scholarly journals Impacts of COVID-19 on sexual behaviour in Britain: findings from a large, quasi-representative survey (Natsal-COVID)

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2021-055210
Author(s):  
Catherine H Mercer ◽  
Soazig Clifton ◽  
Julie Riddell ◽  
Clare Tanton ◽  
Lily Freeman ◽  
...  

ObjectivesPhysical restrictions imposed to combat COVID-19 dramatically altered sexual lifestyles but the specific impacts on sexual behaviour are still emerging. We investigated physical and virtual sexual activities, sexual frequency and satisfaction in the 4 months following lockdown in Britain in March 2020 and compared with pre-lockdown.MethodsWeighted analyses of web panel survey data collected July/August 2020 from a quota-based sample of 6654 people aged 18–59 years in Britain. Multivariable regression took account of participants’ opportunity for partnered sex, gender and age, to examine their independent associations with perceived changes in sexual frequency and satisfaction.ResultsMost participants (86.7%) reported some form of sex following lockdown with physical activities more commonly reported than virtual activities (83.7% vs 52.6%). Altogether, 63.2% reported sex with someone (‘partnered sex’) since lockdown, three-quarters of whom were in steady cohabiting relationships. With decreasing relationship formality, partnered sex was less frequently reported, while masturbation, sex toy use and virtual activities were more frequently reported. Around half of all participants perceived no change in partnered sex frequency compared with the 3 months pre-lockdown, but this was only one-third among those not cohabiting, who were more likely to report increases in non-partnered activities than those cohabiting. Two-thirds of participants perceived no change in sexual satisfaction; declines were more common among those not cohabiting. Relationship informality and younger age were independently associated with perceiving change, often declines, in sexual frequency and satisfaction.ConclusionsOur quasi-representative study of the British population found a substantial minority reported significant shifts in sexual repertoires, frequency and satisfaction following the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions. However, these negative changes were perceived by some more than others; predominantly those not cohabiting and the young. As these groups are most likely to experience adverse sexual health, it is important to monitor behaviour as restrictions ease to understand the longer term consequences, including for health services.

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A91-A92
Author(s):  
Babita Pande ◽  
Meenakshi Sinha ◽  
Ramanjan Sinha

Abstract Introduction Lockdown and stay home order has been imposed on people in many countries including India to prevent the community transmission of COVID-19 pandemic. However this social restriction led to disturbed daily routine and lifestyle behaviour that is needed to be attended for proper therapeutic management of overall health during such crisis. The impact of lockdown on the most apparent behavioral changes viz. sleep-wake behaviour, major meal timings, and digital screen duration of Indians were investigated. In addition the effects of gender and age were explored. Methods After seeking permission from Ethical Institution, an online questionnaire based survey was circulated within India in the first week of May, 2020 for which total 1511 male and female (age ≥18 years) subjects participated. The sleep-wake behavior observed were sleep-wake timings, sleep duration, mid sleep time (MST) as function of lockdown, and social (lockdown) jetlag (SJL = MST before lockdown-MST during lockdown). Results The sleep onset-wakeup and meal times were significantly delayed during lockdown, which was more pronounced in younger age group. The sleep duration increased, specifically in young individuals during lockdown. Females showed more delayed sleep onset-waking times and first meal timing with longer sleep duration during lockdown. Increased digital media duration was observed in all age groups, primarily in males. The younger age group and specifically female reported higher SJL and delayed MST. A positive association was obtained between sleep duration & first meal time, and SJL & major meal timings/screen duration, and a significant negative relationship of sleep duration and SJL with age. Conclusion The study shows delayed sleep-wake schedule, meal timings and increased digital media duration among Indians during COVID-19 lockdown compared to before lockdown. Also, gender and age emerged as important mediating factors for this alteration. The pandemic has given opportunity to sleep more and compensate for the sleep. In spite of that, the higher social jetlag in young age group and female showed the compromised sleep and maladaption with societal timing. These findings have applied implications in sleep health during longer social isolation conditions and for proper therapeutic management. Support (if any) No


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 431-437
Author(s):  
Krystian Solis ◽  
Walter Dehority

OBJECTIVES We studied the frequency and characteristics of antibiotic-induced neutropenia in otherwise healthy children receiving antibiotic therapy for hematogenous osteoarticular infections (OAIs). METHODS We retrospectively enrolled otherwise healthy children between 1 month and 18 years of age discharged with an OAI from our institution over an 11-year period. An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≤1500 cells/μL was defined as neutropenia. We recorded demographic and clinical information, as well as the value and timing of each ANC in relation to changes in antibiotic therapy. A multivariable regression model assessed the contributions of various risk factors. RESULTS A total of 186 children were enrolled (mean age, 7.6 years; 67.2% boys). β-Lactams represented 61.2% of all prescriptions. During treatment, 61 subjects (32.8%) developed neutropenia (median time to onset, 24 days). An ANC < 500 cells/μL occurred in 7 subjects (3.8%). Neutropenic subjects (mean age, 6.0 years) were significantly younger than those without neutropenia (mean age, 8.5 years) (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79–0.93; p < 0.001) and received significantly longer courses of total (89.3 vs. 55.8 days) and parenteral (24.6 vs. 19.9 days) antibiotic therapy (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02; p = 0.004 and OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.04; p = 0.041, respectively). Recurrent neutropenia occurred in 23.0% of all neutropenic subjects and was significantly more common in those with a longer mean duration of parenteral therapy (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09; p = 0.004.). No complications from neutropenia occurred. CONCLUSIONS Neutropenia was common in our cohort of children receiving prolonged antibiotic therapy for OAIs. Younger age and longer courses of therapy were associated with an increased risk of neutropenia.


PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Navarro-Cremades ◽  
Antonio Palazón-Bru ◽  
Dolores Marhuenda-Amorós ◽  
María Isabel Tomás-Rodríguez ◽  
Fina Antón-Ruiz ◽  
...  

Background.Several authors have examined the risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI), but no study has yet analyzed it solely in relation with sexual behaviour in women. We analyzed the association of sexual behaviour with STI risk in female university students of healthcare sciences.Methods.We designed a cross-sectional study assessing over three months vaginal intercourse with a man. The study involved 175 female university students, without a stable partner, studying healthcare sciences in Spain. Main outcome variable: STI risk (not always using male condoms). Secondary variables: sexual behaviour, method of orgasm, desire to increase the frequency of sexual relations, desire to have more variety in sexual relations, frequency of sexual intercourse with the partner, and age. The information was collected with an original questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) in order to analyze the association between the STI risk and the study variables.Results.Of the 175 women, 52 were positive for STI risk (29.7%, 95% CI [22.9–36.5%]). Factors significantly associated with STI risk (p< 0.05) included: orgasm (not having orgasms →OR = 7.01, 95% CI [1.49–33.00]; several methods →OR = 0.77, 95% CI [0.31–1.90]; one single method →OR = 1;p= 0.008) and desiring an increased frequency of sexual activities (OR = 0.27, 95% CI [0.13–0.59],p< 0.001).Conclusions.Women’s desire for sexual activities and their sexual function were significant predictors of their risk for STI. Information about sexual function is an intrinsic aspect of sexual behaviour and should be taken into consideration when seeking approaches to reduce risks for STI.


2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-508
Author(s):  
Bojan Milošević ◽  
Branka Janković ◽  
Milenko Janković

We are witnesses to an ever faster and more "aggressive" influence of modern technologies, not only on lives of adults and adolescents, but also children of preschool age. This planetary trend has not bypassed contemporary Serbian society either. The subject of this paper is the analysis of the data collected through the original empirical research in relation to establishing a connection between (1) the dimension of smartphone control imposed by the parents and (2) the dimensions of physical activity of children of preschool age in their leisure time. The paper analyzes the physical activities of preschool children depending on the following variables: children's gender and age (4, 5 or 6 years old), whether the child owns a smartphone or not, whether the child is included in a programmed sports activity; all this in relation to the parents' statement on whether they limit the time of the child's smartphone use. The relationship between these variables is justified by applying the Parental Smartphone Use Management Scale (PSUMS), while Baecke questionnaire is used for the data on preschool children's physical activity in their leisure time. The empirical research was carried out in the first half of 2020 by conducting a survey among the parents of 943 preschool children aged from 4 to 6 attending preschool and daycare centres in the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (Serbia). Based on the analysis of the collected data, we have deduced the following: 1. a large percentage of children from 4 to 6 do not own their own smartphones (77.9%), but nonetheless they use smartphones on a daily basis (73.4%); 2. there are no differences in children's physical activities in relation to their gender and age; 3. children spend more time on physical activities in their leisure time if they do not have their own smartphones, if they are engaged in an organized sports activity ("recreational schools"), as well as if their parents limit their smartphone use, and 4. children participate more in physical activities in their leisure time if their parents are consistent regarding children's smartphone time management. Recommendations to parents based on our research are that children should be included in free physical activities at the earliest preschool age, and in the structured/programmed ones at a later preschool age, because that is the period most suitable for accepting adequate habits of physical exercise that are carried on into adulthood. In that manner, children will more easily "give up" their passive (sedentary) activities in leisure time, which is usually spent alongside use of smartphone, all with the aim of optimizing the quality of their growing up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 725-732
Author(s):  
Manuj Sharma ◽  
Irwin Nazareth ◽  
Irene Petersen

