scholarly journals Sexual health practices of 16 to 19 year olds in New Zealand: an exploratory study

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja J. Ellis ◽  
Robyn Aitken
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Health Practices ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Sexual Behaviours

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTIONNew Zealand sexual health surveillance data suggest that young people aged 15–19 years are at considerable risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Although there is an established body of international research around sexual behaviours and sexual health practices among teenagers, there is a dearth of local research focusing on this age group. AIMThe aim of this study was to explore the sexual repertoires and sexual health practices among teenagers in New Zealand with a view to better understanding levels of risk in this age group. METHODSThis study comprised a cross-sectional online survey designed to ask questions about sexual behaviours. A convenience sample of young people (n=52) aged 16–19 years living in New Zealand completed the survey. RESULTSMost participants (71.2%) were sexually active, reporting engagement in a range of sexual practices. The most commonly reported sexual behaviours were penis-in-vagina sex (86.5%) and oral sex with a person-with-a-penis (81.1%). Infrequent and inconsistent use of barrier protection across all types of sexual behaviour was also reported. DISCUSSIONThe findings of this study highlight the importance of ensuring that young people have access to sexual health education that routinely includes health information and advice addressing the full range of sexual practices, regardless of the identity classifications they may use, or that may be attributed to them.

The “Be All and End All”? Young People, Online Sexual Health Information, Science and Skepticism

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110035
Author(s):  
Adrian Farrugia ◽  
Andrea Waling ◽  
Kiran Pienaar ◽  
Suzanne Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Sexual Health Information ◽  
Science Society ◽  
Online Sources

In this article, we investigate young people’s trust in online sexual health resources. Analyzing interviews with 37 young people in Australia using Irwin and Michael’s account of science–society relations and Warner’s conceptualization of “publics,” we explore the processes by which they assess the credibility of online sexual health information. We suggest that when seeking medical information, young people opt for traditionally authoritative online sources that purport to offer “facts.” By contrast, when seeking information about relationships or sexual practices, participants indicated a preference for websites presenting “experiences” rather than or as well as “facts.” Regardless of content, however, our participants approached online sexual health information skeptically and used various techniques to appraise its quality and trustworthiness. We argue that these young people are productively understood as a skeptical public of sexual health. We conclude by exploring the implications of our analysis for the provision of online sexual health information.

scholarly journals Disrupted prevention: condom and contraception access and use among young adults during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjsrh-2020-200975
Author(s):  
Ruth Lewis ◽  
Carolyn Blake ◽  
Michal Shimonovich ◽  
Nicky Coia ◽  
Johann Duffy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Sexual Risk Taking ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Preventive Practices

BackgroundThe initial response to COVID-19 in the UK involved a rapid contraction of face-to-face sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and widespread use of remote workarounds. This study sought to illuminate young people’s experiences of accessing and using condoms and contraception in the early months of the pandemic.MethodsWe analysed data, including open-text responses, from an online survey conducted in June–July 2020 with a convenience sample of 2005 16–24-year-olds living in Scotland.ResultsAmong those who used condoms and contraception, one quarter reported that COVID-19 mitigation measures had made a difference to their access or use. Open-text responses revealed a landscape of disrupted prevention, including changes to sexual risk-taking and preventive practices, unwanted contraceptive pathways, unmet need for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and switches from freely provided to commercially sold condoms and contraception. Pandemic-related barriers to accessing free condoms and contraception included: (1) uncertainty about the legitimacy of accessing SRH care and self-censorship of need; (2) confusion about differences between SRH care and advice received from healthcare professionals during the pandemic compared with routine practice; and (3) exacerbation of existing access barriers, alongside reduced social support and resources to navigate SRH care.ConclusionsEmerging barriers to STI and pregnancy prevention within the context of COVID-19 have the potential to undermine positive SRH practices, and widen inequalities, among young people. As SRH services are restored amid evolving pandemic restrictions, messaging to support navigation of condom and contraception services should be co-created with young people.

