Conocimiento y conductas sexuales de las mujeres gestantes / Knowledge and sexual behaviors of pregnant women / Conhecimento e comportamentos sexuais de mulheres grávidas

Introducción: escasos son los estudios que investigan el conocimiento sexual y las conductas sexuales de las mujeres dentro de un periodo tan importante como lo es el embarazo. En esta etapa se producen una serie de cambios que repercuten en su vida y por lo tanto en su sexualidad, por tal motivo es que surge realizar este trabajo de investigación. Objetivo: evaluar el nivel de conocimiento y conducta sexual durante la gestación, en un grupo de gestantes que acuden al Centro de Atención Periférica Número 8 perteneciente a la Dirección General de Atención Periférica de la Dirección Nacional de Sanidad de la Fuerzas Armadas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un análisis observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo de cohorte transversal de los datos obtenidos a través de entrevistas realizadas a embarazadas. Se entrevistan gestantes que cursan los tres trimestres de embarazo y concurren a sus controles obstétricos en el periodo comprendido entre el 22 de abril y 22 de julio de 2021 que cumplen con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Para alcanzar el objetivo se aplicó un cuestionario con respuestas cerradas que consta de 11 preguntas basadas en conocimientos y conductas sexuales en gestantes. Resultados: el 52% de nuestras pacientes gestantes encuestadas tienen más de 30 años, 52% cursa su primera gestación y 51% un embarazo no deseado, pero si aceptado. El 61% de ellas dicen que el estar embarazadas afectó su actividad sexual, 39% refiere que son más satisfactorias las relaciones sexuales en el segundo trimestre, 78% manifiesta que el mantener relaciones sexuales no adelanta el parto, el 83% expresa que la posición menos recomendada es boca arriba, el 9% no saben dónde se localiza el tapón mucoso y el 100% de las encuestadas no tuvo educación sobre sexualidad en los controles prenatales. Conclusiones: durante el embarazo se producen cambios anatómicos, psicológicos y emocionales que provocan cambios en la actividad sexual. La educación que tienen sobre sexualidad es nula por lo que es recomendable la implementación de programas formativos de educación sexual en gestantes y sus parejas para afrontar una salud sexual plena.

Introduction: there are few studies that investigate the sexual knowledge and sexual behaviors of women in such an important period as pregnancy. During this stage, a series of changes take place that have repercussions in their lives and therefore in their sexuality, which is the reason why this research work has been carried out. Objective: to evaluate the level of knowledge and sexual behavior during pregnancy in a group of pregnant women attending the Peripheral Care Center Number 8 belonging to the General Directorate of Peripheral Care of the National Health Directorate of the Armed Forces. Materials and methods: an observational, descriptive and prospective cross-sectional cohort analysis of the data obtained through interviews with pregnant women was carried out. Pregnant women in the three trimesters of pregnancy and attending their obstetric check-ups between April 22 and July 22, 2021 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were interviewed. To achieve the objective, a questionnaire with closed answers consisting of 11 questions based on knowledge and sexual behaviors in pregnant women was applied. Results: 52% of our pregnant patients surveyed were over 30 years of age, 52% were in their first pregnancy and 51% had an unwanted pregnancy, but accepted it. 61% of them said that the pregnancy was unwanted. Sixty-one percent of them say that being pregnant affected their sexual activity, 39% say that sexual relations are more satisfactory in the second trimester, 78% say that having sexual relations does not advance labor, 83% say that the least recommended position is on the back, 9% do not know where the mucus plug is located and 100% of the respondents had no education on sexuality in prenatal checkups. Conclusions: During pregnancy there are anatomical, psychological and emotional changes that cause changes in sexual activity. The education they have about sexuality is null, so it is advisable to implement sex education programs for pregnant women and their partners in order to achieve full sexual health.

Introdução: há poucos estudos que investiguem o conhecimento sexual e o comportamento sexual das mulheres durante um período tão importante como a gravidez. Nesta fase, ocorre uma série de mudanças que têm repercussões em suas vidas e, portanto, em sua sexualidade, razão pela qual este estudo de pesquisa foi realizado. Objetivo: avaliar o nível de conhecimento e comportamento sexual durante a gravidez em um grupo de mulheres grávidas que freqüentam o Centro de Atenção Periférica Número 8 pertencente à Direção Geral de Atenção Periférica da Direção Nacional de Saúde das Forças Armadas. Materiais e métodos: foi realizada uma análise observacional, descritiva e prospectiva de coorte transversal dos dados obtidos através de entrevistas com mulheres grávidas. Foram entrevistadas mulheres grávidas no terceiro trimestre de gestação e que compareceram aos check-ups obstétricos entre 22 de abril e 22 de julho de 2021, que preenchiam os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Para alcançar o objetivo, foi aplicado um questionário com respostas fechadas que consiste em 11 perguntas baseadas em conhecimentos e comportamentos sexuais em mulheres grávidas. Resultados: 52% de nossas pacientes grávidas pesquisadas tinham mais de 30 anos de idade, 52% estavam grávidas pela primeira vez e 51% tiveram uma gravidez indesejada, mas aceitaram-na. 61% deles dizem que estar grávida afetou sua atividade sexual, 39% dizem que as relações sexuais são mais satisfatórias no segundo trimestre, 78% dizem que ter relações sexuais não antecipa o trabalho de parto, 83% dizem que a posição menos recomendada é na parte de trás, 9% não sabem onde o plugue de muco está localizado e 100% dos entrevistados não tiveram nenhuma educação sobre sexualidade nos check-ups pré-natais.

