Opinions of special education teachers on inappropriate sexual behaviors in adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Inappropriate sexual behaviors may be observed in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), especially during adolescence. There are several undesired consequences of exhibiting such behaviors in public spaces, such as schools. The competencies and attitudes of special education teachers, who are responsible for the education of individuals with ID, are of significant influence. This study was conducted to investigate the views of special education teachers working with adolescents with ID on inappropriate sexual behaviors exhibited in educational settings. Accordingly, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 special education teachers. The phenomenological research design, one of the qualitative research methods, and thematic analysis were used in this study. Five themes were identified after the analysis of the findings of the study, namely, common behaviors, teacher attitudes, teacher competencies, teacher interventions, and educational content. The findings were discussed on the basis of the relevant studies in the literature and a number of conclusions were reached. Accordingly, the inappropriate sexual behaviors that special education teachers encounter the most frequently are masturbation, undressing, and touching, and when these behaviors are exhibited aggressively, teachers have difficulty in intervening. Participants regard themselves to be incompetent in terms of sexual education and consider relevant educational content inadequate.

Predictors of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and utilization of services among adolescents in Ghana's Adaklu district.

Objective: To explore factors associated with adolescents' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and their engagement with educational and clinical services. Design: Regression analysis of secondary data collected during a community survey. Setting: Adaklu district, Volta Region, Ghana. Participants: 221 adolescent caregiver pairs. Main outcome measures: The study employed three main outcome measures: (1) adolescents' level of SRH knowledge (assessed via questionnaire), (2) membership in district-sponsored adolescent health clubs (AHCs), and (3) ever-utilization of clinical SRH services. Results: Greater SRH knowledge was significantly associated with older age, AHC membership, and relying primarily on teachers or friends for SRH information. Increased odds of AHC membership were observed among females (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.14-4.95); those who had communicated with one parent about sexual issues (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.17-6.21); and those with a history of transactional sex (OR 5.53, 95% CI 1.04-29.37). Decreased odds were observed among adolescents whose caregivers were educated to the primary level (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.07-0.79). Overall, utilization of clinical SRH services was low, but higher odds were detected among individuals reporting a history of forced sex (AOR = 117.07, 95% CI 3.82-3588.52) and those who had discussed sexual issues with both of their parents (AOR = 13.11, 95% CI 1.85-92.93). Conclusions: Awareness of the predictors of knowledge, AHC involvement, and clinical service utilization can empower adolescent SRH initiatives-both present and future-to enhance their teaching, develop targeted outreach to underserved groups, and promote engagement with key clinical resources. Funding: This work has been supported by grants from the International Development Research Centre [108936] (IDRC), Canada.

"It Is A Purposefully Ambiguous Term": Examining Emerging Adults' Definitions of Hooking Up and How They Vary by Sex/Gender and Educational Background.

The majority of past work on hooking up among emerging adults uses a researcher-led definition and often uses college student samples. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine participant-led definitions of hooking up using a large sample (N = 701) of college-attending and non-college emerging adults. Most definitions included behaviors (91.7%), a partner type (64.3%), and references to commitment (69.2%). However, considerable variation in definitions within these categories was identified, in particular with reference to commitment. In our sample, definitions attended to what a hook "is" and "is not" as it relates to commitment. Hookup characteristics were also discussed in definitions, including frequency of hooking up, decision making, sexual health and safety, and purposes for hookups. Participants regularly referenced other common terms in relation to hooking up, including one-night stands, casual sex, no strings attached, and friends with benefits. For some, hookups were similar to these other types of casual sex experiences, whereas for others hooking up was distinct. We also quantitatively examined proportional differences in definitional categories and sub-categories based on sex/gender (men vs. women) and educational background (college-attending vs. non-college). Although some proportional differences were found, in general men and women and college-attending and non-college emerging adults defined hookups in similar ways. Programming focused on emerging adult romantic and sexual relationship education would benefit from addressing these subtle, but meaningful variations, as individuals enact hookup scripts based on how they define their encounters. Future opportunities for research to integrate both researcher-led and participant-led definitions of hooking up are discussed.