scholarly journals ‘By the way….how’s your sex life?’ – A descriptive study reporting primary health care registered nurses engagement with youth about sexual health

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhiannon Martel ◽  
Ruth Crawford ◽  
Helen Riden
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Registered Nurses ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Structured Interviews

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Youth rates of sexually transmitted infections in New Zealand are among the highest in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Registered nurses employed in primary healthcare settings (PHC RNs) may lack confidence engaging with youth about their sexual health. AIM To identify what facilitates PHC RNs to discuss sexual health with youth. METHODS This descriptive study was undertaken in two phases. In phase one, 23 PHC RNs completed an online survey. Phase two followed up the survey with semi-structured interviews with seven PHC RNs. RESULTS Most PHC RNs are female, aged between 40 and 60 years old and identify with New Zealand or other European ethnicity. Participants identified specific educational needs relating to youth sexual health that are not being met: legal and ethical issues (65%); cultural issues (65%); youth sexual (44%) and psychological (52%) development; and working with gay, lesbian, bisexual or transsexual youth (48%). Lack of time was cited as a barrier to engaging with youth about sexual health by 30% of the participants. Ongoing support practices such as regular debriefing, reflections of practice and case reviews with colleagues (74%); support from other sexual health providers (87%); and access to educational materials about youth sexual health aimed at health professionals (100%) were perceived to be useful to increase confidence in discussing sexual health with youth. DISCUSSION The PHC RNs lacked knowledge and confidence engaging with youth about sexual health. PHC RNs need resourcing to provide culturally safe, effective sexual health care to youth.

scholarly journals Characteristics and sexual health service use of MSM engaging in chemsex: results from a large online survey in England

2020 ◽  
Vol 96 (8) ◽  
pp. 590-595
Author(s):  
Paula Bianca Blomquist ◽  
Hamish Mohammed ◽  
Amy Mikhail ◽  
Peter Weatherburn ◽  
David Reid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Sexual Experience ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Sexual Health Service ◽  
Service Engagement ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

BackgroundChemsex, the use of select psychoactive drugs to enhance sexual experience, typically among men who have sex with men (MSM), is associated with sexual behaviours with higher STI risk. Understanding patterns of chemsex among MSM as well as the characteristics and sexual health service engagement of chemsex participants is important for developing interventions.MethodsBetween 5/2016 to 5/2017, 3933 MSM completed an online survey, recruited in sexual health clinics (SHCs) in England (n=421) and via four social networking/dating apps (n=3512). We described patterns of chemsex in the past year and used multivariable logistic regression to investigate differences in demographics and sexual behaviours by chemsex history. We described history of SHC attendance and STI test in the past year among app-recruited chemsex participants.ResultsChemsex in the past year was reported by 10% of respondents; 19% of SHC-recruited and 9% of app-recruited. Among chemsex participants, 74% had used ≥2 chemsex drugs. In the multivariable model, MSM engaging in chemsex had a raised odds of being HIV-positive (adjusted OR (aOR): 3.6; 95% CI 2.1 to 6.1), aged 30–44 (aOR 1.5 vs <30 years; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1), being born outside the UK and having engaged in higher risk sexual behaviours in the past 3 months. Chemsex participants also had higher odds of condomless anal sex with partners of different or unknown HIV status, but only among HIV-negative/untested. In the past year, 66% of app-recruited chemsex participants had attended a SHC and 81% had had an STI test.ConclusionOne in 10 MSM recruited through community and clinical settings across England had engaged in chemsex in the past year. Those that did appear to be at greater STI risk but engaged more actively with sexual health services. This highlights the need and opportunity for chemsex-related services in SHCs and robust referral pathways to drug treatment services.