Função sexual, sintomatologia depressiva e qualidade de vida de pessoas submetidas à terapia hemodialítica / Función sexual, síntomas depresivos y calidad de vida de las personas en tratamiento de hemodiálisis / Sexual function, depressive symptoms and quality of life of people undergoing hemodialysis therapy

RESUMO Objetivo analisar a correlação entre função sexual, sintomatologia depressiva e qualidade de vida de pessoas em tratamento hemodialítico. Método estudo transversal desenvolvido com 54 participantes. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre os meses de março a maio de 2020. Os dados foram analisados com os testes de Mann-Whitney e Correlação de Spearman, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados a correlação entre a função sexual e a sintomatologia depressiva somente foi clinicamente relevante para as mulheres (ρ= -0,724). Já em relação à qualidade de vida, observou-se que a função sexual geral dos homens está negativamente correlacionada com a dimensão dor (ρ= -0,349) e com a função social (ρ= -0,347). Já para as mulheres, a função sexual geral está positivamente correlacionada com a função física (ρ= 0,501), saúde geral (ρ= 0,737), componente mental (ρ= 0,497), sono (ρ= 0,753), qualidade da interação social (ρ= 0,621) e com a satisfação do paciente (ρ= 0,457). Conclusão e implicações para a prática o aumento da função sexual esteve fortemente correlacionado com a redução de sintomatologia depressiva e com o aumento da qualidade de vida, implicando a necessidade de fortalecer as abordagens sexuais por meio de protocolos que ofereçam fluxos de encaminhamento às equipes transdisciplinares especializadas.

RESUMEN Objetivo analizar la correlación entre función sexual, síntomas depresivos y calidad de vida de personas en hemodiálisis. Método estudio transversal desarrollado con 54 participantes. La recolección de datos ocurrió entre marzo y mayo de 2020. Los datos fueron analizados mediante las pruebas de Mann-Whitney y Correlación de Spearman, con un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados la correlación entre la función sexual y los síntomas depresivos solo fue clínicamente relevante para las mujeres (ρ= -0,724). En cuanto a la calidad de vida, se observó que la función sexual general de los hombres se correlaciona negativamente con la dimensión dolor (ρ= -0,349) y con la función social (ρ= -0,347). Para las mujeres, la función sexual general se correlaciona positivamente con la función física (ρ= 0,501), salud general (ρ= 0,737), componente mental (ρ= 0,497), sueño (ρ= 0,753), calidad de la interacción social (ρ= 0,621) y con la satisfacción del paciente (ρ= 0,457). Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica el aumento de la función sexual se correlacionó fuertemente con la reducción de los síntomas depresivos y con el aumento de la calidad de vida, lo que implica la necesidad de fortalecer los abordajes sexuales a través de protocolos que ofrezcan flujos de derivación para equipos transdisciplinarios especializados.

Objective to analyze the correlation between sexual function, depressive symptomatology and quality of life of people on hemodialysis treatment. Method a cross-sectional study developed with 54 participants. Data collection occurred between the months of March and May 2020. The data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney and Spearman Correlation tests, with a 95% confidence interval. Results the correlation between sexual function and depressive symptomatology was only clinically relevant for women (ρ= -0.724). Regarding quality of life, it was observed that the overall sexual function of men is negatively correlated with the pain dimension (ρ= -0.349) and with the social function (ρ= -0.347). For women, overall sexual function is positively correlated with physical function (ρ= 0.501), general health (ρ= 0.737), mental component (ρ= 0.497), sleep (ρ= 0.753), quality of social interaction (ρ= 0.621), and patient satisfaction (ρ= 0.457). Conclusion and implications for the practice increased sexual function was strongly correlated with reduced depressive symptoms and increased quality of life, implying the need to strengthen sexual approaches through protocols that provide referral flows to specialized trans-disciplinary teams.

Epidemiological risk factors associated with primary infection by Epstein-Barr virus in HIV-1-positive subjects in the Brazilian Amazon region.

To identify the prevalence and risk factors for primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-positive adult treatment-naïve patients between January 2018 and December 2019 in a state of the Brazilian Amazon region. A total of 268 HIV-1 positive patients and 65 blood donors participated in the study. Epidemiological data were obtained from medical records and through a designed questionnaire. EBV infection was screened by the semiquantitative detection of anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA) EBV IgM and IgG, followed by molecular detection of the EBNA-3C gene. The plasma viral loads of HIV-1 and EBV were quantified using a commercial kit. The prevalence of primary coinfection was 7.12%. The associated risk factors were education level, family income, history of illicit drug use and sexually transmitted infections, homosexual contact and condom nonuse. Approximately 58.5% had late initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy, which influenced the risk of HIV-EBV 1/2 multiple infection (odds ratio (OR): 4.76; 95% CI 1.51-15.04) and symptom development (p = 0.004). HIV viral load was associated with patient age (OR: 2.04; 95% CI 2.01-2.07; p = 0.026) and duration of illicit drug use (OR: 1.57; 95% CI 1.12-2.22; p = 0.0548). EBV viral load was associated with younger age (OR: 0.82; 95% CI 0.79-1.03; p = 0.0579). The replication of both viruses was associated with symptom development (HIV = OR: 2.06; 95% CI 1.22-3.50; p = 0.0073; EBV = OR: 8.81; 95% CI 1-10; p = 0.0447). The prevalence of HIV/EBV coinfection was lower than that observed in other studies, and social vulnerability and promiscuous sexual behavior were associated risk factors. A long time of HIV-1 infection, without therapy, influenced the risk of coinfection and disease progression. The viral loads of both viruses may be associated with some epidemiological aspects of the population.

Sexualidade de idosos participantes de um centro de convivência / Sexuality of elderly people participating in a cohabitation center / Sexualidad de las personas mayores que participan en un centro comunitario

Objetivo: analisar o comportamento sexual de idosos participantes de um centro de convivência. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com 91 idosos participantes de um centro de convivências em Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso. A amostra foi de conveniência. A coleta de dados foi realizada em 2016, por meio de entrevista utilizando questionário estruturado. A análise foi descritiva. Resultados: 45,1%dos idosos têm vida sexual ativa, 95,1% têm desejo pelas práticas sexuais e 94,5% não faz uso de medidas preventivas para infecções sexualmente transmissíveis. A maioria referiu dificuldades no ato sexual (82,9%) sendo as mais prevalentes o ressecamento vaginal(29,4%), ejaculação precoce(17,6%) e problemas na ereção (11,8%). A maioria dos idosos citou conhecer as seguintes IST: HIV/AIDS (67%), gonorreia (41,8%), papiloma vírus humano (HPV) (27,5%) e sífilis (22,0%). Conclusão: Os idosos apresentam dificuldades no ato sexual, não usam preservativos, porém, têm desejo sexual. Há necessidade de implementar intervenções para promoção da saúde sexual na velhice

