The relationship between sexual behavior and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey study

Purpose: In addition to its psychologically and socially negative effects on society, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the sexual behavior of individuals. This study investigated the relationship between changes in sexual drive and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Materials and methods: The data of this cross-sectional study were collected using a web-based survey between May 12 and August 12, 2021, with the voluntary participation of 231 individuals. The survey form included questions on sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, employment status, sex life before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period and status of having a partner, and COVID-19 diagnostic status, in addition to the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Results: A reduction in sexual drive in the pandemic period was reported by 71 (30.7%) participants. The group whose sexual drive decreased had significant differences in terms of age, marital status, the status of having children, and Warwick-Edinburgh scale scores compared to the groups whose sexual drive increased or remained unchanged (respectively, p=0.009, p=0.039, p=0.041, and p<0.001). According to the logistic regression model, for every one-year increase in age corresponded to 8% (95% CI: 3-12%) increase in the risk of reduced sexual drive (p=0.001), and a 1-unit increase in Warwick-Edinburgh scale scores corresponded to a 16% (95% CI: 10-22%) decrease (p<0.001). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the sexual drives and behavior of the participants. Increased age and lower mental well-being levels were associated with lower sexual drive. Programs aimed at improving mental well-being will have a beneficial effect on sexual behavior. © 2023, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.

Factors associated with people's satisfaction with their sex life: a survey conducted in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: COVID-19's restrictive measures have significantly affected our health, work and social relationships. As yet, less attention has been given to the changes in sex life. Aim: This study investigates people's satisfaction with sex life in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods: A cross-sectional survey of the general population (18 years and over) was conducted, from 1st to 18th July 2020, in 17 municipalities in Kinshasa and several measures were used: Quality of life MANSA, EQ-5D-3L, UCLA Loneliness;PHQ-9;GAD-7. Prior to conducting data analysis, diagnostic tests for our data were performed to assess distribution, variance and multicollinearity. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation and multiple regression analysis were used. Results: Sex life satisfaction increases from young adults aged 18- 35 to those aged 36-55 and then there is a decrease from ages 56-69. After controlling for socio-demographic factors, sex life satisfaction was positively associated with the number and quality of people's friendships (B=0.30, p=0.01) and people's relationships with their families (B=0.32, p=0.03). People who feel lonely have lower sex life satisfaction (B=-0.15, p=0.01). Conclusion: People's quality of their friendships and family relationships are important for their sexual well-being. Healthcare providers and policymakers should consider people's quality of friendships and family relationships when planning to improve the sexual well-being of people in DRC.

Changes in sexual thoughts and behaviors in a clinical sample of child sexual abuse material users under the COVID-19 pandemic

LAY SUMMARYUsers of child sexual abuse material were interviewed about changes in their daily lives as well as sexual thoughts and behaviors during the COVID-19 restrictions. The changes found, such as in general mental health and sexual urges, can increase the risk for sexual offending and are therefore important to consider regarding possible future lockdowns. In this article, we describe a qualitative study in which we examined perceived effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on help-seeking individuals who access child sexual abuse material (CSAM, legally referred to as child pornography). The study recruited 18 participants who were part of the internet based Prevent It Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) clinical trial, which aims to reduce CSAM use and child exploitation, and were willing to answer questions during a semi-structured interview about the perceived impact of the pandemic restrictions on their lives, including their sexual thoughts and behaviors. Key themes that were identified from the participants' answers included changes in day-to-day life, mental health, sexual thoughts, behaviors or urges, responses and coping strategies used to deal with sexual urges, changes on the forums, positive changes, and how they could best be assisted with coping in this situation. Our qualitative analysis also suggested that the pandemic affected urges to use CSAM, therefore potentially increasing the risk of online sexual offending. These results support that there is a need to investigate this potential negative side effect of quarantines or lockdowns before future pandemics.