Parents’ attitudes toward comprehensive and inclusive sexuality education

2015 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina R. Peter ◽  
Timothy B. Tasker ◽  
Stacey S. Horn
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Sexuality Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sexual Health Information ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Abstinence Only ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Purpose – Parents are sometimes perceived as barriers to providing comprehensive and inclusive sexuality education to young people. However, little is known about parents’ actual attitudes towards providing such broad information to young people. The purpose of this paper is to examine two different approaches to measuring parents’ attitudes towards sexuality information, a programme title approach and a topic-centred approach. Design/methodology/approach – Illinois parents of adolescents (n=301) indicated their knowledge about and attitudes towards sexuality education programmes and 18 sexual health topics via online survey. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine whether parents’ attitudes were more consistent with a programme-centred (i.e. abstinence-only, comprehensive) or a topic-centred (i.e. physical health, sexual and gender identity, pleasure, and relationships) approach. Findings – Parents were uncertain about what form of sexuality education was offered but most were equally comfortable with both abstinence-only and comprehensive programmes. Parents’ ratings of topics grouped significantly better by the topic-centred than the programme-centred approach. Parents rated all four subjects as important, with the highest mean ratings given to physical health topics. Further, parents’ ratings of importance by subject matter were largely independent of their reported programming preference. Together these findings provide evidence that parents believe it is important for their children to have access to a broad range of sexual health education information. Originality/value – This study is one of the first to document parents’ support for information for young people that goes beyond being comprehensive to include topics such as identities and pleasure. In addition, parents’ lack of knowledge about sexuality education programming may obscure their support for sexual health information. Measuring support by specific topics, however, can help to overcome issues due to parents’ lack of knowledge about programming.

scholarly journals The sexual behaviours of adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years involved with the juvenile justice system in Australia: A community-based survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243633
Author(s):  
Lorraine Yap ◽  
Jocelyn Jones ◽  
Basil Donovan ◽  
Sally Nathan ◽  
Elizabeth Sullivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Juvenile Justice System ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Youth Health ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections

Objectives To overcome key knowledge gaps in relation to justice involved and vulnerable young people and their sexual health and to compare this group with their peers from other youth health surveys in Australia to determine the extent of the issues. Methods Young people, aged between 14 and 17 years, who had ever been or were currently involved with the criminal justice system were purposively sampled. The survey was anonymous and delivered using Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI). Results A total of 465 justice involved MeH-JOSH young people, aged between 14 and 17 years, participated in the study: 44% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) and 37% not attending school. Of the total valid responses, 76% (n = 348) reported having ever had sex, with sexual initiation at a median age of 14 years. We compared these data with their peers in other Australian surveys and found that young people in our study had a higher engagement in sex and start having sex at a younger age, reporting more sexual partners at all ages. Conclusions The sexual behaviours of young people involved in the justice system in this study suggest they may be at a greater risk for sexually transmissible infections than their age-matched peers in the general population. Policymakers should elevate them to a priority population for targeting sexual health services and health promotion.

Perceived impact of COVID-19 on sexual health and access to sexual health services among university students in Canada

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Wood ◽  
Christopher Quinn-Nilas ◽  
Alexander McKay ◽  
Jocelyn Wentland
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Perceived Impact

We examined the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual health, sexual behaviour, well-being, and access to sexual health services among university students in Canada. Between December 2020 and January 2021, 1504 university students across Canada completed an online survey focused on overall sexual health, well-being, solitary sexual behaviours, partnered sexual interactions, and access to sexual health services. The survey was designed by the Sex Information & Education Council of Canada and administered by the Leger polling company. Reported levels of overall sexual health were high. Cisgender women reported significantly greater scores of COVID-19—related stress compared to cisgender men; LGBQ+ students had higher levels of stress compared to heterosexual participants. Overall, solitary sexual behaviours (i.e., masturbation, porn use, vibrator use) remained unchanged or were perceived to increase compared to the time before the pandemic. Cisgender men reported higher scores (i.e., greater perceived increases) on masturbation and porn use than cisgender women. Frequency of sex with casual partners was perceived as similar or lower than what was usual before the pandemic, and most participants did not engage in sex where the close personal contact put them or their partner at risk for COVID-19. Declines in access were reported for all sexual health care services surveyed, with cisgender women and students of colour more likely to report decreased access to services. Results highlight the need for targeted public health messaging regarding sexual behaviour, investment in sexual health services, and supports tailored to the needs of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of colour.

