First vaginal intercourse and oral sex among a representative sample of Australian adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) present a substantial public health burden, and are related to modifiable sexual behaviours. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a population-representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents were asked questions regarding their knowledge about, self-reported history of, and testing for STIs. Results: STI knowledge was better in women, the young, people of higher socioeconomic status, those with a variety of indicators of being at high STI risk and those with a history of receiving sex education in school. Approximately one in six men and women reported a lifetime history of an STI. A history of STI testing in the last year was reported by ~one in six (17%) women and one in eight men (13%) and higher rates of testing in women were reported in most high-risk groups. The highest rates of STI testing (61%) and HIV testing (89%) were reported in homosexual men. Conclusion: Knowledge of STI-related health consequences and transmission is improving in Australians, and rates of STI testing were relatively high but were higher in women than in men. Further increases in testing rates in both sexes will be required to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of STIs, which is a cornerstone of STI control.

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Corrigendum to: Knowledge about and experience of sexually transmissible infections in a representative sample of adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh14121_co ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 276

Author(s):

Andrew E. Grulich ◽

Richard O. de Visser ◽

Paul B. Badcock ◽

Anthony M. A. Smith ◽

Juliet Richters ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sex Education ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Participation Rate ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Men And Women ◽

Public Health Burden ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

History Of

Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) present a substantial public health burden, and are related to modifiable sexual behaviours. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a population-representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents were asked questions regarding their knowledge about, self-reported history of, and testing for STIs. Results: STI knowledge was better in women, the young, people of higher socioeconomic status, those with a variety of indicators of being at high STI risk and those with a history of receiving sex education in school. Approximately one in six men and women reported a lifetime history of an STI. A history of STI testing in the last year was reported by ~one in six (17%) women and one in eight men (13%) and higher rates of testing in women were reported in most high-risk groups. The highest rates of STI testing (61%) and HIV testing (89%) were reported in homosexual men. Conclusion: Knowledge of STI-related health consequences and transmission is improving in Australians, and rates of STI testing were relatively high but were higher in women than in men. Further increases in testing rates in both sexes will be required to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of STIs, which is a cornerstone of STI control.

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Heterosexual experience and recent heterosexual encounters among Australian adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh14105 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 416 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Chris Rissel ◽

Paul B. Badcock ◽

Anthony M. A. Smith ◽

Juliet Richters ◽

Richard O. de Visser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Representative Sample ◽

Participation Rate ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Oral Sex ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Multiple Partners ◽

Lifetime Experience ◽

Lifetime Number

Background Current information about numbers of other-sex partners, experiences of different heterosexual behaviours and the recent heterosexual experiences among a representative sample of Australian adults is needed. It is not known whether these practices have changed between 2001–02 and 2012–13. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 9963 men and 10 131 women aged 16–69 years from all states and territories. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Results: Men reported more sexual partners than women, although the lifetime number of heterosexual partners reported by women increased significantly between 2001–02 and 2012–13. In 2012–13, 14.7% of men and 8.6% of women reported two or more sexual partners in the last year. Reporting multiple partners was significantly associated with being younger, being bisexual, living in major cities, having a lower income, having a blue-collar occupation and not being married. The proportion of respondents reporting ever having had oral sex or anal intercourse increased significantly since the last survey. At the last heterosexual encounter, 91.9% of men and 66.2% of women had an orgasm, oral sex was reported in only approximately one in four encounters and anal intercourse was uncommon. Conclusion: There were increases between 2001–02 and 2012–13 in partner numbers among women and in the lifetime experience of oral and anal sex. The patterns of heterosexual experience in Australia are similar to those found in studies of representative samples in other countries.

