Factors associated with sexual practices and positions performed by pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify factors associated with the sexual practices and positions performed by pregnant women. Methods: a cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with 354 pregnant women, in the interior of Ceará, Brazil, in 2016. For data collection, a form and a Pregnancy Sexuality Questionnaire were used. Results: there was a reduction in the sexual initiative of the woman, sexual disposition of the couple, sexual practices and most of the sexual positions, while the maintenance of preliminary sexual activities and initiative to perform them was verified. Sexual practices and positions decreased (p<0.0001): preliminary sexual activities, sexual disposition, lubrication, orgasm, pain or discomfort, sexual positions, sexual practices, and sexual satisfaction. Sexual practices and positions increased (p<0.0001) as a function of: education, number of deliveries, sexual life, desire and arousal, and sexual disposition of the pregnant woman, frequency of orgasm and of sexual practices (p<0.0001). Conclusions: sexual practices and positions of pregnant women were affected by domains of sexual function, sexual, reproductive, physical, and psychological aspects.

Implikasi Penyimpangan Gangguan Fethisme dalam Kesehatan Mental

A fetish case is a case in which the perpetrator has sexual aberrations with body parts or an object (called a fetish) in order to get sexual stimulation and satisfaction. The perpetrator will be stimulated on a body part or an object which for some people is just a stimulus. The object will make the basis of fantasy and help romance but is not a substitute for more conventional sexual activities, fetishes that may be on body parts such as the buttocks of the eyes while on inanimate objects such as cloth, underwear, shoes, etc. this fetish is a form of sexual crossing which, if carried out continuously, can result in on going stress and disrupt the mental health of the perpetrator. The research method used in writing this journal is descriptive qualitative which is used to examine natural objects, by untilizing qualitative data and then sharing descriptively. The results of the analysis show that fetish behavior can affect mental health and can be cured by treatment in the form of sex education and Islamic therapy. Sex education is given, among others, about the ethics of asking permission to look at things, avoiding and various forms of sexual stimulation, provide lessons on how to protect yourself from despicable acts if you are not married, provide understanding and counseling related to the dangers of adultery. Meanwhile, Islamic therapy includes submission in prayer, but suggestions for self-introduction and self- authoritarian acts.

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

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.

THE USE OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS AMONG STREET LADIES IN ABA METROPOLIS OF NIGERIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Introduction: The use of psychoactive drugs among ladies is engaged in on an alarming increase in the postmodern Nigerian society, as it remains one of the public health and social vices that affects the contemporary human community. Purpose: The objectives of this study were to identify the drugs mostly abused and to determine the risk behaviours they engage in when under the influence of psychoactive drugs. Methodology: This study adopted a cross-sectional approach involving the use of oral interview and a semi- structured questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. This involved 20 interviewees in simple random selection. The data collected were analyzed using a descriptive statistics and statistical test of significance and results presented in charts. Findings: Major findings in this study attest to the fact that the mostly abused psychoactive drugs are Cigarette, Indian hemp, tramadol and codeine, cocaine. The use of psychoactive drugs is precursory to mental health challenges, depression, and behavioural abnormalities among younger women. The risk behaviours engaged when under the influence of these psychoactive drugs are aggressiveness/ ready to fight, unrestricted sexual activities, desire for more drug use. Consequently, the study findings maintain that the perpetration of heinous crimes that are carried out in the society cannot be independent of the influence of drugs, since the abused psychoactive drugs alter the normal function of the brain thus affecting the mental health of the user. Contribution to theory, practice and policy: Therefore, public health education and promotion with a focus on dissuading the unrestricted circulation and abuse of psychoactive drugs, especially among Aba young ladies is perceived profitable. Conclusion and Recommendation: Community awareness regarding drug and substance among women and constant checkmating of the activities of street girls should be carried out.

Pornography Use Profiles and the Emergence of Sexual Behaviors in Adolescence

This research longitudinally explored adolescent pornography (porn) consumption and its association with sexual development in early and middle adolescence. A four-wave design with half-year intervals investigated pornography consumption and different (sexual) activities, such as masturbation, French kissing, petting, giving/receiving manual and oral sex, and intercourse, among 630 respondents (47.9% female, mean age 13.7 years; SD = 0.48) years at T1). A latent growth mixture analysis of pornography consumption revealed two groups with relatively low pornography (LP; 51.8% of the boys, 91.4% of the girls) versus high pornography (HP; 48.2% of the boys; 8.6% of the girls) consumption across time. At T1, HP boys on average watched pornography less than once a month, but more than once a year at T1. At T4, their average pornography use had increased to almost one to two times a week. LP boys never watched pornography at T1. At T4, their average pornography use was still less than once a year. At T1, HP girls never watched pornography, but consumption increased to almost one to three times a month at T4. Across waves of the study, LP girls (almost) never watched pornography. A discrete-time survival mixture analysis of sexual developmental patterning indicated that, compared to their LP peers, both girls and boys in the HP groups showed accelerated development of masturbation, petting, and receiving manual sex. Girls in the HP group were also more inclined to receive oral sex, whereas boys in the HP group also showed earlier and more frequent manual sex and intercourse. Thus, whereas the HP group of boys was substantially larger compared to that of girls, pornography consumption was related to accelerated development of sexual activities for both genders across early and middle adolescence. The discussion deliberates on pornography as a driving force in adolescent sexual development versus pornography as a medium of choice for sexually advanced adolescents.