Epidemiological trends in syphilis diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Introduction: Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum, is a worldwide public health problem and has an essential association with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through behavioral and pathological factors. In Brazil, the syphilis situation is alarming, even with actions and strategies to control transmission implemented by the Brazilian Ministry of Health during the pandemic. Objective(s): To compare the mean number of syphilis cases reported from March to December 2017-2019 with those reported in the same period of 2020 to verify if the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the incidence of syphilis in Brazil. Material(s) and Method(s): A descriptive analysis and incidence rate of data extracted from the Ministry of Health of Brazil's public database was performed. Result(s): In all Brazilian macro regions, the incidence rates of syphilis per million population increased significantly during the pandemic, reaching +78% overall, corresponding to an additional 161 incident cases per million population. The data suggest that the social distancing measures adopted during the pandemic could not interfere with general sexual behaviors in Brazil. Conclusion(s): The observed increase in syphilis cases should be further investigated to assist with decision-making processes and the programming of health measures.

Sexual Behavior Change Among Gay and Bisexual Men During the First COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in the United States.

BACKGROUND: After decades of navigating HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, gay and bisexual men are responding to new and uncertain risks presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by adapting their sexual behavior. METHODS: This paper uses data from a national sample of 728 gay and bisexual men collected from April 10 to May 10, 2020, to examine changes to sexual behavior in response to the first wave of the pandemic in the USA. We also assess whether behavior modifications are associated with exposure to statewide public health measures, including Stay-at-Home orders. RESULTS: Sexual minority men report significant changes to their sexual behavior and partner selection during the first wave. Nine out of 10 men reported having either one sexual partner or no sexual partner in the last 30 days at the time of interview, a decrease compared to just before the pandemic for nearly half of men surveyed. Reporting no sexual partners in the last 30 days was significantly predicted by increased exposure to a Stay-at-Home order. Sexual minority men also reduced interactions with casual partners, increased no-contact sexual behaviors (e.g., masturbation and virtual sex), and engaged in new strategies to reduce their risks of infection from partners. HIV-positive men were particularly likely to adopt strategies including avoiding casual partners and avoiding public transportation to meet sexual partners. CONCLUSION: Sexual minority men's behavior changes during the first wave may have reduced the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their communities. Despite substantial changes in sexual behavior for most men in our sample during the initial first wave, we identify some concerns around the sustainability of certain behavioral changes over time and nondisclosure of COVID-19 symptoms to partners.

Chronic levamisole exposure in male rats alters sexual behavior and induces apoptosis in the testis.

Levamisole is an anti-helminthic drug developed and introduced in veterinary medicine, and it has been used more frequently after the inclusion of its usage in human medicine regarding disorders with immunomodulatory properties. In recent years, it has started to attract attention since it has beneficial effects on the treatment of COVID-19 due to its immunomodulatory properties. To investigate the effects of levamisole on sexual behavior and the reproductive system in male rats, two groups were formed the vehicle (n = 10) and levamisole (n = 10) groups. The vehicle group was given purified water whereas the levamisole group was administered with levamisole (2 mg/kg) by oral gavage daily for 4 weeks. Levamisole treatment significantly increased the mount latency (ML, P < 0.001) as well as the intromission latency (IL, P < 0.01). It also significantly prolonged postejaculatory interval (PEI, P < 0.01), decreased copulatory rate (CR, P < 0.05), and sexual activity index (SAI, P < 0.05). It significantly decreased serum monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, levamisole induced disorganizations of germinal epithelial cells of seminiferous tubules, congestion, edema in the interstitial area, and metaphase arrest in some spermatocytes (P < 0.001), and it significantly increased the immunohistochemical expressions of apoptotic Bax and cytochrome c, which is crucial proapoptotic protein, in the testis (P < 0.001). Also, levamisole significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of the apoptosis-related key regulatory genes, including Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein, P = 0.05) and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (P < 0.01) in testis. The current research is the first to show that levamisole may decrease sexual performance, potency, sexual motivation, and libido and induce apoptosis in the testis.

Relationship Between Sexual Behaviors with Non-committed Relationship Partners and COVID-19 Restrictions and Notification Rates: Results from a Longitudinal Study of Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia.