Perception of young adults about sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual education: A cross-sectional study / Percepção de jovens adultos sobre orientação sexual, identidade de gênero e educação sexual: um estudo transversal

Understanding sexual orientation, gender identity, and the importance of sexual education is crucial for both individual and collective health, integrating debates in public health and education policies. The aim of this study was to gather information from young adults about their early sexual experiences to contribute to the guidance of public health and education policies regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual education. This qualitative study, conducted at the Methodist University of São Paulo, collected data from young adults regarding their sexual experiences and gender identity through an online questionnaire, encompassing 87 participants aged between 19 and 38 years old. The results demonstrated sociodemographic diversity, highlighted the internet and social media as significant sources of information on sexuality, and underscored the need for adequate support from healthcare professionals and educators before their first sexual experience. Participants expressed support for sexual education in schools. We conclude that opinions on sexual orientation and gender identity emphasize the importance of public policies that promote inclusivity and respect for diversity

A compreensão da orientação sexual, identidade de gênero e a importância da educação sexual é fundamental para a saúde individual e coletiva, integrando debates em políticas públicas de saúde e educação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi coletar informações de jovens adultos sobre experiências de início da vida sexual, a fim de contribuir com o direcionamento de políticas públicas de saúde e educação sobre orientação sexual, identidade de gênero e educação sexual. Este estudo qualitativo, desenvolvido na Universidade Metodista de São Paulo, coletou informações de jovens adultos sobre suas experiências sexuais e identidade de gênero através de questionário online, abrangendo 87 participantes entre 19 e 38 anos de idade. Os resultados revelaram a diversidade sociodemográfica, a importância da internet e das redes sociais como fontes de informação sobre sexualidade, proporcionando a necessidade de suporte adequado para profissionais da saúde e educadores antes de sua primeira experiência sexual. Os participantes são desenvolvidos para a educação nas escolas. Concluímos que as opiniões sobre orientação sexual e identidade de gênero reforçam a importância de políticas públicas que promovam a inclusão e o respeito à diversidade.

Acceptance, Hesitancy, and Refusal Among Parents of Young Girls in Relation to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: A Study From the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Oujda, Morocco.

INTRODUCTION: Morocco has joined the global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by introducing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination into its national immunization program. However, vaccination rates remain insufficient relative to the importance of the vaccine. Therefore, the objective of the study was to understand better the factors associated with acceptance, hesitance, or refusal of the HPV vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive and analytical study was conducted among 450 parents of girls of HPV vaccination age at the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Oujda, Morocco, over a period of three months. RESULTS: A total of 450 parents were included in the study, most of them being mothers. Most parents were unaware of HPV infection (66%) or the HPV vaccine (62%). The rate of HPV vaccination among the study population was only 33%. Factors associated with nonvaccination included a lack of information about the HPV vaccine (57%), concern about side effects (33%), and unvaccinated family and friends (10%). Parents' intention to vaccinate their daughters was significantly lower in fathers (95% confidence interval, or 95% CI = 0.34-0.66), those with a low educational level (odds ratio, or OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.40-0.80), and those with an unfavorable socioeconomic level (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.30-0.56), whereas it was significantly higher in cases of a vaccinated entourage, including friends and family (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.22-2.12), and when vaccination was recommended by a doctor (OR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.56-2.39). CONCLUSION: The results of our study highlighted parents' lack of information about HPV infection and the HPV vaccine. They also revealed a clear lack of HPV vaccination coverage and identified the reasons for reluctance to vaccinate against HPV. Much remains to be done to increase the rate of HPV vaccination in Morocco.