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Corrigendum to: Heterosexual experience and recent heterosexual encounters among Australian adults: The Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh14105_co ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 568 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chris Rissel ◽

Paul B. Badcock ◽

Anthony M. A. Smith ◽

Juliet Richters ◽

Richard O. de Visser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Representative Sample ◽

Participation Rate ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Oral Sex ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Multiple Partners ◽

Lifetime Experience ◽

Lifetime Number

Background Current information about numbers of other-sex partners, experiences of different heterosexual behaviours and the recent heterosexual experiences among a representative sample of Australian adults is needed. It is not known whether these practices have changed between 2001–02 and 2012–13. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 9963 men and 10 131 women aged 16–69 years from all states and territories. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Results: Men reported more sexual partners than women, although the lifetime number of heterosexual partners reported by women increased significantly between 2001–02 and 2012–13. In 2012–13, 14.7% of men and 8.6% of women reported two or more sexual partners in the last year. Reporting multiple partners was significantly associated with being younger, being bisexual, living in major cities, having a lower income, having a blue-collar occupation and not being married. The proportion of respondents reporting ever having had oral sex or anal intercourse increased significantly since the last survey. At the last heterosexual encounter, 91.9% of men and 66.2% of women had an orgasm, oral sex was reported in only approximately one in four encounters and anal intercourse was uncommon. Conclusion: There were increases between 2001–02 and 2012–13 in partner numbers among women and in the lifetime experience of oral and anal sex. The patterns of heterosexual experience in Australia are similar to those found in studies of representative samples in other countries.

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Epidemiology of genital warts in the British population: implications for HPV vaccination programmes

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

10.1136/sextrans-2018-053786 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 95 (5) ◽

pp. 386-390 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Pam Sonnenberg ◽

Clare Tanton ◽

David Mesher ◽

Eleanor King ◽

Simon Beddows ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Genital Warts ◽

Sample Survey ◽

Similar Proportion ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Sexual Health Clinics

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of, and describe risk factors for, genital warts (GWs) in the British population, following the introduction of the bivalent (human papillomavirus (HPV)-16/18) vaccination programme in girls, and prior to the switch to quadrivalent (HPV-6/11/16/18) vaccine (offering direct protection against GWs) and compare this with GW diagnoses in the prevaccination era.MethodsNatsal-3, a probability sample survey in Britain, conducted in 2010–2012, interviewed 9902 men and women aged 16–44. Natsal-2, conducted in 1999–2001, surveyed 11 161 men and women aged 16–44. Both surveys collected data on sexual behaviour and sexually transmitted infection diagnoses using computer-assisted interview methods.ResultsIn Natsal-3, 3.8% and 4.6% of sexually experienced men and women reported ever having a diagnosis of GWs, with 1.3% of men and 1.7% of woman reporting a GWs diagnosis in the past 5 years. GWs were strongly associated with increasing partner numbers and condomless sex. Diagnoses were more frequent in men who have sex with men (MSM) (11.6% ever, 3.3% past 5 years) and in women reporting sex with women (10.8% ever, 3.6% past 5 years). In the age group who were eligible for vaccination at the time of Natsal-3 (16–20 years), a similar proportion of same-aged women reported a history of GWs in Natsal-2 (1.9%, 1.1–3.4) and Natsal-3 (2.6%, 1.5–4.4).ConclusionsThese data provide essential parameters for mathematical models that inform cost-effectiveness analyses of HPV vaccination programmes. There was no evidence of population protection against GWs conferred by the bivalent vaccine. Even with vaccination of adolescent boys, vaccination should be offered to MSM attending sexual health clinics.

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Associations between oral sex practices and frequent mouthwash use in heterosexuals: a cross-sectional survey in Melbourne, Australia

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041782 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e041782

Author(s):

Tiffany R Phillips ◽

Christopher K Fairley ◽

Catriona S Bradshaw ◽

Marjan Tabesh ◽

Kate Maddaford ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Health ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Health Clinic ◽