Introduction: COVID-19 related lockdowns have impacted the sexual activity of gay and bisexual men (GBM). We investigated trends in sexual behaviors and the COVID-19 context in which they occurred (COVID-notification rates and jurisdictional restrictions) to understand changes in the duration and severity of periods of lockdown on the sexual behavior of Australian GBM. Methods: In an online, prospective observational study of 831 GBM from May 2020 to May 2021, we investigated associations between changes in sexual behavior among Australian GBM, lockdowns, and COVID-19 notification rates through weekly surveys from May 2020 to May 2021. Results: The mean age was 45.71 years (SD: 13.93). Most identified as gay (89.0%) and 10.2% were living with HIV. There was an overall increase in the mean weekly number of non-committed relationship partners (0.53-0.90, p < 0.001). The state of Victoria experienced a significant extended COVID-19 outbreak, accompanied by severe lockdown restrictions. In response, Victorian men's partner numbers shifted three times, while elsewhere there was an overall gradually increasing trend. Conclusions: Less severe outbreaks with shorter lockdown periods, involving fewer and geographically contained, COVID-19 notifications were accompanied by non-significant changes in sex with non-relationship partners than more severe outbreaks over extended periods and larger geographical areas. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13178-022-00733-8.

Sexual orientation was associated with intention to be vaccinated with a smallpox vaccine against mpox: A cross-sectional preliminary survey in Japan.

This survey aimed to assess the prevalence of intention to receive smallpox vaccine against mpox and its relationship with sexual orientation in Japan. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in September-October 2022, with 12,900 assigned males and 13,413 assigned females participating. Modified Poisson regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between vaccine willingness and sexual orientation, adjusting for socioeconomics, trust in government, COVID-19 vaccination status, and frequency of brothel visits. Vaccine willingness was higher in homosexual respondents than heterosexual counterparts, with proportions of 23.1 % among assigned males and 13.4 % among assigned females. Homosexual orientation was significantly associated with vaccine willingness, with prevalence ratios of 1.37 (95 % CI: 1.23-1.54) among assigned males and 1.34 (95 % CI: 1.13-1.59) among assigned females. These findings highlight the need for targeted vaccine promotion campaigns and ongoing monitoring of attitudes towards mpox and vaccine compliance in high-risk groups.

Sexual Coping Mechanisms During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Determinants of Use, Usefulness, and Effects on Sex Life.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many people's sex lives. The ways people cope with these adverse impacts are an urgent area that needs to be recognized by sexual health researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Thus, this study investigated sexual coping mechanisms during the pandemic while clarifying their determinants of use and usefulness and examining their impacts on the quantity and quality of sex life. Methods: The cross-sectional data (N = 675) were collected using an online survey methodology in February-May 2021. The data were analyzed with one-sample and independent-samples t-tests, one-way between-subjects ANOVA, and multivariate multiple regression. Results: This study identified eight sexual coping mechanisms during the pandemic, including creativity and pleasure, diversion, goal-setting, relational, educational, caution and logistical, online and technological, and innovation and experimentation strategies. All the coping mechanisms were used and rated significantly useful, albeit to different degrees. Gender, availability of a sex partner, the existence of children, and age served as determinants of different coping mechanisms' scope of use and degree of usefulness. The coping mechanisms predicted the frequency of sexual activity, sexual desire, and satisfaction with sex life during the pandemic. Conclusions: This study's results can help scholars and practitioners prevent or mitigate the deterioration of sex life during the pandemics and other crises and stressors. It is essential to train people concerning sexual coping resources and strategies to protect their sexual wellbeing and quality of life. Policy Implications: Health researchers, practitioners, and policymakers must consider maintaining sexual health as an essential service. Recognizing sexual health, rights, education, and counseling is a prerequisite for appropriate prevention measures during the pandemic. It is vital to ensure the availability of proper resources supporting people's sexual coping processes during and after the pandemic.