scholarly journals 268An online survey of sexual health, knowledge and behaviour of young South Australians

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Harfield ◽  
Salenna Elliott ◽  
Tambri Housen ◽  
James Ward
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Public Health Action ◽  
Sexual Health Knowledge

Abstract Background Since 2010 rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs-chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis) have been increasing among young Australians. Most STIs are diagnosed in young people aged 16-29 and rates of diagnosis are higher among Aboriginal people than non-Aboriginal people. Little information exists to understand social and behavioural issues associated with increasing rate of STIs, especially in South Australia and among Aboriginal peoples. Methods We undertook an online cross-sectional survey of sexual health, knowledge and behaviour of young South Australians aged 16-29 years during a six-week period in 2019. Descriptive analysis, univariate and adjusted logistic regression models were used to compare Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants. Results In total 2,380 South Australians participated in the “Let’s Talk About It” (LTAI-2019); 52% were female, the median age was 20 years (IQR:17-24) and 10% of participants identified as Aboriginal. Regression analysis suggested among both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants being female (aOR 2.41, CI:1.07-3.51, & 3.03, 2.17-4.23 respectively) and not using a condom during last sexual encounter (2.33, 1.03-5.29 & 1.62, 1.15-2.27) were associated with ever being tested for an STI and having two or more sexual partners in the past 12 months (1.37, 0.67-7.45 & 3.13, 1.31-7.45) was associated with testing positive for an STI. Conclusions LTAI-2019 is the first study to describe factors associated with STIs among young South Australians. It is evident that young people are engaged in behaviours which increase their risk of acquiring STIs. Public health action which considers these behaviours particularly those that target young Aboriginal people is required. Key messages LTAI 2019 is the first study to describe current sexual health, knowledge, behaviours and access to health services for STIs and related issues amongst young South Australians. It provides evidence that is useful for informing both public health practice and policy, and the development of STIs preventative health programs.

scholarly journals Socio-Demographic, Economic and Psychological Correlates of Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Sexually Active Young People in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
David Aduragbemi Okunlola ◽  
Oluwatobi Abel Alawode ◽  
Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa ◽  
Ifedapo Ojo Agbeja ◽  
Abayomi Folorunso Awoyele
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Risky Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Sexually Active

This study sought to identify the socio-demographic, economic, and psychological factors associated with risky sexual behaviour among sexually active youths in Nigeria with the view to providing more empirical information for the development of more effective interventions to improve safe-sex practices and the sexual health of the young people in Nigeria. The study analyzed the male and female datasets extracted from the 6th round of the Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey data (MICS) (n=7,909) using descriptive statistics and multiple binary logistic regression to achieve the study objectives and test hypothesis. The results showed that 66% of the youths have had sex before reaching 18 years, 77% had unprotected sex, and 32% have had more than one-lifetime sexual partner. The significance of the association between socio-demographic (age, sex, marital status, ever fathered/mothered, awareness of AIDS, ethnicity, residence, and region), economic factors (employment status and wealth index), and risky sexual behaviour differ by the category of risky sexual behaviour. Overall psychological factor (satisfaction with life) was a significant correlate of the lifetime number of sexual partners. This study concludes that socio-demographic, economic, and psychological factors were predictive of risky sexual behaviour among young people in Nigeria. However, the significance of these predictors differs by type of risky sexual behaviour. The study recommends that more effective sexual health interventions must also address the prevalent psychological risk factors among young people in Nigeria- apart from different background characteristics- which could predispose them to risky sexual practices.

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