Status of Healthy Choices, Attitudes and Health Education of Children and Young People in Romania-A Literature Review.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to assess the health status and factors influencing healthy choices among children and young people in Romania, as well as the efficacy of related health education programs. Through understanding these dynamics, the study seeks to provide insights that can shape targeted interventions, policies, and educational strategies to improve this demographic's overall health and well-being. Materials and Methods: For this study, we performed a literature review of original published papers on the health status, healthy habits, health education, predisposition to making healthy choices in the future, and accessibility to the paediatric health system of Romanian children and young people, as well as the effects of different types of educational interventions on this demographic in Romania. Results: The prevalence of dental caries is high in Romania. In terms of eating habits and nutritional status, a worrying proportion of children are overweight or obese, which can lead to a variety of future physical and psychological problems. In terms of physical activity, few adolescents demonstrate regular fitness practices. Romania presents an increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents. The mental health of students has become a pressing public health concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of social networks is linked to mental health issues among young people. Romania still has one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases and faces a high incidence of cervical cancer, with a mortality rate three times higher than the EU average. High rates of teenage pregnancies are linked to limited information about sexuality and a lack of access to family planning at a young age. There are large discrepancies in the accessibility of medical services between urban and rural areas. Conclusions: Romania faces significant obstacles to providing high-quality healthcare to children and young people. Improving nutrition, immunisation rates, and access to medical services represent essential areas for enhancing the health of children and young people in Romania.

Factors Influencing Sexuality in Late Adolescence: A Qualitative Study on Heterosexual Adolescents' Perspectives.

(1) Background: Sexuality is influenced by the school, family, and social contexts. All of these play a crucial role in promoting adolescents' sexual health and well-being. However, little is known about the factors that have an impact on sexuality in late adolescence. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the perspectives of late adolescents on the factors that influence their sexual lives. (2) Methods: A qualitative study with a descriptive design was carried out. Thirteen interviews were conducted. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and categorized into themes and subthemes. (3) Results: The results of our study offer support for the importance of sexual aspects in the lives of late adolescents who identify as heterosexual. (4) Conclusions: The most influential environments in late adolescent sexuality are the social, family, school, and peer contexts.

Información recibida sobre salud sexual y reproductiva asociada a conductas sexuales en universitarias. Medellín, Colombia 2021

Introducción: La juventud representa un periodo de vulnerabilidad acompañado de cambios físicos y psicológicos que predisponen a conductas sexuales de riesgo, en un contexto en el que la calidad de la educación en salud sexual y reproductiva no satisface las necesidades de la población. Objetivo: Identificar la asociación existente entre conductas sexuales de riesgo en mujeres universitarias y su satisfacción frente a la información que han recibido sobre salud sexual y reproductiva a lo largo de sus vidas. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de tipo transversal aplicado a una muestra por conveniencia de 182 universitarias. Se analizaron variables relacionadas con características sociodemográficas, conductas sexuales de riesgo, fuentes de información y satisfacción frente a la información recibida sobre salud sexual y reproductiva. Se determinó la asociación entre las variables aplicando la prueba chi2 (p < 0,05) y la medida estadística OR. Resultados: Predominaron las mujeres sexualmente activas 70,3 % y mujeres que no deseaban quedar embarazadas al momento de ser encuestadas 98,9 %. Un 10,9 % de las mujeres encuestadas, son sexualmente activas y no planifican aunque no deseen quedar en embarazo. La fuente de educación que predominó fueron los profesionales de la salud (75,3 %). No se evidenció discrepancia significativa entre el porcentaje de mujeres satisfechas con la información que han recibido (51 %) y las no satisfechas (49 %). No se encontró asociación entre conductas sexuales de riesgo y la satisfacción con la información sobre salud sexual y reproductiva que han recibido a lo largo de su vida, teniendo en consideración que esta no representa en su totalidad una educación de calidad. Conclusión: Las estudiantes matriculadas en universidades ubicadas en la ciudad de Medellín muestran conductas sexuales de riesgo, que no se asocian a la satisfacción que poseen frente a la información en salud sexual y reproductiva que han obtenido a lo largo de su vida.