Abstract Background two common anti-diabetic treatments used are sitagliptin and sulphonylureas however evidence examining their comparative effectiveness in older people is limited. Objective to evaluate effectiveness of sitagliptin vs sulphonylureas when added to metformin in older (aged ≥75) vs younger people (18–75). Design retrospective cohort study. Setting UK Primary Care. Subjects 2,904 individuals prescribed sitagliptin (223 aged≥75) and 13,683 prescribed sulphonylureas (1,725 aged ≥75). Methods multivariable regression to analyse difference in HbA1c and weight, 12 months after add-on initiation and proportion achieving different glycaemic targets. Results after multivariate adjustment to remove baseline differences, the HbA1c after 12 months of treatment was on average 1 mmol/mol (95%CI −0.7 to 2.8) higher with sitagliptin vs sulphonylureas in older people though this was not statistically significant. The weight however, was significantly lower −1.4 kg (95%CI −2.1 to −0.7) with sitagliptin vs sulphonylureas. A lower proportion prescribed sitagliptin vs sulphonylureas recorded HbA1c < 48 mmol/mol by study end: Odds Ratio 0.63 (95%CI 0.42–0.95). In younger people, similar HbA1c reductions were also observed with both treatments, however weight after 12 months was even lower with sitagliptin vs sulphonylureas: −2.3 kg (95%CI −2.5 to −2.0). Conclusions similar HbA1c reduction was observed when sitagliptin or sulphonylureas were added to metformin in older and younger age-groups. Sitagliptin use led to modest comparative weight loss. There may be greater risk of over-treatment with sulphonylureas evidenced by greater proportion recording HbA1c < 48 mmol/mol by study end. This evidence supporting use of sitagliptin when add-on therapy is selected in older adults should be considered alongside the wider evidence-base and patient-preference.


2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1473-1477 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. PARKER ◽  
K. PARKER ◽  
M.-P. AUSTIN ◽  
P. MITCHELL ◽  
H. BROTCHIE

Background. A recent US study presented data suggesting that depressed women are more likely to respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) than tricyclic (TCA) antidepressant drug therapies. We have undertaken replication studies in two independent databases.Method. We have examined for gender differences in SSRI and TCA antidepressant response in both retrospective and prospective naturalistic uncontrolled studies, and in subsets of melancholic and non-melancholic depressed subjects. As the US study had indicated that women under the age of 40 years were particularly likely to show a differential response to SSRIs, we examined for age, gender and interactional effects. In addition, we examined for differential SSRI and TCA responsiveness in a subset of patients who had received drugs from both classes.Results. We failed to find evidence of women having a preferential response to SSRI medication or, conversely, of men having a superior response to TCA medication. Older age, however, was associated with a superior TCA response and younger age with a superior SSRI response.Conclusion. As few studies have examined for differential gender and age effects in response to narrow action and broad action antidepressant drugs across major depressive subtypes, gender differential effects remain to be established.


Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas F. H. Tothill ◽  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
David G. Regan

The rate of partner acquisition in a population is an important parameter when constructing epidemiological models of sexually transmissible infections. We have analysed the results of a survey of the sexual behaviour of the Australian population to estimate how many people have acquired no new partner, one, two or at least three new partners in the past year, and hence estimated heterosexual partner acquisition rates for the population by gender and age band. Partner acquisition rates are ~0.5 new partners per year for 16- to 19-year-olds, peak at ~0.7 in the 20- to 24-year-old age band, and then decline steadily with age to ~0.2 per year. In all age bands, there are more male respondents reporting three or more new partners in the last year than what is consistent with the rest of the data, which could be interpreted as evidence of an additional population stratum characterised by higher partner acquisition rates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 457-457
Author(s):  
María del Sequeros Chaparro ◽  
Isabel Cabrera ◽  
Carlos Vara-García ◽  
José Adrián Fernandes-Pires ◽  
Samara Barrera-Caballero ◽  
...  

Abstract Loneliness is a prevalent problem associated with negative health consequences for older adults, such as greater cognitive decline. Limitations to perform physical activities have been associated with greater loneliness in older adults. This association could be moderated by maladaptive social cognition or feelings, such as guilt associated with perceiving oneself as a burden. The objective of this study was to analyze the moderating effect of guilt associated with perceiving oneself as a burden in the relationship between limitations in physical activities and loneliness. Participants were 195 community-dwelling people 60 years or older not showing explicit cognitive or functional limitations that prevent activities of daily life, but who may present limitations in some physical activities (e.g., walking a kilometer or more). A linear regression analysis was conducted for testing the interaction between limitations in physical activities and guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden in loneliness, controlling for gender and age. The interaction between limitations in physical activities and guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden was the only significant predictor of loneliness and the model explained 18.30% of the variance. Limitations in physical activities influenced loneliness when people have high levels of guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden. This study suggests that guilt for perceiving oneself as a burden may play an important role in the association between limitations in some physical activities and loneliness.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Е. Бабаев ◽  
E. Babaev ◽  
Ф. Сафаралиев ◽  
F. Safaraliev

<p> Marked reduction of the immunological reactivity of various organs and systems of professional athletes on the  background  of intense  physical  activities leads to an increase in the prevalence and intensity of inflammatory diseases  of the periodontal tissues. According to the index indicant  expressed pathological processes in periodontal tissues frequently  found already in the examined younger age  groups. Use in therapeutic and  prophylactic purposes  biologically neutral  medication of plant and  animal  origin during  overtraining syndrome accompanied by significant  positive  changes  in the clinical and laboratory manifestations of inflammatory periodontal disease. Statistical analysis of the results showed a significant decrease in data  of hygiene  and  periodontal indices, and quantitative content secretor  immunoglobulin in the mixed saliva, and this trend could be observed at all stages  of research  and almost  in all groups of professional athletes.</p><p> </p>


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