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Youth is a key period of life to ensure future well-being, especially in relation to sexuality. The general objective is to analyze the sexual education of young people today regarding sexual practices and to study the use of contraceptive methods. Material(s) and Method(s): It is a cross-sectional, observational study of cases. Designed a digital questionnaire made with Google consisting of 26 items and 3 blocks: social-demographic data, female sexuality and sexual health. Data analysis the statistical program SPSS 25.0. Result(s): The sample obtained: 1320 women. Social-demographic data: ages between 15 and 29 years and 58.3% of the women had a partner. The most frequent sexual orientation: 77% heterosexual. Female sexuality: for 63.9% of women, sex is an important part of their relationships and 43.3% consider themselves attractive people. The most rejected practices: anal sex, during menstruation or with the light on. 4.7% do not feel prepared to require their sexual partner to use a condom. 9.7% are not able to request sexual practices that they want. 6.2% state that they do not avoid any practice despite the fact that some of them cause discomfort. During the Covid-19 situation, the frequency of sexual relations decreases by 49% and the absent practices of viral transmission via online increase. Regarding sexual education, we observe that the majority have been provided by friends, that is, unqualified personnel. The most explained topics are focused on the traditional aspects of sexual health and human development, therefore it is an education that is not of quality, data confirmed by 58% of women. The contraceptive methods most used by women are condoms and oral contraceptives, whose main purpose is the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (condoms). Its use can have negative connotations such as decreased sexual desire, excitement, sensitivity and orgasm disorders. Conclusion(s): Currently, young women perceive sexuality more and more naturally, talking about it without fear or censorship. Sex educators are mostly not qualified personnel. The SARS-CoV2 (Covid-19) situation increases the number of sexual practices online, decreasing it. The contraceptive methods most used by women are condoms and oral contraceptives.Copyright © 2023
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Background: England is committed to ending HIV transmission by 2030. The HIV Action Plan (2021) set an interim ambition to reduce HIV transmission by 80% to 600 new diagnoses first made in England by 2025. Here we present the progress between 2019 (baseline) and 2021, interpreted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): People newly diagnosed with HIV were reported to the HIV and AIDS Reporting Section (HARS). The annual number of people having an HIV test in all sexual health services (SHS) including online testing were reported using GUMCAD. HIV diagnoses among people previously diagnosed abroad were excluded (25%). Result(s): New HIV diagnoses first made in England fell by 32% from 2,986 in 2019 to 1,987 in 2020, but plateaued in 2021 (2,023). Among gay/bisexual men, HIV diagnoses plateaued in 2021 (721) after a fall of 45% between 2019 and 2020, from 1,262 to 699. After a fall in HIV testing in 2020 (from 156,631 in 2019 to 144,800 in 2020), the number of people tested in 2021 (178,466) exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels. This suggests a decline in HIV incidence supported by a CD4 back calculation model (80% probability of a decline for the period 2019-2021), but at a slowing rate. Among heterosexual adults, new HIV diagnoses first made in England in 2021 also plateaued (798) following a 31% decrease (from 1,109 in 2019 to 761 in 2020). However, HIV testing coverage has not recovered to pre- COVID-19 levels (628,607 in 2019, 441,017 in 2020 and 489,727 in 2021). This provides no evidence of a fall in incidence in this population. Conclusion(s): A reduction by 360 new diagnoses first made in England year on year from 2022 onwards is required to meet the HIV Action Plan ambition. Despite an estimated 4,500 people with undiagnosed HIV and extremely high levels of antiretroviral therapy and viral suppression, PrEP access remains unequal. HIV testing numbers, which were affected by COVID-19 pandemic, have recovered in gay/bisexual men, but not among heterosexual adults. While the interim ambition is within reach for gay/bisexual men, PrEP and testing levels must be scaled up in heterosexual adults.