Objective: to analyze the sexual behavior of elderly people participating in a community center. Method: cross-sectional study, carried out with 91 elderly people participating in a community center in Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso. The sample was of convenience. Data collection was carried out in 2016, through an interview using a structured questionnaire. The analysis was descriptive. Results: 45.1% of the elderly have an active sex life, 95.1% have a desire for sexual practices and 94.5% do not use preventive measures for sexually transmitted infections. Most reported difficulties in the sexual act (82.9%), the most prevalent being vaginal dryness (29.4%), premature ejaculation (17.6%) and problems with erection (11.8%). Most elderly people mentioned knowing the following STIs: HIV / AIDS (67%), gonorrhea (41.8%), human papilloma virus (HPV) (27.5%) and syphilis (22.0%). Conclusion: The elderly have difficulties in the sexual act, do not use condoms, however, they have sexual desire. There is a need to implement interventions to promote sexual health in old age

Objetivo: analizar el comportamiento sexual de personas mayores que participan en un centro comunitario. Método: estudio transversal, realizado con 91 adultos mayores en un centro comunitario de Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso. La muestra fue de conveniencia. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo en 2016, a través de una entrevista mediante un cuestionario estructurado. El análisis fue descriptivo. Resultados: el 45,1% de los adultos mayores tiene una vida sexual activa, el 95,1% tiene deseo de prácticas sexuales y el 94,5% no utiliza medidas preventivas para las infecciones de transmisión sexual. La mayoría refirió dificultades en el acto sexual (82,9%), siendo las más prevalentes la sequedad vaginal (29,4%), la eyaculación precoz (17,6%) y los problemas de erección (11,8%). La mayoría de los ancianos mencionó conocer las siguientes ITS: VIH / SIDA (67%), gonorrea (41,8%), virus del papiloma humano (VPH) (27,5%) y sífilis (22,0%). Conclusión: Los ancianos tienen dificultades en el acto sexual, no usan condón, sin embargo, tienen deseo sexual. Es necesario implementar intervenciones para promover la salud sexual en la vejez

[Elderly people living with HIV - behavior and knowledge about sexuality: an integrative review]. / Idosos vivendo com HIV ­ comportamento e conhecimento sobre sexualidade: revisão integrativa.

The scope of this study was to identify and analyze the scientific production on behavior and knowledge about the sexuality of elderly people living with HIV. An integrative review of scientific articles indexed in the Lilacs, IBECS, Medline, BDENF, PubMed and Scopus (Elsevier) databases was conducted, considering publications from January 2007 to December 2016, using the following key words: knowledge, behavior, sexuality, Elderly, HIV/AIDS. Of the 1493 articles located, 11 were included because they met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed through two instruments: Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP) and Agency for Healthcare and Research and Quality (AHRQ). The data suggest that HIV-positive elderly people are sexually active and are involved in risk behaviors of virus transmission. It transpires that there is a limited scientific production regarding the behavior and knowledge about sexuality among elderly people living with HIV. The conclusion drawn is that the study may contribute to the improvement of public health policies that promote the approach on sexuality among elderly people, as well as the emergence of new questions regarding this issue.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar e analisar a produção científica acerca do comportamento e conhecimento sobre sexualidade de idosos que vivem com HIV. Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa de artigos científicos indexados nas bases de dados, Lilacs, Ibecs, Medline, BDENF, PubMed e Scopus (Elsevier), considerando publicações a partir de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2016, utilizando os seguintes descritores: conhecimento (knowledge), comportamento (behavior/behaviour) sexualidade (sexuality), idoso (Elderly), HIV/AIDS. De 1.493 artigos encontrados, 11 foram incluídos por preencherem os critérios de inclusão e foram analisados através de dois instrumentos: Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) e Agency for Healthcare and Research and Quality (AHRQ). Os dados sugerem que os idosos HIV positivo são sexualmente ativos e estão envolvidos em comportamentos de risco de transmissão do vírus. Percebe-se que existe uma produção científica limitada em relação ao comportamento e conhecimento sobre sexualidade entre os idosos que vivem com HIV. Conclui-se que o estudo poderá subsidiar políticas públicas em saúde que valorizem a abordagem sobre sexualidade na terceira idade, assim como a realização de novos questionamentos no tocante a esta temática.

Idosos vivendo com HIV - comportamento e conhecimento sobre sexualidade: revisão integrativa / Elderly people living with HIV - behavior and knowledge about sexuality: an integrative review

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar e analisar a produção científica acerca do comportamento e conhecimento sobre sexualidade de idosos que vivem com HIV. Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa de artigos científicos indexados nas bases de dados, Lilacs, Ibecs, Medline, BDENF, PubMed e Scopus (Elsevier), considerando publicações a partir de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2016, utilizando os seguintes descritores: conhecimento (knowledge), comportamento (behavior/behaviour) sexualidade (sexuality), idoso (Elderly), HIV/AIDS. De 1.493 artigos encontrados, 11 foram incluídos por preencherem os critérios de inclusão e foram analisados através de dois instrumentos: Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) e Agency for Healthcare and Research and Quality (AHRQ). Os dados sugerem que os idosos HIV positivo são sexualmente ativos e estão envolvidos em comportamentos de risco de transmissão do vírus. Percebe-se que existe uma produção científica limitada em relação ao comportamento e conhecimento sobre sexualidade entre os idosos que vivem com HIV. Conclui-se que o estudo poderá subsidiar políticas públicas em saúde que valorizem a abordagem sobre sexualidade na terceira idade, assim como a realização de novos questionamentos no tocante a esta temática.

Abstract The scope of this study was to identify and analyze the scientific production on behavior and knowledge about the sexuality of elderly people living with HIV. An integrative review of scientific articles indexed in the Lilacs, IBECS, Medline, BDENF, PubMed and Scopus (Elsevier) databases was conducted, considering publications from January 2007 to December 2016, using the following key words: knowledge, behavior, sexuality, Elderly, HIV/AIDS. Of the 1493 articles located, 11 were included because they met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed through two instruments: Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP) and Agency for Healthcare and Research and Quality (AHRQ). The data suggest that HIV-positive elderly people are sexually active and are involved in risk behaviors of virus transmission. It transpires that there is a limited scientific production regarding the behavior and knowledge about sexuality among elderly people living with HIV. The conclusion drawn is that the study may contribute to the improvement of public health policies that promote the approach on sexuality among elderly people, as well as the emergence of new questions regarding this issue.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of HIV-infected patients from Southwestern Goias State, Brazil.