Introduction: Youth represents a period of vulnerability accompanied by physical and psychological changes that predispose individuals to risky sexual behaviors, from a context in which the quality of education in sexual and reproductive health does not meet the needs of the population. Objective: To identify the association between risky sexual behaviors in university women and their satisfaction with the information they have received on sexual and reproductive health throughout their lives. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study applied to a convenience sample of 182 university students. Variables related to sociodemographic characteristics, risky sexual behaviors, sources of information and satisfaction with the information received on sexual and reproductive health were analyzed. The association between the variables was determined by applying the chi2 test (p<0.05) and the OR statistical measure. Results: Sexually active women predominated (70.3%) and women who did not want to get pregnant at the time of being surveyed (98.9%);. 10.9% of the women surveyed, are sexually active, do not plan and do not want to get pregnant, the source of education that prevailed were the professionals of health (75.3%). There was no significant discrepancy between the percentage of women satisfied with the information they received (51%) and those who were not satisfied (49%). No association was found between risky sexual behaviors and satisfaction with the information on sexual and reproductive health received throughout their lives, considering that this does not fully represent quality education. Conclusión: The students enrolled in universities located in the city of Medellín show risky sexual behaviors that are not associated with the satisfaction they have with the information on sexual and reproductive health that they have obtained throughout their lives.

The Role and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections, Nonvenereal Genital Diseases, Sexual Health, and Wellness.

The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing and managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), nonvenereal genital diseases, and overall sexual health is immense. AI shows promise in STI screening and diagnosis through image recognition and patient data analysis, potentially increasing diagnostic accuracy while ensuring inclusivity. AI can fuel the transformation of e-health and direct-to-consumer services, enhancing targeted screening and personalized interventions while improving the user-friendliness of services. There is a significant role for AI in sexual education, particularly its use in interactive, empathetic chatbots. AI's integration into health care as a decision support tool for primary health-care providers can boost real-time diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, AI's use in big data can enhance real-time epidemiology, predictive analysis, and directed interventions at population levels. However, challenges such as real-world diagnostic accuracy, liability, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas persist. Future directions include an emphasis on inclusivity, language accommodation, and swift research-to-practice transitions. Collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and health-care providers is needed to leverage AI's transformative potential in sexual health.

Uptake of HIV testing and its correlates among sexually experienced college students in Southwestern, China: a Web-Based online cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is becoming more common among college students in China. However, latest data on the prevalence and correlates of HIV testing among sexually experienced college students is rarely. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among college students aged 18 years or older using multistage stratified cluster sampling from 16 colleges. Data on socio-demographic, HIV testing, HIV-related awareness, attitudes, sexual education and behaviors were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) and logistic regression model were used to identify factors associated with HIV testing. RESULT: A total of 108,987 students participated the survey, of which 13,201 sexually experienced college students were included in this study. 1,939 (14.69%) college students with sexual experience reported uptake of HIV testing in the preceding year. The uptake of HIV testing increased for college students with a rising HIV knowledge score and sexual health knowledge. Being awareness of HIV-related knowledge (aOR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.30), accepting one-night stands (aOR = 1.16, 95%CI:1.03-1.32), obtaining satisfactory sexual interpretation from parent(s) (aOR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.07-1.43), ever had unintended pregnancy (aOR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.32-2.38), ever had received HIV-related preventive service(s) (aOR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.10-1.70), ever had participated HIV-related preventive services (aOR = 3.76, 95%CI: 2.99-4.75) and ever had anal sex (aOR = 2.66, 95%CI: 2.11-3.34) were positively associated with uptake of HIV testing. However, accepting premarital sex (aOR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66-0.88), accepting cohabitation (aOR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.61-0.92), occasionally discussing sex with parent(s) (aOR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.50-0.91), and being with moderate satisfaction of school sex courses (aOR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.58-0.95) were negatively associated with uptake of HIV testing. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIV testing was relatively low. Participation in HIV-related services and high-risk sexual behaviors were important enablers for testing. Improving sex education for students, increasing HIV preventive services on campus, and improving family sex education are necessary to increase HIV testing among college sexually experienced students.