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Background: BHIVA released interim guidance on first line anti-retroviral therapy (ART) initiation during the COVID-19 pandemic, when investigations/follow-up was restricted. Our HIV service didn't restrict follow-up but suspended in-house resistance testing (RT) due to laboratory capacity. Having prescribed 'rapid ART' based on the Northern Algorithm 01/08/2020-01/01/2022 we wanted to evaluate our prescribing during the pandemic. Method(s): All new HIV diagnoses 01/08/2020-31/12/2021 were identified via our HARS dataset. Retrospective casenote review identified ART prescribed, and switches that occurred upon baseline RT availability, to more suitable and/or cost-effective regimes. Result(s): 32 new diagnoses: 11 female, 21 male, median age 41 years (17-81), 10 MSM, 22 Heterosexuals, White British 14, African 9, other 7. Median time to ART initiation 10 days (0-210). Median CD4 count 359 (2-1251), 8 had CD4<200. 7/32 had Primary HIV infection, 5 initiating ART at 1st visit. 30/32 started ART within our service, 1 relocated, 1 initiated abroad. 28/30 started algorithm compliant rapid ART. Of the 2 that delayed, 1 had significant resistance, the other patient choice. 8/30 (27%) 'rapid ART' initiations switched post RT availability. Conclusion(s): All patients initiating ART in our service during the pandemic were algorithm compliant and fulfilled BHIVA recommendations. 7/10 starting Darunavir/ r-based therapy switched to Delstrigo post RT, a more cost-effective STR. Zero patients on Biktarvy switched post RT;implying it's difficult to switch patients from small INSTI-based-STRs. Future work includes comparing our results with other centres and reviewing ART switches post HIV National Prescribing Guide implementation. (Table Presented).
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Background: With NHS PrEP now available for those at risk, we aimed to identify missed opportunities for people newly diagnosed with HIV who attended sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, and to determine the HIV outcomes associated with people acquiring HIV with previous or recent PrEP use. Method(s): A retrospective observational study reviewed all new HIV diagnoses from the last 2 years to see if they were eligible for PrEP and offered in SRH services. Data was collected using electronic medical records on HIV outcomes - virological suppression, resistance and antiretroviral choice. Result(s): There were 74 new HIV diagnoses. 41 people were eligible but only 10 were known to have accessed PrEP at our services. 21% were heterosexual and of black ethnicity - it was not possible to ascertain whether they were eligible for PrEP from the notes. Of the 10 people with recent PrEP use, 2 stopped due to side effects;headaches, vomiting, fatigue and renal toxicity concerns. For the remaining adherence concerns were reported - taking event based dosing (EBD) incorrectly and difficulty accessing services. 80% of people achieved virological suppression. 90% were put on a second generation integrase or protease inhibitor. No one developed nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance. 6 people eligible for PrEP had attended SRH services but not given PrEP. 2 attended during the IMPACT trial being full and referred to IwantPrEPnow. 2 attended during COVID where baseline bloods were done with follow up but subsequently tested positive. 2 people refused PrEP with 1 deeming themselves to be low risk. Conclusion(s): Our data highlights several missed opportunities for starting same-day PrEP which potentially may have prevented HIV acquisition. If PrEP is not issued on the day, adequate follow up must be ensured. Reassuringly those who acquired HIV with recent PrEP use have achieved good virological control without NRTI mutations. Counselling on potential side effects, EBD dosing and ongoing HIV risk are essential. Despite NHS PrEP available over 2 years, our data shows we are still failing to meet the demand of PrEP not only in men who have sex with men but also in other key at risk groups.