Knowledge about epidemiological distribution patterns of HIV infection in different geographic regions is relevant to understand the dynamics of the disease in Brazil. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological and clinical profile of HIV-infected patients from Southwestern Goias State, from 2005 to 2015. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect clinical-epidemiological, virological, and immunological data from the medical records of all HIV-infected patients (n=539) who were followed at the regional reference center of Jatai, Goias State, Brazil, from 2005 to 2015. We detected the prevalence of male patients and the heterosexual route of transmission, as well as an expressive number of young women infected with HIV. The HIV infection was more prevalent in reproductive ages (55.3%). Most patients presented clinical manifestations related to HIV infection at the time of diagnosis. Twenty-four patients presented coinfection with hepatitis C virus, syphilis, hepatitis B virus, leprosy or Chagas disease. Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii was the most common opportunistic infection, followed by neurotoxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and neurocryptococcosis. Combined antiretroviral therapy improved CD4+ T-cell counts: the mean CD4+ T-cell counts after treatment was twice as high as those found at the first medical appointment; and highly active antiretroviral therapy promoted viral suppression in a significant number of patients. Considering the increasing distribution of HIV infection to the interior of Brazil, this descriptive study outlines the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of HIV infection in Southwestern Goias and contributes to develop local prevention strategies and public service plans.

The dialogic educational pathway as a strategy of care with elderly women in sexuality / O percurso educativo dialógico como estratégia de cuidado em sexualidade com idosas

Objetivo: Desvelar o conhecimento crítico mediado por um percurso cuidativo-educativo dialógico em sexualidade com mulheres idosas. Método: Estudo qualitativo e participativo, delineado na abordagem de pesquisa-ação educativa, para isso ancorou-se no Itinerário de Pesquisa de Freire. Participaram do estudo 15 idosas integrantes de um grupo de socialização. Seguiram-se os preceitos éticos vigentes. Resultados: Evidenciou-se que as mulheres deste estudo possuíam dificuldade em conceituar sexualidade, reduzindo o conceito a sexo. Além de divergir a sexualidade para homens e mulheres, e configurá-la como prática da juventude. Conclusão e implicações para a prática: A atividade educativa dialógica mostrou-se como importante ferramenta de cuidado, pois permitiu desatar as amarras do preconceito relativo à sexualidade no envelhecimento, promover a saúde das idosas e demostrar novas formas de cuidar.

Objective:Unveiling the critical knowledge mediated by a care-educational dialogic pathway in sexuality with elderly women.Method:Qualitative and participatory study, outlined in educational action research approach, for which it was anchored in the Paulo Freire's Research Itinerary. 15 elderly women from a group of socialization participated in the study. Three ethical precepts were followed.Results:It was evident that the women of this study had difficulty in conceptualizing sexuality, reducing the concept to sex. In addition to diverging sexuality for men and women and configuring it as a practice of the youth.Conclusion and implications for practice:Dialogic educational activity proved to be an important care tool, since it allowed the unleashing of prejudice concerning sexuality in Aging, promoting elderly health and showing new ways of care.

Sexualidad de personas con acromegalia y síndrome de Cushing; experiencias y aspectos psicosociales relacionados / Sexuality in people with acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome; experiences and related psychosocial aspects

Antecedentes: aunque la literatura documenta que la acromegalia y el síndrome de Cushing pueden producir dificultades sexuales, los estudios sobre el tema son escasos, especialmente desde la perspectiva de los sujetos. Objetivo: describir el impacto de la acromegalia y el síndrome de Cushing sobre la sexualidad y algunos aspectos psicosociales relacionados, desde la perspectiva de personas con estas enfermedades. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, cualitativo, con 12 mujeres y 8 varones, atendidos en Instituto Nacional de Endocrinología, Cuba. Se utilizaron entrevistas en profundidad y técnicas psicológicas proyectivas. La información fue transcrita, codificada, interpretada y triangulada. Se consideraron los aspectos éticos. Resultados: las manifestaciones clínicas, corporales y psíquicas de la enfermedad impactaron la sexualidad de la mayoría de los sujetos. Los roles de género y la estética corporal jugaron un rol importante, especialmente en mujeres. La pareja se estructuró como apoyo ante las dificultades sexuales, especialmente en varones. Aparecieron tres perfiles de experiencias sexuales: 1) un grupo refirió que la enfermedad impactó negativamente su sexualidad en forma de dificultades con la erección (varones) y el deseo sexual (mujeres), e incidió en la pareja; 2) otro grupo refirió similares cambios sexuales, pero vividos con menor impacto psicoemocional debido al apoyo de la pareja; 3) un tercer grupo no refirió cambios en la sexualidad ni en la pareja. Se discuten factores relacionados. Conclusiones: las experiencias sexuales de los sujetos son diversas, relacionadas con representaciones sobre pareja, sexualidad, cuerpo y enfermedad. Mujeres y varones muestran diferencias en la influencia del impacto estético y psicoemocional de la enfermedad sobre la sexualidad. Las representaciones (genéricas, corporales, sexuales) más flexibles se relacionan con menor impacto sexual de la enfermedad(AU)

Background: although literature documents that acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome may cause sexual difficulties, the number of studies about the topic is low, mainly from the subjects' perspective. Objective: to describe the impact of acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome on the sexuality and some related psychosocial aspects from the perspective of people living with these diseases. Methods: retrospective, descriptive and qualitative study of 12 women and 8 men who were seen at the National Institute of Endocrinology of Cuba. In depth interviews and projective psychological techniques were used. The collected information was transcripted, coded, construed and triangled. Ethical aspects were taken into consideration. Results: the clinical, body and psychical manifestations of the disease had an impact on the sexuality of most of subjects. The gender role and the body image played significant roles mainly in women. The couple was formed as a support to face sexual difficulties, particularly in men. There were three profiles of sexual experiences: 1) a group stated that the disease had a negative impact on their sexuality regarding difficulties in erection (men) and sexual desire (women) and this influenced on the couple; 2) this group mentioned similar sexual changes but experienced lower psychoemotional impact due to the support of the sexual partner; and 3) the third group did not mention any change in sexuality or in the couple. Related factors were also discussed. Conclusions: sexual experiences of the subjects were varied and related to representations about couple, sexuality, body and disease. Women and men showed differences in the effect of the esthetic and psycho-emotional impact of the disease on sexuality. The most flexible representations (generic, body, sexual) were related to lower sexual impact of disease(AU)