"Solidarity and community on our terms and through our lens": Community care and shared trauma for transgender and nonbinary peer supporters during the COVID-19 pandemic

Community support is an essential resource for psychological wellbeing among transgender and nonbinary communities. As the COVID-19 pandemic draws on, the role of community support in managing mental health concerns and the effects of structural inequity becomes increasingly important, yet few studies have focused on this dynamic. The present study examined how six transgender and nonbinary peer supporters understood the COVID-19 pandemic as a unique community crisis through their roles as helping professionals from a reflexive, thematic qualitative approach. The analysis resulted in 4 themes with 13 subthemes: (a) COVID pandemic as a trans-specific crisis;(b) shared membership;(c) healing role of community care;and (d) long-term impacts. Results show how transgender and nonbinary peer supporters undergo complex processes of vicarious traumatization and posttraumatic growth while engaging in peer support with community members, as well as how the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved as a crisis with unique implications for transgender and nonbinary groups. Findings provide evidence for the need to consider how post-traumatic sequelae develop in response to oppressive experiences, particularly that of gendered-racial marginalization within transgender and nonbinary communities of color, and how post-traumatic processes (i.e., responses to vicarious traumatization, post-traumatic growth) evolve among transgender and nonbinary communities. Implications on how to respond to community care and trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic within trans and nonbinary communities are provided: advocating for additional resources;building awareness around trauma processes;attending to clinical issues stemming from intersectional oppression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This study suggests that transgender and nonbinary individuals who provide emotional support for community members undergo processes of vicarious traumatization and post-traumatic growth. Additionally, the results highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved as a crisis with unique implications for transgender and nonbinary groups. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Relationship between COVID-19 infection and erectile dysfunction, a literature review examining the link and proposed mechanisms behind this phenomenon

It is now only in the wake of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that we are beginning to understand many of the extra-respiratory manifestations of the condition. There is now growing evidence that erectile dysfunction (ED) is closely linked with the disease. We carry out one of the first literature reviews to consolidate the current evidence of the causal link between COVID-19 and ED and explore the proposed mechanisms that underpin this phenomenon. We carried out a literature search of the databases;PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane library. Search time frame was between December 2019 and March 2022. Only studies deemed of acceptable quality were included. Five studies were found highlighting the link between COVID-19 and ED. A further Nineteen studies were utilized to illustrate the proposed biological mechanisms underpinning COVID-19 related ED. Clear evidence has been documented through multiple studies internationally recognizing reduction in erectile scores and reduced sexual activity. It appears there is likely indirect and direct cytopathic effects on endothelial cells, in addition to hormonal and psychosocial factors. The associated ED is likely a result of a multitude of mechanisms including direct and indirect endothelial dysfunction, vasoactive cytokines, endocrine dysregulation, and psychosocial factors. This is the first literature review to delve into the likely underpinning mechanisms of the virus that drive ED.Copyright ©2023 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.