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Background: Diagnoses of HIV in the US decreased by 17% in 2020 due to COVID-related disruptions. The extent to which this decrease is attributable to changes in HIV testing versus HIV transmission is unclear. We seek to better understand this issue by analyzing the discrepancy in expected versus observed HIV diagnoses in 2020 among persons who acquired HIV between 2010-2019, as changes in diagnosis patterns in this cohort cannot be attributed to changes in transmission. Method(s): We developed three methods based on the CD4-depletion model to estimate excess missed diagnoses in 2020 among PWH infected from 2010-2019. We stratified the results by transmission group, sex assigned at birth, race/ ethnicity, and region to examine differences by group and confirm the reliability of our estimates. We performed similar analyses projecting new diagnoses in 2019 among PWH infected from 2010-2018 to evaluate the accuracy of our methods against surveillance data. Result(s): There were approximately 3100-3300 fewer diagnoses than expected in 2020 among persons who acquired HIV from 2010-2019. Females (at birth), heterosexuals, persons who inject drugs, and Hispanic/Latino PWH missed diagnoses at higher levels than the overall population. By transmission category, MSM accounted for the highest percentage (61%) of missed diagnoses. Validation and stratification analyses confirmed the accuracy and reliability of our estimates. Conclusion(s): PWH infected from 2010-2019 showed a significant drop in diagnosis rate during 2020, suggesting that changes in testing played a substantial role in the observed decrease in new HIV diagnoses. Levels of missed diagnoses differed substantially across population subgroups. These analyses may be used to inform future estimates of HIV transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic and prioritize populations with increased testing needs.
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Hansol Jung's Wolf Play, which finally had its New York premiere at Soho Rep in 2022 after a two-year postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, revolves around the experiences of an 8-year-old Korean child called Wolf, who was adopted by a white heterosexual couple, Peter and his wife Katie, and, at the beginning of the play, is being illegally relinquished to a lesbian couple, Ash and Robin. Whereas the 2019 Chicago-based Gift Theatre Company's production of Wolf Play was presented on a proscenium stage, this new version at Soho Rep specifically arranged the space to highlight the confrontational nature of this scene. Biased against the lesbian couple and without taking Wolf into consideration, the court ruled in the "best interest" of the child, stating that Wolf's guardianship fell under the authority of the state.
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Sexual minority individuals report higher COVID-19-related stress that may mediate higher psychological distress. However, this relationship and the role of social support have not been investigated in low/middle-income settings like Nigeria. Our study tested independent associations of psychological distress with sexual orientation, COVID-19-related stress, and perceived social support and whether perceived social support moderated these relationships. In an online survey, 966 Nigerians (21.7% sexual minority, n = 210) were assessed for sexual orientation, COVID-19-related stress, and perceived social support, and psychological distress. Sexual minority status was associated with higher COVD-19-related stress (r = .13, 95% CI [0.06, 0.19]), perceived social support (r = .07, [0.01, 0.13]), and psychological distress (r = .09, [0.02, 0.17]). Furthermore, we demonstrated two moderation effects: psychological distress was highest among sexual minority participants with low perceived social support and lowest among heterosexual participants with high perceived social support (beta = 0.09, [0.02, 0.16]). Among sexual minorities, the association between COVID-19-related stress and psychological distress was strongest and weakest among those with low and high perceived social support, respectively, but this effect was absent among heterosexual participants (beta = -0.14, [-0.21, -0.06]). Our finding suggests social support as a protective mechanism against adverse health outcomes among heterosexual and sexual minority individuals in Nigeria. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement We collected data from Nigerian heterosexual and sexual minority (gay, lesbian, and bisexual) men and women using an online survey to investigate the associations between sexual orientation, COVID-19-related stress, and psychological stress;and how these relationships varied by perceived social support. We found that perceived social support reduced the impact of COVID-19-related stress in the whole sample (including heterosexual and sexual minority participants). Furthermore, higher levels of perceived social support weakened the association between sexual orientation and psychological distress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