Understanding Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Undergraduates

Background: Exploring sexual activities that may make individuals vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies is being considered following observation and increased reports of unplanned pregnancies and its attendant consequences among students in tertiary institutions. Objective: Determine the undergraduates’ awareness and attitude towards risky sexual behaviour. Methods: A descriptive Cross-sectional survey was conducted, among year one and year two Medical and Nursing undergraduate students at two tertiary institutions in Rivers State of Nigeria, using a questionnaire adapted from World Health Organisation survey instrument to obtain data on knowledge of and attitude towards risky sexual behaviours. Two hundred and eighty participants were randomly selected. Descriptive analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. Results: About 92.9% of the respondents are aware that unprotected (oral, anal, vaginal) sexual intercourse is a risky sexual behaviour. Assessing respondents’ attitudes to risky sexual behaviour revealed that 9.3% agree that condom should only be used during sexual intercourse with commercial sex workers. Conclusions: Most Undergraduates are aware of sexual activities that constitute risky sexual behaviours but there is need to cascade this awareness to reflect on general sexual habits and reduce public health emergencies among undergraduates.

Rehabilitation of hypotonus pelvic floor muscles with a telerehab approach- Case report

Pelvic floor muscle is a group of muscles which acts as a Sling to Support, Assist and Aid the functions of Bladder, Bowel and Sexual activities. Hypotonus Pelvic floor muscle Dysfunction is a common condition suffered by Postmenopausal women where the strength of the Pelvic muscles reduces. Mostly reported is the incidence of Urinary incontinence and Pelvic organ prolapse. There are Various Proven Exercises, Equipments and Interventions which can be administered for the Hypotonus rehabilitation however due to the Covid- 19 Pandemic lockdown and with Social distancing there was a dearth felt by the Pelvic floor therapist for the rehabilitation of the Pelvic floor concern. This case report discusses the Telerehab approach and Progression Intervention for the Hypotonic Pelvic floor rehabilitation by Improving the Strength and the Quality of life of the women during such times when reaching the Pelvic floor therapist is difficult.

The Role of the Church in the Transformation of ‘No Sex Before Marriage’ Social Norm in Tanzania: From Shameful to Responsible Sex

Social norms comprise of “the rules and standards that are understood by members of a group, and that guide and/or constrain social behaviour without the force of laws. Social norms are the public rules of action and thought, acting as the backbone of societal habits, routines, and customs, and legal frames. In African settings, influence is organized mostly along with the gender, age, and religious structures. Religious people play the spiritual and advisory roles in the sexual activities of the adolescents. The standing norm drawn from the religious and social beliefs is “no sex before marriage.” In the communities where the research was done, sex was traditionally linked to marriage. Today more than ever, the Church is currently confronted with a divergence of opinion about sexual relationships and marriage. The reality of our society is the question as to whether the traditional understanding of marriage is still relevant as far as facilitating the believers to make meaningful and responsible choices. The intention of this paper is not to dismiss or under-value the institution of marriage, but rather to re-negotiate the structure of sexual matters in our modern society. The paper works with the concept of social norms in order to shed more light on the role of the Church in the transformation of social norms. Using a thematic analysis on a hypothetical case of a pregnancy of an adolescent in a community, data was interrogated with a series of questions for measuring norms, namely: who the reference group is, what is typical in the group, what is approved of in the group, and whether or not the social norm is conjoint or disjoint.

Action Research Addressing the Implementation of Life Skills Education on Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health (Teenage Pregnancy, Sexual Activities, STIs, HIV/AIDs) for the Positive Behavioural Outcome

Sexual health is a serious public health concern with long-term implications on health and fertility. Improving the sexual health of our teenagers and preventing teenage pregnancy is a national priority that the current government of Bhutan with the help of concern stakeholders aim to reduce teenage conception rate and sexually transmitted infections by 2022 to the minimum. If we are to achieve this ambitious target, parents, teachers and paediatricians need to consider the sexual health needs of our teenage population and recognize times where we are able to offer advice, screening or signposting. As increasing number of Bhutanese youths are becoming victim of teenage pregnancy and STIs. The study was aimed to make awareness to our youth to improve their understanding on adolescent reproductive sexual health (teenage pregnancy, sexual activities STIs, HIV/AIDs) for positive behavioural outcome. Therefore, imparting applicable life skills education to our young minds has become indispensable to curb the aforementioned issues. The study was carried out in Ura Central School, Bhutan. The participants of the study consisted of 61 studying in class VIII and X and 25 teachers. The study adopted mixed method; quantitative approach included survey whereas for qualitative approach included semi-structured interview. Survey data were collected from 61 students and 25 teachers whereas interview data were collected from 10 students and 5 teachers. The study found the intervention (awareness programme via teaching, roleplay, discussion) effective with students in the post-data showing better understanding of the students regarding teenage pregnancy, sexual activities and STIs.