Sexualidad de personas con acromegalia y síndrome de Cushing; experiencias y aspectos psicosociales relacionados / Sexuality in people with acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome; experiences and related psychosocial aspects

Antecedentes: aunque la literatura documenta que la acromegalia y el síndrome de Cushing pueden producir dificultades sexuales, los estudios sobre el tema son escasos, especialmente desde la perspectiva de los sujetos. Objetivo: describir el impacto de la acromegalia y el síndrome de Cushing sobre la sexualidad y algunos aspectos psicosociales relacionados, desde la perspectiva de personas con estas enfermedades. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, cualitativo, con 12 mujeres y 8 varones, atendidos en Instituto Nacional de Endocrinología, Cuba. Se utilizaron entrevistas en profundidad y técnicas psicológicas proyectivas. La información fue transcrita, codificada, interpretada y triangulada. Se consideraron los aspectos éticos. Resultados: las manifestaciones clínicas, corporales y psíquicas de la enfermedad impactaron la sexualidad de la mayoría de los sujetos. Los roles de género y la estética corporal jugaron un rol importante, especialmente en mujeres. La pareja se estructuró como apoyo ante las dificultades sexuales, especialmente en varones. Aparecieron tres perfiles de experiencias sexuales: 1) un grupo refirió que la enfermedad impactó negativamente su sexualidad en forma de dificultades con la erección (varones) y el deseo sexual (mujeres), e incidió en la pareja; 2) otro grupo refirió similares cambios sexuales, pero vividos con menor impacto psicoemocional debido al apoyo de la pareja; 3) un tercer grupo no refirió cambios en la sexualidad ni en la pareja. Se discuten factores relacionados. Conclusiones: las experiencias sexuales de los sujetos son diversas, relacionadas con representaciones sobre pareja, sexualidad, cuerpo y enfermedad. Mujeres y varones muestran diferencias en la influencia del impacto estético y psicoemocional de la enfermedad sobre la sexualidad. Las representaciones (genéricas, corporales, sexuales) más flexibles se relacionan con menor impacto sexual de la enfermedad(AU)

Background: although literature documents that acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome may cause sexual difficulties, the number of studies about the topic is low, mainly from the subjects' perspective. Objective: to describe the impact of acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome on the sexuality and some related psychosocial aspects from the perspective of people living with these diseases. Methods: retrospective, descriptive and qualitative study of 12 women and 8 men who were seen at the National Institute of Endocrinology of Cuba. In depth interviews and projective psychological techniques were used. The collected information was transcripted, coded, construed and triangled. Ethical aspects were taken into consideration. Results: the clinical, body and psychical manifestations of the disease had an impact on the sexuality of most of subjects. The gender role and the body image played significant roles mainly in women. The couple was formed as a support to face sexual difficulties, particularly in men. There were three profiles of sexual experiences: 1) a group stated that the disease had a negative impact on their sexuality regarding difficulties in erection (men) and sexual desire (women) and this influenced on the couple; 2) this group mentioned similar sexual changes but experienced lower psychoemotional impact due to the support of the sexual partner; and 3) the third group did not mention any change in sexuality or in the couple. Related factors were also discussed. Conclusions: sexual experiences of the subjects were varied and related to representations about couple, sexuality, body and disease. Women and men showed differences in the effect of the esthetic and psycho-emotional impact of the disease on sexuality. The most flexible representations (generic, body, sexual) were related to lower sexual impact of disease(AU)

Assessment of physicians' addressing sexuality in elderly patients with chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency with which physicians address their older adult patients with chronic pain about the issue of sexuality. METHODS: It is a cross sectional, descriptive, analytical study in which physicians answered a questionnaire comprising questions related to addressing the issue of sexuality during appointments. RESULTS: A sample of 155 physicians was obtained, 63.9% stated they did not address sexuality in medical interviews and 23.2% did it most of the time. The main reasons for not addressing were lack of time, fear of embarrassing the patient and technical inability to address the issue. CONCLUSION: There is a need to develop strategies to increase and improve addressing of sexuality in elderly patients with chronic pain, in order to have better quality of life. OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência com que os médicos abordam o assunto de sexualidade com seus pacientes mais idosos com dor crônica. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo transversal, descritivo, analítico em que os médicos responderam a um questionário com perguntas relativas à abordagem de sexualidade nas consultas. RESULTADOS: Uma amostra de 155 médicos foi obtida, 63,9% afirmaram que não realizavam a abordagem da sexualidade e 23,2% afirmaram fazê-la na maior parte das vezes. As principais razões para não abordarem foram falta de tempo, medo de constranger o paciente e incapacidade técnica para abordar o assunto. CONCLUSÃO: Existe uma necessidade de desenvolver estratégias para aumentar e melhorar a abordagem de sexualidade em idosos com dor crônica, de forma a melhorar sua qualidade de vida.

Assessment of physicians' addressing sexuality in elderly patients with chronic pain / Avaliação da abordagem médica da sexualidade em idosos com dor crônica

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the frequency with which physicians address their older adult patients with chronic pain about the issue of sexuality. Methods It is a cross sectional, descriptive, analytical study in which physicians answered a questionnaire comprising questions related to addressing the issue of sexuality during appointments. Results A sample of 155 physicians was obtained, 63.9% stated they did not address sexuality in medical interviews and 23.2% did it most of the time. The main reasons for not addressing were lack of time, fear of embarrassing the patient and technical inability to address the issue. Conclusion There is a need to develop strategies to increase and improve addressing of sexuality in elderly patients with chronic pain, in order to have better quality of life.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a frequência com que os médicos abordam o assunto de sexualidade com seus pacientes mais idosos com dor crônica. Métodos Este é um estudo transversal, descritivo, analítico em que os médicos responderam a um questionário com perguntas relativas à abordagem de sexualidade nas consultas. Resultados Uma amostra de 155 médicos foi obtida, 63,9% afirmaram que não realizavam a abordagem da sexualidade e 23,2% afirmaram fazê-la na maior parte das vezes. As principais razões para não abordarem foram falta de tempo, medo de constranger o paciente e incapacidade técnica para abordar o assunto. Conclusão Existe uma necessidade de desenvolver estratégias para aumentar e melhorar a abordagem de sexualidade em idosos com dor crônica, de forma a melhorar sua qualidade de vida.