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Purpose: Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents from structurally marginalized communities face barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. Mobile health units (MHUs) may be effective in reaching these adolescents but few studies have assessed their feasibility in this population. Methods: We assessed the feasibility of an MHU to provide SRH care to adolescents in community settings. Adolescents were invited to community demonstrations of hypothetical MHU care ("Demonstration events”). Adolescents completed surveys (demographics, likelihood of future MHU-based care, and access to health care) and staff documented field notes. We then partnered with adolescents, health care providers, and community leaders to create adolescent-centered SRH care for MHU delivery ("Clinical events”). Free and confidential services provided on the MHU included contraceptive care, condoms, testing for pregnancy, Neisseria gonorrhea (GC), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Syphilis, and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Initially, we provided electronic prescriptions for contraception during MHU visits. We later designed a system to dispense contraception [I.e., emergency contraception (EC) for future use, combined hormonal oral contraceptives (CHOCs), patches and Medroxyprogesterone] in the MHU. After MHU care, adolescents completed surveys to report satisfaction while staff documented feedback through field notes. Results: At 8 community "Demonstration events”, 98 teens (mean age 15.8 years, 67% female at birth, 17% Genderfluid/Non-Binary/Trans, 49% heterosexual, 24% Hispanic, 49% Black, 40% White) were enrolled. Most (70%) reported no previous vaginal/penile sex. Many (46%) had forgone needed health care in the previous year. Most (77%) said they were very/somewhat likely to get care on the MHU if available in the future and 82% would recommend it to friends. Most thought the MHU would be a great way to increase access to SRH care because it eliminated transportation obstacles and appointment delays. Many felt the MHU would provide adequate privacy and advised bringing the MHU to school or community events. Teens recommended collecting urine specimens in nearby restrooms and using a brown bag to transport them to the MHU. Utilizing their feedback, we partnered with teen-serving community organizations and schools to host the MHU. At two "Clinical events”, we provided care for five patients (4 biologic females, 1 biologic male). Accepted health services included condom provision (n=5) and, pregnancy (n=3), GC/CT (n=4), and Syphilis/HIV (n=2) testing. Two MHU patients received contraceptive prescriptions, one received contraception onsite (EC and CHOCs), and one with a positive CT test was contacted and treated. Four adolescents completed a post-care survey. All (100%) were very satisfied with MHU care and said they would recommend it to a friend. All (100%) agreed/strongly agreed they learned something new about SRH and reported the information was helpful. Field notes revealed patients communicated appreciation for the care, felt comfortable on the MHU, and found school-based SRH care acceptable. We plan to host five additional MHU "Clinical events” (Fall 2022). Conclusions: As COVID-19 continues to negatively impact adolescent SRH care-seeking, our work offers key insights to customizing MHU-based SRH care to meet the unique needs of adolescents from structurally marginalized communities. Sources of Support: Institutional expansion of NIH-funded KL2 program (RB), 3R21HD098086-02S1 (MM), K23HD098299 (KM).
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Recruiting cisgender, heterosexual young men for research participation can be a difficult endeavour. This is more challenging with qualitative research studies that require substantial time commitment, or be of a sensitive nature, such as discussions of sex, intimacy, and emotion. These challenges can be amplified with the shift to online data collection procedures due to COVID-19. In this paper I reflect on the process of recruiting cisgender, heterosexual men for a qualitative study on sex and intimacy that relied solely on online advertising during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I build on a critical men and masculinity (CMM) studies framework by considering a ‘sex-as-dirty-work' approach which centres the uncomfortable practice of talking about and researching sex. I highlight the success of this approach that counters recommended best practice in getting men to participate. I conclude with a discussion of the implications of this approach, and suggestions for researchers. [ FROM AUTHOR]
