ABSTRACT
Health inequalities in respiratory disease are widespread, and monitoring them is important for advocacy, the design and delivery of health services, and informing wider health policy. In this chapter, we introduce the different ways in which health inequalities can be quantified, including measures that quantify absolute and relative inequalities, and those that measure gaps between groups or differences across the entire social gradient. We consider the strengths and limitations of these different approaches and highlight things to look out for when reading a paper on health inequalities in respiratory health. These include how common the outcome is and whether other factors have been adjusted for, as both can have a crucial impact on interpretation and can lead to misleading conclusions.Copyright © ERS 2023.
ABSTRACT
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
ABSTRACT
Purpose: We assessed how COVID-19-related alcohol sales policies influenced alcohol use behaviors during the pandemic for U.S. adults of diverse sexual (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning [LGBQ]) and gender identities (transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender questioning [T/NB/GQ]). Methods: Time-specific, state-level, restaurant, bar, and off-premise alcohol policy data were collected from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism-sponsored Alcohol Policy Information System and merged with the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data. Treatments included bar, restaurant, and delivery alcohol sales policies. Outcomes included past 30-day drinking frequency, quantity, and heavy episodic drinking (HED). We fitted negative binomial regression models for all outcomes, clustered standard errors by state and used sample weights. We also controlled for seasonality, state Alcohol Policy Scale scores, pre-/postpandemic time period, and included demographic control variables in our cross-sectional analyses. Results: The sample included 10,505 adults identifying as LGBQ and 809 as T/NB/GQ from 32 states. Restaurant and bar closures were associated with less alcohol use for LGBQ respondents. Outdoor-only policies at bars were also associated with significantly less quantity of use and HED for T/NB/GQ adults in the sample. Off-premise home delivery was associated with greater quantity of use for LGBQ respondents and less frequency for T/NB/GQ respondents. Conclusion: The COVID-19-related alcohol sales policy changes offer an opportunity to better understand alcohol policy and availability's influence on drinking behaviors among sexual and gender-diverse populations in the United States.
ABSTRACT
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)
ABSTRACT
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)
ABSTRACT
Background: While nationwide SARS-CoV-2 testing in the United States shifted from facility- to home-based in 2021, less is known about testing behavior of older adults who live at home. We analyze characteristics of older adults who reported facility-based testing with those who tested only at home or at both locations. Method(s): Adults 70 years and older living at home with a landline in New York City were selected using random digit dialing and completed a COVID-19 survey from February 2022 - March 2022. We conducted descriptive statistics using survey weights and bi-variable and multivariable analyses. Result(s): Overall, 237 of a total of 294 (81%) participants had tested for SARS-CoV-2 in the prior year. Among those who tested, 81% had tested only at a facility, 4% only tested at home, and 15% tested at both locations (home and facility). White participants more often reported testing at both locations (27%) compared to Black (7%), Latinx (7%) or participants of another race (11%;p-value: 0.004). Those with college education or higher were less likely to rely solely on facilities for testing (75%) compared to those with less education (91%;p-value: 0.02) and 38% of those who reported currently working had tested both locations compared to only 12% of those who were not working (pvalue: 0.002). There were no differences in testing by age, sexual orientation, or self-reported mobility. A multivariable logistic regression model that compared those who only tested at a facility with those who tested at both locations or only at home found that when adjusting for working status, age group and education, compared to White participants, Black participants had a third (0.33) the odds of white participants of testing at home or at both locations (p-value: 0.026). Conclusion(s): In this sample of urban older adults, using a facility for SARS-CoV-2 testing was more frequently reported than testing at home, indicating the need to retain facility-based testing for this population. However, White participants, more educated participants and those who were working more frequently reported home-based testing compared to other groups suggesting that social constraints may limit access to home testing among the latter group of older adults.