Beyond supply and demand: a new ecological framework for understanding the access of young migrants to sexual and reproductive health services in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Although the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young people and migrants should be prioritised, young migrants' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is rarely studied in Sweden. OBJECTIVES: To explore young migrants' understanding and experiences of sexual rights and examine their perceptions and experiences in accessing SRH services. METHODS: This is a mixed method study including a national survey that recruited 1773 newly arrived young migrants; a youth clinic survey that recruited 1089 youths after visiting youth clinics; and a qualitative study that included 13 interviews with newly arrived Arabic-speaking migrant men. The results are synthesised using a new ecological framework of access to understand the factors influencing young migrant access to health care based on the levels of the ecological model and the five steps of access: approachability, acceptability, adequacy, affordability, and quality. RESULTS: Young migrants understood SRH as both 'essential' and 'a right.' Their sexual rights were less fulfiled compared to other young people in Sweden, particularly for men, non-binary, LGBTQ+, those born in South Asia, without a residence permit, and those of low economic conditions. SRH services were largely unapproachable as almost half of those who needed them did not utilise them. Services were generally acceptable due to the 'open environment,' however, some young migrants faced cultural insensitivity, fear of exposure, low parental support, and long waiting times. SRH services' quality was perceived as good, however, negative experiences were reported, particularly in the domains of respect, equity, privacy, non-prejudice, and consultation quality. CONCLUSION: The access of young migrants to SRH services is facilitated by an 'open environment' and available and good quality services; however, they faced serious barriers such as limited access to information about the health system, comprehensive sexual education, lack of cultural sensitivity, and cultural racism.

A reanalysis of the Institute for Research and Evaluation report that challenges non-US, school-based comprehensive sexuality education evidence base.

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) prepares young people to make informed decisions about their sexuality. A review by the Institute of Research and Evaluation that analysed 43 CSE studies in non-US settings found the majority to be ineffective and concluded that there was little evidence of the effectiveness of CSE. We reanalysed the review to investigate its validity. We found several weaknesses with the review's methodology and analysis: (1) there was an absence of a clearly articulated search strategy and specific eligibility criteria; (2) the authors put forth criteria for programme effectiveness but included studies that did not collect the data needed to show programme effectiveness and thus several studies were determined to be ineffective by default; (3) the analytical framework minimised positive intervention effects and privileged negative intervention effects; and (4) there were errors in the data extracted, with 74% of studies containing one or more discrepancies. Overall, our reanalysis reveals that the IRE review suffers from significant methodological flaws and contains many errors which compromise its conclusions about CSE. Our reanalysis is a tool for the international community to refute CSE opposition campaigns based on poor science.

The role of various influence sources on sexual behavior in adolescents with type 1 diabetes in comparison to healthy peers: a cross-sectional study from Greece.

PURPOSE: Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) are at increased risk of sexually risky behaviors, such as unintended pregnancies. Adolescents with T1D use different sources of information on sexual education such as parents, friends, teachers, and the media. The study aim was to investigate the effect of different sources of information in development of sexual risk behaviors in T1D adolescents in comparison to healthy peers. METHODS: The study included 174 adolescents (58 adolescents with T1D and 116 healthy controls). Anonymous questionnaires were used to evaluate sexually risky behaviors. RESULTS: T1D adolescents were more frequently asking advice from friends on sexual matters concerning the opposite sex (p = 0.026) and from school teachers (p = 0.059) when compared to controls. The proportion of sexually active T1D adolescents who had ever consumed alcohol before any sexual intercourse was higher when informed by friends of the opposite sex (p = 0.039) and not informed by a physician (p = 0.025) and lower when informed by parents (p = 0.015). When comparing among sexually active adolescents those who felt that they were adequately informed to those not well informed, no significant difference in high risk behaviors was found. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of T1D adolescents felt that they were adequately informed on sexual matters compared to healthy peers. They mostly used friends of the opposite sex and teachers as information sources. Nevertheless, T1D adolescents were more likely to adopt a risky sexual behavior if they were not informed by their parents and medical professionals, or preferred friends of the opposite sex.