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Background. Patients (pts) living with HIV (PLWH) are more likely to be hospitalized and experience increased rates of death from COVID-19. Vaccination has been shown to reduce hospitalization and death. Vaccination rate for general population in the state of New Jersey is 74.9%. We sought to analyze vaccination rates and its effects in an HIV outpatient clinic. Methods. Retrospective review in an outpatient HIV clinic, study period 12/01/ 2020 - 12/30/2021. Data was collected on demographics, CD4 count, HIV Viral loads (VL), type and number of vaccines received, incidence and outcome of COVID-19 infection. Student t-test used for comparison. Results. We included 635 pts, median age 53years (range 33-84), males 316 (49.7%), transgender 3 (0.48%). African American 568(89%), Hispanic 52 (8.1%), Caucasian 12 (1.9%), Asian 3(0.5%). HIV risk factors were heterosexual 451(71%), male having sex with male 122(19.2%), intravenous drug use 8(1.25%). CD4 > 200 cells/mm3 in 587 (92.4%), HIV VL < 200 copies/mL in 562 (88.5%). Two doses COVID vaccine was received by 442 (69.6%) pts. BNT162b2 (Pfizer) in 192 (43.4%), mRNA-1273(Moderna) in 181(40.9%), Ad.26.COV2.S (J & J) in 43(9.7%), unknown in 25 (5.7%). Booster dose in 126 (28.5%). Incomplete immunization in 7(4.4%). Vaccination in men 217/316(68.7%) vs. women 224/316 (70.8%) (p=NS). COVID-19 infection was diagnosed in 67(10.6%);49(73%) were unvaccinated vs. 18 (27%) vaccinated;14 received 2 doses and 4 were boosted (p< 0.05);15 pts were hospitalized for COVID-19, 13/15 (86.7%) unvaccinated vs. 2/15 (13.3%) vaccinated (p< 0.05). CD4 was > 200 cells/mm3 in 46/49(94%) in unvaccinated vs. 16/18 (88.8%) vaccinated pts (p=NS);HIV VL < 200copies/mL in 46/49 (94%) unvaccinated vs.17/ 18(94%) vaccinated and infected (p=NS). One unvaccinated pt. expired. Conclusion. In our outpatient HIV clinic, PLWH had vaccine acceptance rates similar to the general population. More unvaccinated became infected and hospitalized than vaccinated pts. There was no difference in CD4 and HIV VL in COVID infected pts who were vaccinated vs. unvaccinated pts.
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Objectives: We aimed to investigate the difference in perceived intensity of orgasm among women experiencing clitoral or vaginally activated orgasm (VAO). Method(s): We reviewed data from the Sex@COVID online survey (Mollaioli et al, J Sex Med. 2021 Jan;18(1):35-49) to retrieve a sample of heterosexual Italian sexually active female subjects. Several validated questionnaires and inventories were used to investigate sexual and psychological health (GAD-7, Lowe et al, Med Care 2008;46:266-274;PHQ-9, Kroenke et al, J Gen Intern Med 2001;16:606-613;FSFI, Rosen et al, J Sex Marital Ther 2000;26:191-208). Result(s): 1207 women were included in analysis: 346 were in a non-cohabiting relationship (Group A, 28.7%), 581 were in a cohabiting relationship (Group B, 48.1%) and 280 were married (Group C, 23.2%). 40.9% of the study population reported being able to orgasm through both clitoral stimulation and vaginal penetration (n = 494), 35.4% through clitoral stimulation (n = 427) and 20.1% through vaginal stimulation (n = 243). Additionally, 3.6% (n = 43) reported being unable to reach orgasm at all. By analysis of variance, following adjustment for FSFI, PHQ-9, GAD-7 and age, women experiencing no orgasm had lower orgasmometer scores (beta = -0.75, p <0.001), and VAO were associated with higher orgasmic intensity compared to clitoral orgasms (beta = 0.10, p = 0.008). Experiencing both orgasms had no effect compared to VAO (beta = 0.03, p = 0.545). Women who preferred reaching orgasm through masturbation to partnered sexual activity had lower orgasmic intensity (beta = -0.28, p = 0.002). Groups B and C had better orgasmic intensity compared to group A (beta = 0.08, p = 0.009). Conclusion(s): Orgasmic intensity differs between VAO and clitoral orgasms, independently of other confounding factors. This finding provides additional insight on the role of the clitourethrovaginal complex in female sexual function. Conflicts of Interest: None of the authors report any competing interests for the present study. Copyright © 2022
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The current study interrogated the interface between gender and the COVID-19 induced work-from-home policy as it identified manifestations of gender inequalities in the policy. The study was an instrumental case study of nine heterosexual lecturer-couples at a university in Zimbabwe. The couples, who were purposively sampled, were identified though snowballing. Telephone interviews were used to solicit data from the participants. Data was thematically analysed. A gender divide was registered in issues to do with work load while working from home and this, resultantly, led to a further divide on work productivity and satisfaction. Thus, the gender inequality and inequity in the policy contributed to the overall discrimination against female lecturers among other existing socio inequalities. The university was urged to make periodic check-ins on its female lecturers working from home just as a social support mechanism that may reduce burn out.