Oral Sex ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sex Practices

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the frequency of mouthwash use and its association to oral sex practice in heterosexuals.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingData obtained from a sexual health clinic in Victoria, Australia, between March 2019 and April 2019.ParticipantsHeterosexual men and women attending the sexual health clinic answered a survey using computer-assisted self-interview.Primary and secondary outcome measuresUnivariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the association between frequent mouthwash use (ie, daily or weekly mouthwash use) and oral sex practices (including tongue kissing, fellatio, cunnilingus and insertive rimming).ResultsThere were 681 heterosexuals included in the analysis: 315 (46.3%) men and 366 (53.7%) women. Of participants, 302 (44.3%) used mouthwash frequently, 173 (25.4%) used mouthwash infrequently and 206 (30.2%) never used mouthwash. There was no significant difference in the proportion of frequent mouthwash users between men and women (46.4% of men vs 42.6% of women; p=0.329). The proportion of frequent mouthwash users increased with increasing age groups (39.3% in ≤24 years, 45.2% in 25–34 years and 52.8% in ≥35 years or older; ptrend=0.039) with those aged ≥35 years having a 1.80 times (95% CI: 1.12 to 2.89) higher odds of being a frequent mouthwash user than those aged ≤24 years. There were no significant associations between frequent mouthwash users had sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk after adjusting for age and country of birth.ConclusionOlder heterosexuals are more likely to use mouthwash. Given the high proportion and associations of mouthwash use in heterosexuals, future investigations related to oral STIs in this group should include mouthwash use.

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A comparison of HIV-risk behaviors between young black cisgender men who have sex with men and young black transgender women who have sex with men

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462417751811 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 29 (7) ◽

pp. 665-672 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Richard A Crosby ◽

Laura F Salazar ◽

Brandon Hill ◽

Leandro Mena

Keyword(s):

Oral Sex ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Sex Partners ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Exchange Sex ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Multiple Risk Factors ◽

The Usa ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Stis And Hiv

This study compared sexually transmitted infection (STI)-associated risks between young Black cisgender men who have sex with men (YBMSM) and young Black transwomen who have sex with men (YBTWSM). Comparisons pertained to: (1) prevalence of infections; (2) sexual risk; (3) partner-related risks; and (4) socioeconomic marginalization. YBMSM (n = 577) and YBTWSM (n = 32) were recruited from an STI clinic in the USA. Volunteers completed a computer-assisted self-interview and medical records were abstracted for STI/HIV information. Significantly greater prevalence of pharyngeal Chlamydia ( P < .001) and pharyngeal gonorrhea ( P = .04) occurred among YBTWSM; however, both associations were moderated and only significant for HIV-uninfected volunteers. YBTWSM had more oral sex partners and more frequent engagement in oral sex. The number of new sex partners for anal receptive sex was greater in YBTWSM. YBTWSM were more likely to exchange sex for money/drugs ( P < .001), have sex with men recently in prison ( P < .001), who were “anonymous” ( P = .004), or who were “one night stands” ( P < .001). YBTWSM were more likely to depend on sex partners for money food, etc. ( P < .001), to miss meals due to lack of money ( P = .01), and to report having ever being incarcerated ( P = .009). Compared to cisgender YBMSM, YBTWSM experience multiple risk factors relative to the acquisition/transmission of STIs and HIV.

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Experiences of sexual coercion in a representative sample of adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh14103 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 472 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Richard O. de Visser ◽

Paul B. Badcock ◽

Chris Rissel ◽

Juliet Richters ◽

Anthony M. A. Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Representative Sample ◽

Sexual Coercion ◽

Participation Rate ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Australian Study ◽

Men And Women ◽

Telephone Interviews ◽

Changes Over Time ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽

Transmissible Infection

Background It is important to have current reliable estimates of the prevalence, correlates and consequences of sexual coercion among a representative sample of Australian adults and to identify changes over time in prevalence and consequences. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 Australian men and women aged 16–69 years. The participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Results: Sexual coercion (i.e. being forced or frightened into sexual activity) was reported by 4.2% of men and 22.4% of women. Sexual coercion when aged ≤16 years was reported by 2.0% of men and 11.5% of women. Correlates of sexual coercion were similar for men and women. Those who had been coerced reported greater psychosocial distress, were more likely to smoke, were more anxious about sex and more likely to have acquired a sexually transmissible infection. Few people had talked to others about their experiences of sexual coercion and fewer had talked to a professional. There were no significant differences between the First and Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships in whether men or women had experienced coercion, talked to anyone about this or talked to a counsellor or psychologist. Conclusion: Sexual coercion has detrimental effects on various aspects of people’s lives. It usually occurs at the ages at which people become sexually active. There is a need to reduce the incidence of sexual coercion, better identify experiences of sexual coercion, and provide accessible services to minimise the detrimental effects of sexual coercion.