"La Perla Del Mar": A Case Report on Subcutaneous Penile Implants.

The purpose of this report is to alert and inform the medical community about the presence and practice of subcutaneous penile implants (SPIs), which are used with the intent of increasing sexual pleasure. This case aspires to deflect plausible misconceptions in the specific populations who use the SPIs. This case study was performed in January 2023 at a tertiary care center in Miami, Florida. A 61-year-old Cuban male admitted for a routine hernia repair with an incidental finding of a benign SPI was interviewed and examined; an extended collection of historical information regarding the patient's penile implant was ascertained. The patient stated that there was a tradition among the men and adolescent individuals living along coastal cities/towns of Cuba such as Havana and Matanzas who would elect to have pieces of stones or gems or any solid objects shaped and molded into round objects that are used for the intent of increasing sexual pleasure. The patient referred to the implant as "La Perla Del Mar," which translates directly into "Pearl of the Sea." Upon visualization of the nodule on examination, a differential diagnosis may include infection (such as syphilis), granulomas, sarcoidosis, dermatofibroma, epithelial inclusion cyst, or malignancy. However, an appropriate workup informed us about the penile implant. Clinicians should employ caution in investigating a penile nodule by taking a detailed social and sexual history and physical exam from the patient if possible. This case and the literature review cited to bolster the notion of a lack of chronic symptoms due to the inserted objects. Several provocations for the implantation of an artificial penile nodule, in this case, maybe extrapolated, such as the desire for a prospective partner's pleasure/displeasure, group identification, or masculine embodiment. The main takeaways from this case report are the considerations that should be taken in the older Caribbean population for patients with the "Perla Del Mar" implantation and bolstering the notion of complete sexual education for clinicians regarding specific populations to enhance patient care.

Sexual and Dating Violence Prevention Programs for Male Youth: A Systematic Review of Program Characteristics, Intended Psychosexual Outcomes, and Effectiveness.

Sexual and dating violence (SDV) by male youth (≤ 25 years)-including sexual harassment, emotional partner violence, and rape-is a worldwide problem. The goal of this preregistered (PROSPERO, ID: CRD42022281220) systematic review was to map existing SDV prevention programs aimed at male youth, including their characteristics (e.g., content, intensity), intended psychosexual outcomes, and empirically demonstrated effectiveness, guided by the principles of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). We conducted searches in six online databases for published, peer-reviewed quantitative effectiveness studies on multi-session, group focused, and interaction based SDV prevention programs for male youth ending March 2022. After screening of 21,156 hits using PRISMA guidelines, 15 studies on 13 different programs, from four continents were included. Narrative analysis showed, first, broad ranges in program intensity (2-48 h total), and few program curricula included explicit discussion of relevant aspects of the TPB. Second, programs' main intended psychosexual outcomes were to change SDV experiences, or related attitudes, or norms. Third, significant effects were found mostly on longer term behaviors and short-term attitudes. Other theoretical proxies of SDV experiences, such as social norms and perceived behavioral control, were sparsely investigated; thus, program effectiveness on these outcomes remains largely unknown. Assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, moderate to serious risk of bias arose in all studies. We present concrete suggestions for program content, such as explicit attention to victimization and masculinity and discuss best practices for evaluation research, including assessments of program integrity, and examining relevant theoretical proxies of SDV.