Syphilis: "The Great Imitator" Presenting as Acute Hepatitis

Introduction: Syphilis is a multi-systemic disease caused by spirochete Treponema pallidum. Very rarely, it can affect the liver and cause hepatitis. Since most cases of hepatitis are caused by viral illnesses, syphilitic hepatitis can be missed. Here, we present a case of syphilitic hepatitis in a 35-year-old male. Case Description/Methods: Patient was a 35-year-old male who presented to the hospital for jaundice and mild intermittent right upper quadrant abdominal pain. His medical history was only significant for alcohol abuse. His last drink was 4 weeks ago. He was sexually active with men. On exam, hepatomegaly, mild tenderness in the right upper quadrant, jaundice, and fine macular rash on both hands and feet were noted. Lab tests revealed an ALT of 965 U/L, AST of 404 U/L, ALP of 1056 U/L, total bilirubin of 9.5 mg/dL, direct bilirubin of 6.5 mg/dL, INR of 0.96, and albumin of 2.0 g/dL. Right upper quadrant ultrasound showed an enlarged liver but was negative for gallstones and hepatic vein thrombosis. MRI of the abdomen showed periportal edema consistent with hepatitis without any gallstones, masses, or common bile duct dilation. HIV viral load and Hepatitis C viral RNA were undetectable. Hepatitis A & B serologies were indicative of prior immunization. Hepatitis E serology and SARS-CoV-2 PCR were negative. Ferritin level was 177 ng/mL. Alpha-1-antitrypsin levels and ceruloplasmin levels were normal. Anti-Smooth muscle antibody titers were slightly elevated at 1:80 (Normal < 1:20). Anti-Mitochondrial antibody levels were also slightly elevated at 47.9 units (Normal < 25 units). RPR titer was 1:32 and fluorescent treponemal antibody test was reactive which confirmed the diagnosis of syphilis. Liver biopsy was then performed which showed presence of mixed inflammatory cells without any granulomas which is consistent with other cases of syphilitic hepatitis. Immunohistochemical stain was negative for treponemes. Patient was treated with penicillin and did have Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin down trended after treatment. Repeat tests drawn exactly 1 month post treatment showed normal levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin (Figure). Discussion(s): Liver damage can occur in syphilis and can easily be missed because of the non-specific nature of presenting symptoms. In our patient, the fine macular rash on both hands and feet along with history of sexual activity with men prompted us to test for syphilis which ultimately led to diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner. (Figure Presented).

Current epidemiological situation of TB in the world, Ukraine and the Czech Republic

In 2021, 6.5 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported globally;however, the WHO estimates that 10.6 million people (134/ 100,000) developed the condition. As many as 1.6 million people (20/100,000) died of TB. The increase in TB mortality to the 2017 level may be explained by worse access to the diagnosis and treatment of TB due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Europe, TB primarily affects vulnerable populations such as migrants, homeless people, prisoners or HIV-positive persons. The WHO estimates the incidence of TB in Ukraine to be 71/ 100,000. Approximately a third of cases are multidrug-resistant and one in five patients is HIV-positive. The Czech Republic is among countries With the lowest TB rates globally. In 2021, 357 cases (34/100,000) were reported to the national TB registry. Data for 2022 are not available as yet but the total number of TB cases is expected to rise in the Czech Republic, resulting from more reported cases of TB in Ukrainians due to the war in Ukraine. Fortunately, TB rates in Ukrainian refugees are considerably lower than those estimated When the war started.

SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND STI INCIDENCE DURING THE FIRST 4 YEARS OF PrEP USE AMONG MSM

Background: A prospective demonstration project in Amsterdam (AMPrEP) provided pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to people vulnerable to HIV in 2015- 2020. Data on long-term trends in sexual behavior and incidence of STIs during PrEP use are needed to inform future PrEP programs. Therefore, we assessed sexual behavior and incidence rates of STIs among MSM and transgender women on PrEP over four years. Method(s): AMPrEP participants chose between oral PrEP daily (dPrEP) or event-driven (edPrEP) at baseline and could switch regimens at each 3-monthly study visit. They were tested for STIs at these visits and if necessary in between. Follow-up began at PrEP initiation and continued until 48 months of follow-up or was censored at March 15, 2020 (start COVID-19), whichever occurred first. We assessed changes over time in incidence rates (IR) of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and infectious syphilis using Poisson regression. We estimated the IR of Hepatitis C (HCV) diagnoses per consecutive year. We described the number of HIV diagnoses, and sexual behavior (i.e. number of sex partners, condomless anal sex acts with casual partners [CAS]). Result(s): A total of 367 (365 MSM) started PrEP and contributed 1249 person-years of observation. IRs of any STI was 87[95%CI 82-93]/100PY. There was no change in the IR of any STI and infectious syphilis over time on PrEP. We observed a slight decrease in incident chlamydia and gonorrhea in daily PrEP users (Table). Two incident HIV cases were diagnosed in the first year of follow-up. IRs for HCV were 1.5[0.6-3.6], 2.5[1.3-5.0], 0.7[0.2-2.7], and 0.4[0.1- 2.8]/100PY, per consecutive year on PrEP. Median number of sex partners per 3-month period decreased from 16[IQR 8-34] and 12[6-25] (dPrEP and edPrEP, respectively) at baseline, 15[7-30] and 8[3-16] at 24 months, and 12[6-26] and 5[2-12] at 48 months. Median number of CAS acts with casual partners were respectively 7[3-15] and 4[1-9] at baseline, 14[5-25] and 4[1-12] at 24 months, and 12[4-25] and 4[1-9] at 48 months. Conclusion(s): Over the first 4 years of PrEP use overall STI incidence was high and stable. Chlamydia and gonorrhea incidence declined slightly in daily users. Numbers of sex partners seemed to decrease in both dPrEP and edPrEP users. Number of CAS acts with casual partners appeared to increase first, and then stabilized. Notably, this did not result in increased incidence of STIs. Regular testing and treatment of STIs remain a priority among PrEP users. Biomedical prevention of STIs can be examined in this context.