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This article reports on two cases of lesbian non-gestational mothers whose breastfeeding intentions were disrupted by the postnatal ward visitor restrictions imposed by NHS trusts during the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK. One case came to the attention of the author as part of a wider study using an online survey to examine experiences of birth during the first COVID-19 lockdown in April 2020. In the second case, the author was approached by the non-gestational mother for support in her capacity as a doula in April 2021. In both cases, the non-gestational mothers intended to breastfeed their babies and had taken steps to ensure they were lactating, but the heterosexist restrictions for partners in the early postnatal period created complications that impacted their breastfeeding intentions. In the second case, perinatal mental health care for previous birth trauma was also potentially indicated. Both non-gestational mothers also reported that they were not receiving antenatal support to overcome these difficulties, as they were mothers-to-be who were not pregnant.
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Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people face pre-existing inequalities that may have been exacerbated by the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Canadian sexual minorities are twice as likely to live alone compared to heterosexual people and are more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and substance abuse. Despite these vulnerabilities, several studies suggest that social support and community solidarity can mitigate the effect of stress on SGM mental health. Using a cross-sectional online survey, our team examined SGM and cisgender heterosexual mental health and social support during the first four months of the COVID-19 crisis in Quebec, Canada. A total of 2900 adults (n = 304 SGM people, n = 2596 cisgender heterosexual people) completed questionnaires measuring perceived social support, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and loneliness. A series of one-way ANOVAs revealed that SGM people presented worse health outcomes than cisgender heterosexual people on all questionnaires (p < .001). Post hoc analyses also showed that some particularly marginalised SGM sub-groups, including bisexual and asexual people, showed the worst health outcomes. Moderation analyses later revealed that social support moderated the relationship between perceived stress and depressive symptoms among both SGM and cisgender heterosexual people - but this effect was four times stronger among SGM people (ΔR2 = .041;p < .001) than among cisgender heterosexual people (ΔR2 = .010;p < .001). These results suggest fostering social connectedness among SGM people may be especially beneficial in buffering against distress in the face of a crisis. To better understand how SGM mental health is evolving during this pandemic, our team is currently conducting a follow-up longitudinal study examining mental health, trauma, coping strategies and resilience among SGM and cisgender heterosexual adults before and after vaccination efforts started in Canada (to date, N = 6083). Preliminary results from time 1 (July 2020) and 2 (Fall 2021) are being treated and will also be presented.
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Individual differences in experiences of stress are considered a primary pathway through which health disparities are thought to arise. Because COVID-19-related outcomes differ across demographic characteristics, it is important to examine factors associated with increased stress among diverse participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher discrimination based on demographic characteristics has been associated with heightened stress prior to the pandemic, and lower self-efficacy for preventing and overcoming COVID-19 might disproportionately lead to stress among demographic groups where individuals are more likely to hold “essential worker” positions. Therefore, the current study examined whether experiences of discrimination and COVID-19 self-efficacy associate with stress assessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of N=75 participants (Mage= 24;35% Asian, 30% White, 23% Hispanic/Latino, 11% multi-racial, and 3% Black;72% Female;65% Straight/Heterosexual) completed an online questionnaire packet assessing their COVID-19 self-efficacy (assessed using a revised version of the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Self-Efficacy Scale), perceived daily discrimination (Daily Discrimination Scale), and perceived stress (Stress Overload Scale - Short Form). Results from a sequential linear regression indicated that neither demographic characteristics (race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and age) nor COVID-19 self-efficacy predicted stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, perceived discrimination predicted stress above and beyond demographic and COVID-19 self-efficacy differences, β = 0.43, p < 0.01, ΔR2 = 0.17. Though in the direction we might expect, there were no significant demographic differences in perceived discrimination, indicating that differences in perceived daily discrimination in our sample might be associated with factors not presently studied (e.g., socioeconomic status) or may arise through an intersection of group membership. These results demonstrate that perceived daily discrimination is an important predictor of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the importance of addressing daily discrimination as a potential avenue for mitigating stress-related COVID-19 outcomes.