ABSTRACT
Background: PWH are disproportionally affected by mpox and at high risk for severe complications. The recent mpox outbreak response included increasing awareness, encouraging behavioral changes and pre- and post-exposure vaccination. We assessed knowledge and perceptions of mpox, adoption of preventive behaviors, and attitudes towards vaccination among PWH in Washington, DC. Method(s): Data from a cross-sectional mpox survey were collected between August and December 2022 from PWH enrolled in a longitudinal HIV cohort, the DC Cohort. We conducted uni- and bivariable analyses comparing participants by vaccination status (vaccinated, plan to vaccinate, no plan to vaccinate) and by HIV risk group (MSM vs. non-MSM). We conducted multinomial regression to identify factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Result(s): Among 178 PWH completing the survey (median age 55;71% male, 81% non-Hispanic Black, 37% MSM), 162 (91%) had heard of mpox. Among 159 PWH who had heard of mpox and answered vaccination questions, 21% (n=33) were vaccinated, 43% (n=69) planned to vaccinate and 36% (n=57) did not plan to vaccinate. Comparing the 3 groups, significant differences were observed by age, gender, education, income, HIV risk group, and level of worry about mpox (all p< 0.01). Viral suppression, prior COVID and influenza vaccination, access to STI services, and STI diagnoses in the last year were not associated with vaccine status. Behaviorally, a higher proportion of vaccinated participants reported limiting their number of sexual partners (p< 0.001) and using more preventive behaviors (e.g., limiting gatherings, increased condom use, avoiding skin-to-skin contact;p=0.034) in response to mpox. A higher proportion of MSM reported limiting their number of sexual partners compared to non-MSM (33% vs 7%, p< 0.0001) and were more likely to be vaccinated or plan to vaccinate vs non-MSM (p< 0.001). In adjusted multinomial regression models comparing vaccinated PWH and those planning to vaccinate to those not planning to vaccinate, age (p= 0.0231) and HIV risk factor/gender (p< 0.0001) were significantly associated with vaccination status with younger PWH and MSM more likely to vaccinate (Figure). Conclusion(s): High levels of mpox awareness were observed among this cohort of PWH in Washington, DC with more MSM employing risk reduction behaviors and vaccination as mpox prevention strategies. Ensuring that all PWH, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or age, understand the risks of mpox may improve vaccination uptake.
ABSTRACT
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)
ABSTRACT
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)
ABSTRACT
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)
ABSTRACT
This short commentary surveys the state of sex and leisure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it focuses on sexually explicit media and other forms of digitally mediated sex that have received increasing media attention during the pandemic. Though much of this media appears to be new or novel, drawing on the work by Wendy Chun (Updating to remain the same: Habitual new media, MIT Press;2016), I argue that this sexually explicit media has become habitual media during the COVID-19 pandemic, and helps produce feelings of closeness and sameness during isolation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies used to cope with the outbreak intensified health, social and economic inequities within society. In particular, psychological problems of different types were experienced by the LGBT community. Previous research has shown that sexual minorities often have more limited access to health care services due to discrimination resulting from lack of cultural responsiveness among health care professionals to the special needs of this sub-group. Pandemic officials failed to recognize the unique needs and concerns of LGBT individuals. As such, it is recommended that, in the future, LGBT persons should be provided with online work, education, and mental health services, as well as mental health services. In particular, emphasis needs to be placed on social support which is a major problem for a minority group during a major crisis affecting a large swath of the population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Comments on the original article by A. R. Anderson and E. Knee (see record 2020-49749-001) by encouraging readers to embolden themselves with queer theory for its liberatory intent and potential. In particular, this article troubles notions of queer space and time to illuminate the ways queers are not hapless victims to gentrification (amidst COVID-19 or otherwise) and encourages us to continue imagining and enacting more hopeful, equitable futurities (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
