Knowledge about and experience of sexually transmissible infections in a representative sample of 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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First vaginal intercourse and oral sex among a representative sample of Australian adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh14113 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 406 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Chris Rissel ◽

Wendy Heywood ◽

Richard O. de Visser ◽

Judy M. Simpson ◽

Andrew E. Grulich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sex Education ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Participation Rate ◽

Oral Sex ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Vaginal Intercourse ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Vaginal Sex

Background Current information about the characteristics of Australian adults’ first vaginal intercourse and contraception or precautions used on that occasion is needed, as well as whether these characteristics have changed between 2001–02 and 2012–13. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years. The overall participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents indicated their age at first vaginal intercourse and first oral sex. Those who reported vaginal intercourse were asked the age of their partner, their relationship to their partner, the duration of this relationship, and what contraception or precautions (if any) were used. Results: There was a significant decline in the median age of first vaginal intercourse for both men and women among those born between the 1940s and the 1960s, but no further decline since. There has also been a significant increase in the use of protection at first vaginal intercourse, from less than 20% of men and women in the 1950s to over 90% in the 2000s. For men and women, first vaginal sex before age 16 years was significantly associated with a greater number of lifetime and recent sexual partners, and a greater likelihood of having had a sexually transmitted infection. Conclusion: Given the earlier age at first vaginal intercourse, sex education should begin earlier so that all young people have information about contraception and disease prevention before they begin their sexual careers.

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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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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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Condom failure among men receiving sexually transmissible infection clinic services, Cape Town, South Africa

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh09046 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 300 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Seth C. Kalichman ◽

Leickness C. Simbayi ◽

Demetria Cain ◽

Sean Jooste

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Treatment Services ◽

Sexual Exchange ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

Chart Abstraction ◽

History Of ◽

Infection Clinic ◽

Observation Period

Background: Condoms offer the most realistic and available protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV infection. The protective benefits of condoms are, however, compromised by breaks and tears. The objective of the present study was to examine condom failure and associated behavioural risk factors among men at high-risk for HIV transmission in South Africa. Methods: Men (n = 431) receiving STI treatment services at a public clinic completed computer assisted interviews and STI clinic chart abstraction over a 1-year observation period. Results: One in three male STI clinic patients reported a history of condom failure. Condom failure was associated with sexual exchange, alcohol and other drug use, and higher rates of unprotected vaginal intercourse. Men with a history of condom failure were significantly more likely to have an STI diagnosis 1 month before the baseline interview and were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with an STI over the subsequent year. Conclusion: Condom failures are common among STI clinic patients and pose a threat for increased HIV transmission risks.

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Community event-based outreach screening for syphilis and other sexually transmissible infections among gay men in Sydney, Australia

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh13012 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 357 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Phillip J. Read ◽

Vickie Knight ◽

Christopher Bourne ◽

Rebecca Guy ◽

Basil Donovan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gay Men ◽

Diagnostic Yield ◽

Outreach Program ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Gay Community ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

Important Addition ◽

Testing Environments ◽

The Cost

Objectives Increased testing frequency is a key strategy in syphilis control, but achieving regular testing is difficult. The objective of this study is to describe a sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing outreach program (the Testing Tent) at a gay community event. Methods: Gay men attending the testing tent in 2010–11 completed a computer-assisted self-interview and were screened for STIs. Clinical, demographic, behavioural and diagnostic data were compared with gay men attending a clinic-based service during 2009. The Testing Tent was marketed on social media sites and data were extracted on the number of times the advertisements were viewed. Staffing, laboratory, marketing and venue hire expenses were calculated to estimate the cost of delivering the service. Results: Ninety-eight men attended the Testing Tent. They were older (median age: 42 years v. 30 years; P < 0.001), had more sex partners (median: five in 3 months v. two; P < 0.001) and more likely to inject drugs (9% v. 4%; P = 0.034) than the 1006 clinic attendees, but were more likely to have previously tested for STIs (81% v. 69%; P = 0.028) and to always use condoms for anal sex (59% v. 43%; P = 0.005). Five cases of STIs were detected; the diagnostic yield was not significantly different from that of the clinic. The cost of the Testing Tent was A$28 440. Conclusion: Nonclinical testing facilities are an acceptable option and are accessed by gay men requiring regular testing, and may be an important addition to traditional testing environments.

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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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Characteristics associated with group sex participation among men and women in the club drug scene

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh15071 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 560 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Mance E. Buttram ◽

Steven P. Kurtz

Keyword(s):

Drug Users ◽

Substance Dependence ◽

Crack Cocaine ◽

Injection Drug ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

History Of ◽

Group Sex ◽

Selling Sex ◽

Club Drug

This study examined the demographics, substance use and sexual risk behaviours associated with group sex (GS) participation among a sample of club drug users (n = 498) in Miami. Men (n = 128; 46.3%) and women (n = 75; 33.7%) reported histories of GS. Group sex participation among men and women was associated with heroin and injection drug use, trading or selling sex, and sex while high, compared with no GS participation. Moreover, among men, GS was associated with buying sex and sex with an injection drug user; among women, GS was associated with substance dependence, a history of sexually transmissible infections and crack cocaine use, compared with no GS participation.

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Characteristics of heterosexual regular relationships among a representative sample of adults: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh14114 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 427 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Paul B. Badcock ◽

Anthony M. A. Smith ◽

Juliet Richters ◽

Chris Rissel ◽

Richard O. de Visser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Representative Sample ◽

Participation Rate ◽

Average Frequency ◽

Sexual Relationships ◽

Mobile Telephone ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Sexually Active ◽

Heterosexual Relationships ◽

Australian Study ◽

Contraception Use

Background The aim of this study was to describe important characteristics of Australian adults’ heterosexual regular sexual relationships and examine how these characteristics have changed since 2002. Methods: Computer-assisted landline and mobile telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 Australian residents aged 16–69 years. The participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Data were collected on respondents’ social and demographic characteristics, relationship status and duration, cohabitation status, partner’s age, contraception use, expectations about sexual exclusivity, sexual partners in the previous year, actual and ideal frequencies of sex and levels of physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction in their relationships. Results: Most sexually active respondents 89%; 74% of all respondents, were in a heterosexual regular relationship. Most (97%) expected sexual exclusivity in their relationships, with 3% reporting extradyadic sex in the previous year. Respondents reported an average frequency of sex of 1.44 times per week, with most reporting very high levels of physical pleasure (men, 88%; women, 76%) and emotional satisfaction (men, 86%; women, 84%) in their relationships. Comparisons with data from the First Australian Study of Health and Relationships revealed that significantly more sexually active men were in a relationship in the current survey; that respondents’ average frequency of sex was significantly lower; and that women’s reports of extreme emotional satisfaction had risen. Otherwise, results were consistent with those of the first study. Conclusions: In general, results suggested that the characteristics of Australians’ heterosexual relationships changed little between 2002 and 2013. Despite a decline in respondents’ average weekly frequency of sex, the majority of respondents reported being in a highly satisfying, sexually exclusive relationship.

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