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Sexual identity, sexual attraction and sexual experience: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh14117 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 451 ◽

Cited By ~ 56

Author(s):

Juliet Richters ◽

Dennis Altman ◽

Paul B. Badcock ◽

Anthony M. A. Smith ◽

Richard O. de Visser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Identity ◽

Female Sexuality ◽

Sexual Attraction ◽

Tertiary Education ◽

Sexual Experience ◽

Participation Rate ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Same Sex ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sex Attraction

Background Behavioural and other aspects of sexuality are not always consistent. This study describes the prevalence and overlap of same-sex and other-sex attraction and experience and of different sexual identities in Australia. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years recruited by landline and mobile phone random-digit dialling with a response rate (participation rate among eligible people) of 66.2%. Respondents were asked about their sexual identity (‘Do you think of yourself as’ heterosexual/straight, homosexual/gay, bisexual, etc.) and the sex of people with whom they had ever had sexual contact and to whom they had felt sexually attracted. Results: Men and women had different patterns of sexual identity. Although the majority of people identified as heterosexual (97% men, 96% women), women were more likely than men to identify as bisexual. Women were less likely than men to report exclusively other-sex or same-sex attraction and experience; 9% of men and 19% of women had some history of same-sex attraction and/or experience. Sexual attraction and experience did not necessarily correspond. Homosexual/gay identity was more common among men with tertiary education and living in cities and less common among men with blue-collar jobs. Many gay men (53%) and lesbians (76%) had some experience with an other-sex partner. More women identified as lesbian or bisexual than in 2001–02. Similarly, more women reported same-sex experience and same-sex attraction. Conclusion: In Australia, men are more likely than women to report exclusive same-sex attraction and experience, although women are more likely than men to report any non-heterosexual identity, experience and attraction. Whether this is a feature of the plasticity of female sexuality or due to lesser stigma than for men is unknown.

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Challenges and motivators for male partner involvement in prenatal care for HIV testing in a tertiary setting in Brazil

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462419845225 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (9) ◽

pp. 875-884

Author(s):

Nava Yeganeh ◽

Tara Kerin ◽

Mariana Simon ◽

Karin Nielsen-Saines ◽

Jeffrey D Klausner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prenatal Care ◽

Hiv Testing ◽

Male Partner ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Entire Family ◽

Middle Income ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Male Partner Involvement ◽

Partner Involvement

Male partner involvement in prenatal care has been shown to improve outcomes for the entire family in low- and middle income countries. In Brazil, partners of pregnant women are encouraged to attend prenatal care for HIV testing. From November 2016 to July 2017, male partners of women delivering at Hospital Conceiçao were interviewed using computer-assisted telephone interviews regarding individual, relationship and system-wide facilitators and barriers to attending prenatal care. Of 403 men interviewed, 202 attended prenatal care and 201 did not. Individual factors that predicted prenatal care attendance included over-estimating the risk of mother to child transmission (AOR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.35–3.4), and endorsing that HIV-infected individuals can live satisfying lives (AOR 7.24, 95% CI: 1.9–47.5). Partnership factors associated with attendance included invitation by partner (AOR 5.6, 95% CI: 2.4–15.6). Systemic factors negatively associated with prenatal care attendance included a history of not being able to afford medical care (AOR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.15–0.6) and identifying work as a barrier to prenatal care attendance (AOR 0.19 95% CI: 0.11–0.31). Partners should be actively invited to prenatal care during flexible flexible hours. Once involved, almost all would accept HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing to protect partners and unborn infants during this vulnerable period.

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