The confinement caused by Covid-19 has accelerated the expansion of social networks such as TikTok (Tamara, 2020), which is experiencing profound growth among younger users. The centennials in this network focus mainly on the production and dissemination of tutorials, vídeo selfies, choreographies or humorous videos designed to entertain their followers (Suárez-Álvarez and García-Jiménez, 2021). However, the platform can also be used to give a voice to minorities, report situations of inequality or claim the rights of certain groups (Sánchez-Castillo and Mercado-Sáez, 2021). To this end, the network launched the hashtag #ThingsTheyTellMe;an inclusive initiative to promote the fight against inequality and discrimination against people. This hashtag invites citizens to denounce the exclusion they have suffered at certain times in their lives. The aim of the study is to identify the issues addressed in the publications and to find out the evaluations issued by a group of experts on these issues. The methodology consists of two different qualitative techniques: content analysis and a focus group. A content analysis sheet and a semi-structured questionnaire were prepared, both of which were developed in-house. After analysing a total of 200 videos and learning about the perceptions of three PhDs in communication and three PhDs in education, it was observed that the prosumers of this network have reported situations of rejection based on place of birth, gender, physical appearance, sexual orientation, profession, family composition, beliefs or hobbies. In conclusion, the diversity of issues addressed shows that TikTok represents an ideal showcase for combating inequalities, but it is necessary to develop other complementary actions, in the communication and educational sphere, to generate lasting positive change over time.Alternate abstract:El confinamiento provocado por el Covid-19 ha acelerado la expansión de redes sociales como TikTok (Tamara-Quiroz, 2020), que está experimentado un profundo crecimiento entre los usuarios más jóvenes. Los centennials de esta red se centran principalmente en la producción y difusión de tutoriales, videoselfies, coreografías o vídeos en tono humorísticos diseñados para entretener a sus seguidores (Suárez-Álvarez y García-Jiménez, 2021). Sin embargo, la plataforma también puede ser empleada para dar voz a las minorías, denunciar situaciones de desigualdad o reivindicar los derechos de determinados colectivos (Sánchez-Castillo y Mercado-Sáez, 2021). Con este propósito, la red puso en marcha el hashtag #Cosas que me dicen;una iniciativa inclusiva para fomentar la lucha contra la desigualdad y la discriminación que sufren las personas. Este hashtag invita a los ciudadanos a denunciar la exclusión que han sufrido en determinados momentos de sus vidas. El objetivo del estudio es identificar las temáticas abordadas entre las publicaciones y conocer las valoraciones emitidas por un grupo de expertos sobre estas. La metodología se compone de dos técnicas cualitativas diferentes: el análisis de contenido y un focus group. Se preparó una ficha de análisis de contenido y un cuestionario semiestructurado, ambos de elaboración propia. Tras analizar un total de 200 vídeos y conocer las percepciones de tres doctores en comunicación y tres doctores en educación, se observa que los prosumidores de esta red han denunciado situaciones de rechazo originadas por el lugar de nacimiento, el género, el aspecto físico, la orientación sexual, la profesión, la composición de sus familias, las creencias o las aficiones. A modo de conclusión, la diversidad de temas tratados muestra que TikTok representa un escaparate idóneo para luchar contra las desigualdades, pero es necesario desarrollar otras acciones complementarias, en el ámbito comunicativo y educacional, que permitan generar un cambio positivo perdurable en el tiempo.