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The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented stressors for college students, and minority stress faced by LGBTQ + college students has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Associations between stress and sexual desire are complex, but research suggests that stress may be associated with higher solitary sexual desire and lower dyadic sexual desire. The current study examined associations between sexual desire and a multidimensional measure of pandemic stress among LGBTQ + and cisgender, heterosexual (cis-het) college students. Participants (N = 377, 57% LGBTQ+) completed an online survey during the Spring 2021 semester that included the Sexual Desire Inventory and a multidimensional COVID Stress Measure. LGBTQ + students reported higher stress in multiple domains-isolation, academics, living situation, concerns about racism and prejudice, and health care access-relative to cis-het students. For LGBTQ + and cis-het students, higher overall COVID stress, as well as higher stress related specifically to isolation and to the virus itself, were associated with higher solitary and dyadic sexual desire. Greater concern about racism and prejudice during the pandemic was associated with higher solitary sexual desire, especially for LGBTQ+ students. Our findings underscore the importance of sexuality as a means of seeking connection during an event that disrupted college students' lives in many ways. We highlight implications for university professionals, particularly the need to support LGBTQ +-affirming organizations, mental health resources, and sexual health resources as students return to college campuses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This study indicates that LGBTQ + college students experienced higher stress than their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that higher stress was associated with higher sexual desire among LGBTQ + and cisgender, heterosexual college students. Results point to the importance of providing LGBTQ +-affirming mental and sexual health resources as students return to college campuses in the aftermath of the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
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Introduction DA/V increased over the pandemic Our e-service widened access during the crisis and introduced three questions to adult SUs enquiring about DA/V. An analysis of SUs triggering these questions is provided. Method E-notes review of SUs who triggered question(s) about current DA/DV, whilst ordering a kit between 17.8.21- 28.2.22. SUs that trigger are automatically offered access to supportive online information. The e-service team don't directly contact these SUs unless there's another reason (e.g. relaying positive STI results). If safe to do so, the triggers are discussed during these calls and further support/counselling offered. Results 3846/231460(1.7%) SU triggered DA/V question(s) between 17.8.21-28.2.22. The first 202 SU e-notes were reviewed: median age 28yrs (18-73yrs);66%(134/202) female;72%(145/202) heterosexual;75%(152/202) UK born. 264 triggers were selected: 27%(55/202) physical/emotional abuse, 81%(164/202) coercive control, and 22%(45/202) sexual abuse. Ten (5%) SUs triggered three DA/V questions, 42(21%) two and 150(74%) one. STI positivity was 4%. 77%(156/202) engaged in high-risk activity. 26%(52/202) had never visited a clinic. Telephonic discussion with the e-service took place in 10%(20/202) SUs: 50%(10/20) received counselling/signposting;10%(2/20) referred to independent DA/V advocate, 30% (6/20) stated historic abuse, 10%(2/20) mistakenly triggered, 5%(1/10) declined support for current abuse and 5%(1/10) disengaged. Of 29%(58/202) SUs who ordered further e-kit(s) 38%(22/58) continued to trigger and 9%(5/58) disclosed sexual assault. Discussion 1.7% SUs reported current DA/V. After attempted contact a supportive DA/V discussion was accepted by 80% SUs. Despite providing online support 38% continued to disclose abuse. Efforts to explore/evaluate safe methods of engaging and supporting DA/V survivors using e-services are required.