Sexual knowledge of Queensland forensic mental health patients: A cross-sectional quantitative study.

Forensic patients with serious mental illnesses (SMI) encounter significant challenges including active symptomatology, associated social and interpersonal impairments, psychotropic medication side effects and institutionalization, all of which negatively affect sexual functioning and possibly their acquirement of sexual knowledge. Evidence shows an increased prevalence of high-risk sexual behavior by this group however, there is an absence of literature examining the sexual knowledge of forensic patients. This quantitative cross-sectional study enrolled N = 50 patients currently under the treatment requirements of a Forensic Order and utilized the validated General Sexual Knowledge Questionnaire (GSKQ) to quantify the participants' sexual knowledge over the domains of physiology, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexuality. Male forensic patients scored lower than females on all domains of sexual knowledge. All participants had reasonable knowledge of physiology, sexual intercourse and sexuality; of concern were poor scores on pregnancy, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. Thirty-five (70%) of the respondents indicated that they had some limited sex education, mostly at school. Only six (12%) received any sexual education from a health professional despite extensive contact with the forensic mental health services across many years. There is a need to assess the deficit in sexual knowledge of forensic patients in order to develop sexual health education, intervention and rehabilitative programmes that cater to the specific needs of this group to improve their sexual knowledge, encourage safe and positive sexual experiences, and enhance their quality of life.

Genital body image education in young adolescent girls: A proof of concept pilot study.

Our research team previously developed a brief educational video aimed at increasing adolescent girls' knowledge of the variation in cisgender female genital appearance and improving attitudes towards genital appearance. This video was efficacious with 16-18-year-old girls, but their feedback suggested that younger girls may gain greater benefit. Owing to the younger age group and sensitivity of the topic, we undertook a small pilot study, using a mixed methods approach (quantitative followed by qualitative study phase), to explore the understanding of 13-15-year-old girls of their genital anatomy and body image, and their impressions of the video. The sample (N = 6) showed, on average, low-to-moderate levels of genital anatomical knowledge and genital appearance satisfaction. In qualitative interviews, thematic analysis showed girls had received limited genital-related sexual education and had not considered genitals to be part of their concept of body image. However, after watching the video, they reported an appreciation of the diversity in genital appearance and encouraged use of the video in schools to prompt discussions about genital body image. There are broader implications of this research, namely, that the education of girls about the diversity in genital appearance could be important in improving their future gynaecological and sexual well-being.

"I wish I actually had known what the heck sex was:" What adolescent sexual minority males knew and wish they knew prior to sexual debut with a male partner.

Introduction: Understanding the sexual health needs of adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) at the time of sexual debut will inform programs seeking to decrease sexual health inequities experienced by ASMM. Methods: In 2020, sexually active, cisgender ASMM (n=102, age 14-17) in the United States completed the baseline assessment of an online sexual health intervention pilot trial. Participants responded to closed- and open-ended questions about their sexual debut with a male partner, including sexual behavior, skills and knowledge they knew and wish they knew at the time of their debut, and sources of said skills and knowledge. Results: On average, participants were 14.5 years old (SD=1.4) at their debut. Participants reported knowing how to say no to sex (80%) and wishing they knew how to talk with partners about what they would (50%) and would not (52%) like to do sexually. Open-ended responses indicated that participants desired sexual communication skills at sexual debut. Personal research (67%) was the most common knowledge source prior to debut, and open-ended responses suggest that Google, pornography, and social media were the most frequently used websites and phone applications to find information about sex. Conclusions: Results suggest sexual health programs for ASMM should occur prior to sexual debut, teach sexual communication skills, and teach media literacy skills to help youth deduce credible sexual health resources. Policy Implications: Incorporating the sexual health needs and wants of ASMM into sexual health programs will likely improve acceptability and efficacy, and ultimately decrease sexual health inequities experienced by ASMM.