Evaluation of sexual function and sexual quality of life in women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Turkish case

Background: Sexual health is an important component of general health. Objective(s): To evaluate sexual function and sexual quality of life (SQOL) in women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey. Data were collected via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire. Result(s): The mean FSFI score was 26.91+/-5.62, and 39.1% of the women had an FSFI score of 26.55 or lower. The mean SQOL-F score was 79.08+/-20.90. FSFI score was significantly associated with employment status (beta=-0.661), partner education (beta=1.698), sexual compatibility between partners (beta=0.518), sexual satisfaction (beta=0.230), fatigue level (beta=-0.120), and frequen-cy of sexual intercourse (beta=0.160). In addition, SQOL-F score was significantly associated with sexual desire (beta=2.625), satisfaction (beta=1.338), pain or discomfort (beta=1.274), age (beta=-0.356), sexual compatibility between partners (beta=1.984), and fatigue level (beta=-0.981) (p<0.05). Conclusion(s): Less than half of the women participating in this study had sexual dysfunction, and overall SQOL was moderate to high. These results were associated with some descriptive characteristics of the women and were similar to those reported in pre-pandemic studies conducted in Turkey.Copyright © The Authors.

"to feel supported in your community is to feel loved": Cultivating community and support for black transmasculine people navigating anti-black racism and covid-19 pandemic

Background: Black transmasculine people are disproportionately affected by a myriad of intersecting stressors including racism (specifically anti-Black racism), sexism, cissexism. Black transmasculine people are exposed daily to systemic oppression such as transphobia, dehumanization, and violence, making this community more vulnerable to mental health and physical health concerns. These experiences are further compounded by the lack of relevant literature on the unique experiences of Black transmasculine people during the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-Black racism. Aims: Utilizing a critical intersectional lens and Prilleltensky's psychopolitical validity as guiding frameworks, the present study investigates the need for support and community within the Black transmasculine community in navigating anti-Black racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The researchers integrated intersectionality and Prilleltensky's psychopolitical validity as frameworks paired with the constructivist grounded theory paradigm outlined by Charmaz to analyze data. The researchers co-constructed meaning from participants' perspectives, providing a theoretical understanding for exploring Black transmasculine participants' perceptions of community and support during COVID-19 (N = 32). Results: The researchers developed a model of pathways toward community and support. The model suggests two levels: (a) locating awareness of community and support, and (b) integrated action toward community and support. The approaches are integrated from within group action and actions that can be facilitated from outside the community on micro and macro sociological levels to provide holistic support and community for Black transmasculine people. Discussion: This model extends the current literature on liberation, community psychology, and community support at the intersection of transgender people of color. This intervention can provide awareness, insight, and action for working alongside the Black transmasculine community their unique needs of support and community. These findings hope to enhance clinical practices, and identify strategies to promote community, support, and wellness among Black transmasculine people. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