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Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, large increases in domestic abuse (DA) were reported1. A pilot project to evaluate the utility of a dedicated sexual health IDSVA was undertaken in a larger inner-city SH/HIV service. Methods Commissioners were approached with data highlighting high numbers of high-risk DA identified within SH. Funding to pilot an integrated Sexual health IDSVA was obtained. The pilot ran between August 2020 - November 2021. Referrals were made to the IDSVA by clinic staff who identified DA victim/survivors during routine enquiry. Results 121 referrals were received, of which 118 were accepted and 82% risk-assessed. Majority were cis-female (80%), heterosexual (81%) and aged 25-34yrs (37%). Five patients were aged under 18. 40% were for DA, 28% for SA, 22% for both DA/SA. 32% were assessed as high risk of harm. 44% was from ex-partner and 14% acquaintances. 21 cases involved child safeguarding considerations. IDSVA roles included face-to-face and telephone assessments, safety planning, arranging refuge, social care/safeguarding referrals, signposting and training/support for SH staff. Discussion Significant numbers of patients with complex safeguarding needs, at high risk of harm were identified within sexual health, engaged with, and were supported by the SH IDSVA. Patient acceptability was reflected by the high uptake of IDSVA support (88%). IDSVA expertise and support freed up clinic staff time and resources.
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Purpose: Previous research has established that LGBTQ+ young adults experience increased rates of mental health morbidity and substance use compared to their heterosexual peers. Recent research suggests these disparities are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic possibly due to barriers in receiving mental health treatment, instability in home environments, and other unique minority stressors. The current study examines group differences between LGBTQ+ and heterosexual/ undefined-sexuality young adults with longitudinal self-report data comparing pre- and duringpandemic timepoints. Three main aims are addressed comparing group differences: 1) Expected declines in alcohol involvement and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic post-college, 2) Experiences of stressors encountered during the pandemic, and 3) Pandemic-related stress exposure explaining alcohol involvement and depressive symptoms post-college. Methods: Participants (N = 138) completed a follow-up survey (“time 2”;summer 2021) to the REAL-U study administered to a larger sample of undergraduates (“time 1”;2015-2016). The followup survey assessed alcohol involvement, depressive symptoms, and certain stressors (loneliness, isolation, family-related). Sexual orientation was dichotomized into LGBTQ+ (n = 27) and heterosexual/ undefined (n = ). Results: Two path analyses tested whether isolation, loneliness, and family-related stressors mediate the association between sexual orientation and alcohol involvement (model 1;chi-square (4) = 4.65, p = 0.33;RMSEA = 0.03;CFA = 1.0) and depressive symptoms (model 2;chi-square (4) = 4.16, p = 0.38;RMSEA = 0.02;CFA = 1.0), controlling for race, age, and outcomes assessed at time 1. LGBTQ+ young adults showed greater family-related stress (b = 0.15;p = 0.06) and loneliness (b = 0.38;p < 0.01). Loneliness in turn predicted greater young adult alcohol involvement after controlling for collegiate alcohol involvement (b = 0.17;p = 0.03);but the indirect effect was not significant. However, the indirect effect was (marginally) significant in predicting time 2 depression (b = 0.09;p = 0.06), such that LGBTQ+ young adults reported greater loneliness in the pandemic (b = 0.29;p < 0.05) which predicted greater depression (b = 0.11;p < 0.05). Conclusions: LGBTQ+ young adults appear to experience greater levels of loneliness and familyrelated stress post-college in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, these stressors help explain heightened levels of depressive symptoms in young adulthood. Future research needs to explore more nuanced elements of loneliness and family-related stress to better understand why the LGBTQ+ population is particularly vulnerable to these stressors, which in turn can help guide clinical care and intervention for this unique population.