El deseo sexual en varones adultos mayores, su relación con la testosterona sérica y otros factores / Sexual desire in older men and its association with serum testosterone and other factors

Introducción: el deseo sexual cambia con el envejecimiento, la verdadera magnitud de estos cambios y los factores que los condicionan son aún objeto de debate.Objetivo: describir las características del deseo sexual en varones adultos mayores del municipio Plaza de la Revolución y su asociación con la testosterona sérica y otras variables. Métodos: estudio transversal descriptivo, con base poblacional. Participaron 510 varones de 60 años y más, sin limitaciones físicas o cognitivas, ni condiciones que causan hipogonadismo, seleccionados mediante muestreo estratificado polietápico complejo entre los residentes del municipio Plaza de la Revolución, en La Habana. Contestaron cuestionario anónimo autoadministrado, se recogieron datos del interrogatorio y examen físico, y se determinó testosterona sérica total. Se evaluaron aspectos del deseo sexual y factores con posible influencia sobre este; se analizaron estadísticas descriptivas y pruebas de chi cuadrado, Kruskal Wallis y regresión logística múltiple. Se cuidaron aspectos éticos. Resultados: la edad de los participantes fue entre 60 y 93 años (mediana 70). El 82,41 por ciento refirió cambios en su deseo sexual en relación con edades previas; de estos, 79,16 por ciento señaló disminución, 11,66 por ciento pérdida y 9,18 por ciento aumento. El 55,02 por ciento dijo tener nivel de deseo sexual medio, 44,53 por ciento lo experimentaban a menudo, y 4,25 por ciento nunca. El 71,22 por ciento refirió estar satisfechos o medianamente satisfechos con su deseo sexual. No se observó relación entre la testosterona sérica y los cambios en el deseo sexual, nivel o frecuencia actual (p> 0,05). La disminución del deseo sexual mostró asociación positiva significativa con la edad mayor a 80 años, disminución de la sensación de bienestar y consumo de medicamentos; y asociación negativa, con la actitud hacia la sexualidad (p< 0,05). La escolaridad, la ocupación, las creencias religiosas, el estado civil, el tiempo de relación...(AU)

Introduction: sexual desire decreases with aging but the real scope of these changes and the factors unleashing them are still a topic under debate. Objective: to describe the characteristics of the sexual desire in older men from Plaza de la Revolution municipality and their association with serum testosterone and other variables.Methods: population-based descriptive and cross-sectional study which involved 510 men aged 60 years and older, who did not present either physical/cognitive handicaps or conditions leading to hipogonadism. They had been selected from the residents of Plaza de la Revolucion municipality in Havana through a complex multistage stratified sampling. They answered a self-administered anonymous questionnaire; their questioning and physical exam data were then collected and the total serum testosterone was determined. Several sexual desire aspects together with the possible influential factors were evaluated; the summary statistics in addition to Chi-square, Kruskall-Wallis's and multiple logistic regression tests were all analyzed. Moreover, ethical aspects were respected. Results: the age of the participants ranged 60 to 93 years (median of 70). In this group, 82.41 percent pointed out that their sexual desire had changed in comparison with earlier ages and from this percentage, 79.16 percent said their desire decreased, 11.66 percent stated it had disappeared whereas in 9.18 percent it had increased. The answers showed that the degree of sexual desire was medium in 55.02 percent of participants, 44.53 percent often felt it whereas 4.25 percent never had it. In the study group, 71.22 percent were satisfied or fairly satisfied with their degree of sexual desire. There was no association between the serum testosterone and the changes in the current degree and frequency of sexual desire (p> 0.05). The decrease in sexual desire showed significant positive association with the age older than 80 years, less sensation of wellbeing and lower...(AU)

El deseo sexual en varones adultos mayores, su relación con la testosterona sérica y otros factores / Sexual desire in older men and its association with serum testosterone and other factors

Introducción: el deseo sexual cambia con el envejecimiento, la verdadera magnitud de estos cambios y los factores que los condicionan son aún objeto de debate. Objetivo: describir las características del deseo sexual en varones adultos mayores del municipio Plaza de la Revolución y su asociación con la testosterona sérica y otras variables. Métodos: estudio transversal descriptivo, con base poblacional. Participaron 510 varones de 60 años y más, sin limitaciones físicas o cognitivas, ni condiciones que causan hipogonadismo, seleccionados mediante muestreo estratificado polietápico complejo entre los residentes del municipio Plaza de la Revolución, en La Habana. Contestaron cuestionario anónimo autoadministrado, se recogieron datos del interrogatorio y examen físico, y se determinó testosterona sérica total. Se evaluaron aspectos del deseo sexual y factores con posible influencia sobre este; se analizaron estadísticas descriptivas y pruebas de chi cuadrado, Kruskal Wallis y regresión logística múltiple. Se cuidaron aspectos éticos. Resultados: la edad de los participantes fue entre 60 y 93 años (mediana 70). El 82,41 por ciento refirió cambios en su deseo sexual en relación con edades previas; de estos, 79,16 por ciento señaló disminución, 11,66 por ciento pérdida y 9,18 por ciento aumento. El 55,02 por ciento dijo tener nivel de deseo sexual medio, 44,53 por ciento lo experimentaban a menudo, y 4,25 por ciento nunca. El 71,22 por ciento refirió estar satisfechos o medianamente satisfechos con su deseo sexual. No se observó relación entre la testosterona sérica y los cambios en el deseo sexual, nivel o frecuencia actual (p> 0,05). La disminución del deseo sexual mostró asociación positiva significativa con la edad mayor a 80 años, disminución de la sensación de bienestar y consumo de medicamentos; y asociación negativa, con la actitud hacia la sexualidad (p< 0,05). La escolaridad, la ocupación, las creencias religiosas, el estado civil, el tiempo de relación de pareja, las enfermedades cónicas, los hábitos tóxicos, los ejercicios físicos, la socialización, el estado psicológico, la educación sexual, la importancia que le conceden a la sexualidad, o tener privacidad, no se relacionaron significativamente con la disminución del deseo sexual. Conclusiones: el deseo sexual cambia con la edad, predominantemente en sentido de disminución, pero la mayoría de los sujetos se sienten satisfechos o medianamente satisfechos, lo experimentan a menudo y en un nivel medio. La disminución del deseo sexual en los sujetos estudiados no depende de la testosterona sérica, y sí de otros factores biológicos, psicológicos y sociales(AU)