ABSTRACT
Background: Important lapses in the research enterprise, notably low-quality studies, amount to research waste. Close to 50% of this research waste comes from research on low-priority research questions, omitting important outcomes, not involving stakeholders in research design and poor methodology. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the urge to generate evidence to address important questions regarding optimal management strategies has further aggravated this problem. Most COVID-related trials are of low quality. This is in part due to deficiencies in designing high-quality trials at short notice. Consequently, results from these trials do not reliably inform clinical practice for the treatment or management of patients with COVID-19. Innovative approaches to trial design that incorporate existing tools are required to ensure that trials can be designed rapidly, efficiently, and consistently. Learning objectives: (1) To understand the key features of trial design. (2) To apply the use of existing trial resources in trial design. (3) To learn about how to match the research question with the appropriate design features. (4) To be able to use an electronic application to design a trial. Outline: In the first part, participants will review core concepts in trial design (equipoise, research question formulation, knowledge gaps, hypotheses etc.) and a collection of tools/frameworks meant to enhance trial design. These tools/frameworks include the PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary-2 (PRECIS-2), Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR), Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT), Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET;https://comet-initiative.org/), TrialForge (Tools aimed at improving trial efficiency;https:// www.trialforge.org/), Support for statistical analyses plans (SAP), PROGRESS-Plus (a framework of sociodemographic factors-Place of residence, Race/ethnicity/ culture/language, Occupation, Gender/Sex, Religion, Education, Socioeconomic status, and Social capital-'Plus' refers to other personal, time-dependent or relationship-dependent factors, such as pregnancy, age, disability, and sexual orientation). The second part will be a hands-on session in trial design using the TrialTree application (https://trialtree.logicnets.net/ lmc/TT) and the production of a design report. TrialTree is organized into eight modules that cover the main design features. It includes tips, prompts, and feedback on trial design. Evaluation: (1) Completion of a post-workshop quiz. (2) Production of a complete design report in TrialTree. Materials required: (1) A laptop (access to the TrialTree application will be provided free of charge). (2) Pre-workshop readings will be provided. Goals of Session: The goal of this session is to build capacity in novice and experienced trialists on the use of an electronic application for interactive trial design.
ABSTRACT
Geosciences remain one of the least diverse fields. Efforts to diversify the discipline need to address the role of hostile and exclusionary work and learning environments. A workplace climate survey distributed to five professional organizations illustrates varied experiences of earth and space scientists over a 12-month period (pre-COVID). A majority experienced positive interactions in the workplace. However, scientists of color, women and non-binary individuals, scientists with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, and asexual (LGBQPA+) scientists more frequently experienced negative interactions, including interpersonal mistreatment, discriminatory language, and sexual harassment. Geoscientists of color were more likely to experience devaluation of their work than white scientists. More than half of women and non-binary respondents, as well as those who identify as LGBQPA+ experienced identity-based discriminatory remarks. Disabled geoscientists were more likely to hear negative identity-based language than those who did not disclose a disability. Overall, 14% of all respondents experienced sexual harassment in the previous year. Rates were greatest for historically excluded groups: non-binary (51%), LGBQPA+ (33%), disabled (26%), women (20%), and geoscientists of color (17%). A majority of geoscientists reported avoiding their colleagues and almost a third considered leaving their institution or a career change. Historically excluded groups were more likely to report opting out of professional activities with potential career consequences. To address continued exclusion and low retention in the earth and space sciences, recruitment is not enough. We need to create environments that ensure opportunities for all to thrive.
ABSTRACT
Recreational sex is a popular form of leisure that has been redefined by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. "Social distancing" rules have imposed limits on sex for leisure while also creating new opportunities. We discuss results from an online survey of 1,559 adults who were asked about the pandemic's impact on their intimate lives. While nearly half of the sample reported a decline in their sex life, one in five participants reported expanding their sexual repertoire by incorporating new activities. Common additions included sexting, trying new sexual positions, and sharing sexual fantasies. Being younger, living alone, and feeling stressed and lonely were linked to trying new things. Participants making new additions were three times more likely to report improvements in their sex life. Even in the face of drastic changes to daily life, many adults are adapting their sexual lives in creative ways. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Introduction There are significant social and healthcare inequalities in the provision and access to bereavement services. With the increase in deaths and experiences of bereavement, the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the need to address this crucial area of psychological, social and healthcare support. The UKCB was set up to respond to the challenges of the pandemic by hearing about the lived experience of bereavement. Aims The study aimed to draw on UKCB data to analyse the experiences of those bereaved in the last five years to explore how age, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation were associated with inequalities relating to access, effectiveness, satisfaction, and delivery of services. Methods An in-depth qualitative thematic secondary analysis was conducted of free text data from 1119 individual and 130 organisational UKCB survey responses. Results Age Those over 50 reported not wanting to cause a fuss, saw seeking help as a weakness and were reluctant to access digital support. Family pressures, lack of time, and perceptions of less support available for younger people were reported in respondents under 50 years. Ethnicity: The value of support was compromised where there were language barriers and a lack of cultural and religious understanding. Sexuality: LBGTQ + respondents valued non-judgemental understanding and a feeling of belonging from support where this is lacking on a wider level. Gender: Men leaned toward a preference for more informal and practical support. In more formal support they found difficulties in talking with those unconnected with family and friends. Conclusions Age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation affected many respondents' access to formal and informal bereavement support as well as the effectiveness, satisfaction, and delivery of services. Impact The study contributed recommendations which add to those of the UKCB, that can help to reduce inequalities in effective bereavement support.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought adverse consequences in several areas of a person's functioning, including economic, work, family, and academic. One area that has been little investigated in Puerto Rico is the effect of confinement on couples' sexual behavior. The objectives of the present study were: (1) analyze whether there are statistically significant differences between the sexual satisfaction of the participants before and during quarantine;(2) examine whether there have been significant changes in the quality of intimate relationships during the quarantine;and (3) evaluate whether anxiety and COVID-19 anxiety significantly predict participants' sexual satisfaction during quarantine. The sample consisted of 392 adults, primarily women (87.5%). The main results reflected a decrease in the quality of the couple's relationship and sexual satisfaction during the quarantine. In addition, the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and sexual satisfaction during quarantine was low and negative. Although some differences turned out to be statistically significant, a look at these differences highlights that the differences were minimal at a practical and clinical level. Recommendations and practical implications are discussed from a clinical and counseling angle. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Spanish) La pandemia por coronavirus (COVID-19) trajo secuelas adversas en varias areas del funcionamiento de las personas, entre ellas economicas, laborales, familiares y academicas. Un area que no se ha investigado en Puerto Rico es el efecto de los encierros en la conducta sexual de las parejas. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: (1) analizar si existen diferencias estadisticamente significativas entre la satisfaccion sexual de las personas participantes antes y durante la cuarentena;(2) examinar si se han producido cambios significativos en la calidad de las relaciones de pareja durante la cuarentena;y (3) evaluar si la ansiedad y la ansiedad por COVID-19 predicen la satisfaccion sexual de las personas participantes durante la cuarentena. La muestra consistio de 392 personas adultas en su mayoria mujeres (87.5%). Los resultados reflejaron una disminucion en la calidad de la relacion de pareja y en la satisfaccion sexual durante la cuarentena. La relacion entre ansiedad por COVID-19 y satisfaccion sexual durante la cuarentena fue significativa, baja y negativa. A pesar que algunas diferencias resultaron ser estadisticamente significativas, una mirada a dichas diferencias resalta que a nivel practico y clinico las diferencias fueron minimas. Se discuten recomendaciones e implicaciones para la clinica y consejeria. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
At the time of writing this article, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, its toll on women is becoming increasingly evident. Women face severe limitations in their access to reproductive healthcare and rights (in Poland, through the recent Supreme Court decision), and domestic violence has increased, as has inequality in household duties. These outcomes do not develop out of the blue. Recently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP, 2020) released a report stating that 90% of the global population shows at least some bias against gender equality. Therefore, the pandemic situation seems only to amplify and uncover tendencies that have already been present. With this global perspective in mind, I would like to zoom in on the scientific community and even more narrowly on the community of social scientists. Why? The aforementioned ubiquity of gender bias shows that it is deep-rooted in society, and every social stratum has its own way of mirroring global trends and enacting these tendencies. In this short commentary accompanying a publication regarding yet another subtle gender bias in academia, I would like to emphasize why documenting every bias counts and that the change in global trends in gender equality will not happen without transforming our own (or every) field. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)