The Effect of Covid-19 Anxiety on Sexual Function of Healthcare Providers-a Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Objective. Coronavirus disease epidemic in 2019 (COVID-19) posed a big challenge to healthcare providers. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between coronavirus anxiety and the sexual function of healthcare providers. Methods. In this study, an online survey was used to explore the relationship between anxiety and sexual function in healthcare providers during COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire included Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS). Results. A total of 300 healthcare providers were investigated in this study. The estimated self-reported rates of mild anxiety symptoms were 49%, moderate 29.2% and severe were 29.9%. The total mean score of FSFI of healthcare providers were 19.1 (SD=4.4). The results showed that on the total scale, 40.9% of healthcare providers had mild anxiety. The results also indicated that female sexual function is inversely correlated with anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it was shown that anxiety during COVID-19 is inversely correlated with sexual functioning. Conclusion. This study presented the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and sexual function in healthcare providers. Therefore, psychological or sexual assistance may be beneficial.Copyright © 2022, Serbian Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Editorial

While COVID-19 had many negatives it also brought with it many opportunities for growth and increased incomes by young farmers who managed to capitalize on supply chain disruptions to take a significant local market share. Data analysis showed that youth with better developmental relationships with parents, peers, and other adults had higher post-program levels of internal socialemotional strengths (e.g., commitment to learning, positive identity). The article examined how the developmental relationships of African youth participants in a youth economic development program helped them to build skills that could potentially improve their socioeconomic conditions.

Young Black trans and gender-diverse activists' well-being among anti-Black racism and cissexism during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research has documented the negative mental health outcomes that anti-Black racism and cissexism, respectively, have had on Black and trans and gender-diverse (TGD) people during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research, however, has yet to explore the intersectional experiences of Black TGD young adults. Additionally, research has found that activists are often exposed to violence and discrimination. In this study, we aimed to understand how the intersection of anti-Black racism and cissexism has impacted young Black TGD activists' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. A community sample of 15 Black TGD young adults participated in semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed five themes and 14 subthemes, including (a) witnessing and experiencing violence (everyday violence, political violence, police violence, and medical violence, (b) motivating and sparking activism, (c) emotional impact (fear and anxiety, symptoms of depression, anger and frustration, and overwhelmed and shocked), (d) coping with violence and COVID-19 pandemic (activism, community connections and support, setting boundaries, self-reflection, positivity and hope, and activities and hobbies), and (e) safety precautions. We provide implications for practitioners working with young Black TGD activists such as engaging in civil disobedience within the bounds of their ethical duties. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Little is known about the intersectional experiences of young Black TGD activists and the impact of anti-Black racism and cissexism on the well-being of this community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study explores the impact that anti-Black racism and cissexism have had in a community sample of 15 young Black TGD activists during the COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

An exploration of psychological distress, employment, and housing among transgender and gender diverse individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are faced with various societal factors that contribute to health disparities. As COVID-19 spreads, health disparities that existed prior to the pandemic have become exacerbated. The current study aims to address factors that may be negatively impacting TGD individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic by exploring their experiences related to symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety, employment, and housing. TGD participants (N = 342) were recruited from an online participant recruitment platform and answered questions related to their psychological well-being and changes in employment and housing since the start of the pandemic. Adverse changes in employment since the start of the pandemic were reported by almost 1/3 of participants and were associated with higher depression and anxiety. Changes in housing were reported by almost 1/4 of participants and were associated with higher anxiety. Experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or receiving a COVID-19 diagnosis were also associated with higher anxiety. Findings indicate TGD individuals who experienced changes in employment and housing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic experience greater levels of psychological distress. Findings may inform mental health providers and policymakers on the repercussions the pandemic has had on TGD individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement The current study explored the ways that housing and employment instability brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to heightened psychological distress among a sample of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals collected using an online survey platform. Our findings indicate that TGD individuals experienced heightened levels of psychological distress directly related to employment and housing instability which is a crucial and timely concern given that TGD individuals experienced greater psychological distress, unemployment, and housing instability relative to the general population prior to the pandemic. Receiving a COVID-19 diagnosis or experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 also predicted heightened levels of psychological distress. It is recommended that additional TGD-specific protections be implemented and expanded upon in order to meet the current and impending needs of TGD individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)