Introduction: sexual desire decreases with aging but the real scope of these changes and the factors unleashing them are still a topic under debate. Objective: to describe the characteristics of the sexual desire in older men from Plaza de la Revolution municipality and their association with serum testosterone and other variables. Methods: population-based descriptive and cross-sectional study which involved 510 men aged 60 years and older, who did not present either physical/cognitive handicaps or conditions leading to hipogonadism. They had been selected from the residents of Plaza de la Revolucion municipality in Havana through a complex multistage stratified sampling. They answered a self-administered anonymous questionnaire; their questioning and physical exam data were then collected and the total serum testosterone was determined. Several sexual desire aspects together with the possible influential factors were evaluated; the summary statistics in addition to Chi-square, Kruskall-Wallis's and multiple logistic regression tests were all analyzed. Moreover, ethical aspects were respected. Results: the age of the participants ranged 60 to 93 years (median of 70). In this group, 82.41 percent pointed out that their sexual desire had changed in comparison with earlier ages and from this percentage, 79.16 percent said their desire decreased, 11.66 percent stated it had disappeared whereas in 9.18 percent it had increased. The answers showed that the degree of sexual desire was medium in 55.02 percent of participants, 44.53 percent often felt it whereas 4.25 percent never had it. In the study group, 71.22 percent were satisfied or fairly satisfied with their degree of sexual desire. There was no association between the serum testosterone and the changes in the current degree and frequency of sexual desire (p> 0.05). The decrease in sexual desire showed significant positive association with the age older than 80 years, less sensation of wellbeing and lower consumption of drugs; however, it was negatively associated to the attitude towards sexuality (p< 0.05). Schooling, occupation, religious beliefs, marital status, length of time of a couple relationship, chronic diseases, toxic habits, physical exercising, socialization, psychological condition, sexual education, importance attached to sexuality or to privacy were not significantly associated with decrease of sexual desire. Conclusions: sexual desire changes with the age, particularly towards decrease, but the majority of older men are satisfied or fairly satisfied with it; they often feel it with medium degree. The decreased sexual desire in the studied subjects does not depend on the serum testosterone but it does on other biological, psychological and social factors(AU)

A Data Mining Approach to Identify Sexuality Patterns in a Brazilian University Population.

This paper presents the profile and experience of sexuality generated from a data mining classification task. We used a database about sexuality and gender violence performed on a university population in southern Brazil. The data mining task identified two relationships between the variables, which enabled the distinction of subgroups that better detail the profile and experience of sexuality. The identification of the relationships between the variables define behavioral models and factors of risk that will help define the algorithms being implemented in the data mining classification task.

Nivel de conocimientos de los estudiantes de enfermería sobre sexualidad en adolescentes con discapacidad / Level of knowledge of nursing students about sexuality in adolescents with disabilities

Introducción: lograr la plena integración del adolescente con discapacidad constituye una meta central de los programas de rehabilitación; contra esto conspira en gran medida la presencia de conceptos errados en la población, que considera al discapacitado en desventaja, especialmente en lo referido a la vida sexual. Objetivo: identificar el nivel de conocimientos de los estudiantes de la carrera de licenciatura en enfermería en la ciudad de Camagüey sobre el tema de la sexualidad entre los adolescentes con discapacidad. Métodos: estudio cualitativo mediante encuestas y entrevistas aplicadas, que fueron objeto de análisis de contenido. La muestra quedó integrada por 80 estudiantes de diversos años de la carrera de licenciatura en enfermería. Se aplicó una entrevista a 45 estudiantes de primer y segundo año de la carrera de licenciatura en enfermería, y una encuesta de preguntas cerradas para obtener respuestas dicotómicas a 35 estudiantes del tercer y cuarto año.Resultados: el 62 por ciento de los entrevistados argumentaron diversas razones que limitaban las posibilidades del desarrollo sexual en los discapacitados, y en la encuesta aplicada el 60 por ciento de las respuestas resultaron incorrectas. Conclusiones: resulta necesario el desarrollo de programas de educación sexual ajustados a las necesidades especiales de la población discapacitada, y divulgar información en la población, en estudiantes y profesionales de la salud sobre este tema(AU)

Introduction: Achieving full integration of adolescents with disabilities is a central goal of rehabilitation programs; Against this conspires to a large extent the presence of misconceptions in the population, which considers the disabled at a disadvantage, especially in regard to sex life. Objective: to identify the level of knowledge of the students of the degree course in nursing in the city of Camagüey on the topic of sexuality among adolescents with disabilities. Methods: qualitative study through surveys and applied interviews, which were the object of content analysis. The sample was composed of 80 students of various years of the bachelor's degree in nursing. An interview was applied to 45 first- and second-year undergraduate nursing students, and a closed-question survey to obtain dichotomous responses to 35 third- and fourth-year students. Results: 62 percent of the interviewees argued for several reasons that limited the possibilities of sexual development in the disabled, and in the survey applied, 60 percent of the answers were incorrect.Conclusions: it is necessary to develop sex education programs adjusted to the special needs of the disabled population, and to disseminate information in the population, to students and health professionals on this issue(AU)

Nivel de conocimientos de los estudiantes de enfermería sobre sexualidad en adolescentes con discapacidad / Level of knowledge of nursing students about sexuality in adolescents with disabilities

Introducción: lograr la plena integración del adolescente con discapacidad constituye una meta central de los programas de rehabilitación; contra esto conspira en gran medida la presencia de conceptos errados en la población, que considera al discapacitado en desventaja, especialmente en lo referido a la vida sexual. Objetivo: identificar el nivel de conocimientos de los estudiantes de la carrera de licenciatura en enfermería en la ciudad de Camagüey sobre el tema de la sexualidad entre los adolescentes con discapacidad. Métodos: estudio cualitativo mediante encuestas y entrevistas aplicadas, que fueron objeto de análisis de contenido. La muestra quedó integrada por 80 estudiantes de diversos años de la carrera de licenciatura en enfermería. Se aplicó una entrevista a 45 estudiantes de primer y segundo año de la carrera de licenciatura en enfermería, y una encuesta de preguntas cerradas para obtener respuestas dicotómicas a 35 estudiantes del tercer y cuarto año. Resultados: el 62 por ciento de los entrevistados argumentaron diversas razones que limitaban las posibilidades del desarrollo sexual en los discapacitados, y en la encuesta aplicada el 60 por ciento de las respuestas resultaron incorrectas. Conclusiones: resulta necesario el desarrollo de programas de educación sexual ajustados a las necesidades especiales de la población discapacitada, y divulgar información en la población, en estudiantes y profesionales de la salud sobre este tema(AU)

