both positive and negative). Finally, in the sample of pupils, boys perceived teachers as discussing child sexual abuse and harassment in a more restrictive way than did girls. Conclusions Findings from the current study are encouraging as we found that any type of discussion between teachers and pupils in relation to child sexual abuse/harassment would be beneficial to pupils, with such discussions predicting pupils’ feeling of being supported and accepted. Namely, it is less important how teachers communicate about this topic than that they simply hold these conversations with their pupils at all. Policy Implications Sex education programs must focus on teacher-pupil discussions in relation to child sexual abuse and harassment. PubDate: 2022-12-15 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-022-00778-9
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