Introduction: Achieving full integration of adolescents with disabilities is a central goal of rehabilitation programs; Against this conspires to a large extent the presence of misconceptions in the population, which considers the disabled at a disadvantage, especially in regard to sex life. Objective: to identify the level of knowledge of the students of the degree course in nursing in the city of Camagüey on the topic of sexuality among adolescents with disabilities. Methods: qualitative study through surveys and applied interviews, which were the object of content analysis. The sample was composed of 80 students of various years of the bachelor's degree in nursing. An interview was applied to 45 first- and second-year undergraduate nursing students, and a closed-question survey to obtain dichotomous responses to 35 third- and fourth-year students. Results: 62 percent of the interviewees argued for several reasons that limited the possibilities of sexual development in the disabled, and in the survey applied, 60 percent of the answers were incorrect.Conclusions: it is necessary to develop sex education programs adjusted to the special needs of the disabled population, and to disseminate information in the population, to students and health professionals on this issue(AU)

Conocimientos y comportamientos en salud sexual de estudiantes indígenas guatemaltecos residentes en una comunidad rural / Knowledge about and behaviors in sexual health of Guatemalan native students residing in a rural community

Introducción: la adolescencia es una etapa de la vida favorable para modificar enseñanzas rígidas, mitos, tabúes, creencias y formas de conductas que hayan influido en sus conocimientos y comportamientos sobre sexualidad.Objetivo: identificar conocimientos y comportamientos sobre salud sexual de estudiantes indígenas del instituto de Educación Media de Antigua Chinautala, de Guatemala. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva de corte transversal a una muestra aleatoria de 178 estudiantes de una comunidad rural indígena. Para la recogida de la información se utilizó un cuestionario diseñado a fines similares, adaptado y modificado al contexto sociocultural guatemalteco. Resultados: se observaron deficiencias acerca de conceptos tales como sexualidad, crecimiento, desarrollo, cómo se puede adquirir una Infección de Transmisión Sexual y un embarazo, entre otros aspectos. Tanto en hembras como en varones los conocimientos fueron evaluados de mal. Respecto a los comportamientos, solo un bajo porcentaje declaró haber iniciado las relaciones sexuales, aunque se considera que el dato no refleja la realidad y hay problemas en la protección de las mismas. El método anticonceptivo más usado es el condón, aunque con un porcentaje menor al 50 por ciento. Conclusiones: los estudiantes tienen insuficientes conocimientos y comportamientos de riesgos en relación con la sexualidad, matizados por tabúes, mitos, estereotipos y desinformación, donde las inequidades de género añaden un elemento negativo. Los resultados encontrados ratifican la situación desfavorable que presenta la población indígena de Guatemala en el área de la sexualidad, lo que constituye un grave problema de salud pública a resolver(AU)

Introduction: adolescence is a favorable phase of life for changing rigid learning, myths, taboos, beliefs and ways of behavior that may have influence knowledge and behaviors about sexuality. Objective: to identify those pieces of knowledge and behaviors on sexual health of native students in the high school institute of Antigua Chinautala located in Guatemala.Methods: cross-sectional descriptive research of a random sample of 178 students from a rural native community. For information collection, we used a questionnaire adapted and modified according to the Guatemalan sociocultural context, but designed for similar objectives. Results: poor knowledge about concepts such as sexuality, growth, development, sexually transmitted diseases and how it can be caught, pregnancy, among others, was observed. Both female and male students´ knowledge about these topics were evaluated as deficient. Regarding behaviors, just a low percentage of them pointed out the initiation of sexual relationships, although this data was not considered to be the real figure, and existing problems in individual protection. The most used contraceptive method was condom, being the percentage under 50 percent. Conclusions: the students do not have enough knowledge about and adopt risky behaviors in sexuality, blended with taboos, myths, stereotypes and disinformation to which gender inequities are added to play a negative role. The results found so far ratify the unfavorable situation of the native population of Guatemala in terms of sexuality, a serious public health problem that remains to be solved(AU)

Survey of new Mexico school health professionals regarding preparedness to support sexual minority students.

BACKGROUND: For schools to be safe and supportive for students, school health professionals should be aware of the particular challenges lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) students face, especially the risk for discrimination, violent victimization, and depression in the school setting. We assessed school health professionals' preparedness to address needs of LGBTQ students. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected during a New Mexico school health conference. This analysis focused on the preparedness of 183 school nurses, counselors, and social workers to address needs of LGBTQ students. Data were analyzed by using chi-square tests, other non-parametric tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Social workers (84.6%) and counselors (81.5%) were more likely than school nurses (55.8%) to report moderate or high knowledge of LGBTQ youth health risks, including suicide and depression (p < .001). Approximately half of school counselors and social workers reported no or low knowledge of LGBTQ community-based organizations or knowledge of counselors experienced with LGBTQ concerns. CONCLUSION: School health professionals in New Mexico do not appear prepared to address needs of LGBTQ students. Schools should consider integrating specific content about LGBTQ health risks and health disparities in trainings regarding bullying, violence, cultural competency, and suicide prevention.

Exploring alcohol-use behaviors among heterosexual and sexual minority adolescents: intersections with sex, age, and race/ethnicity.

OBJECTIVES: We examined sexual orientation status differences in alcohol use among youths aged 13 to 18 years or older, and whether differences were moderated by sex, age, or race/ethnicity. METHODS: We pooled data from the 2005 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys and conducted weighted analyses, adjusting for complex design effects. We operationalized sexual orientation status with items assessing sexual orientation identity, sexual behavior, sexual attraction, or combinations of these. RESULTS: Compared with exclusively heterosexual youths, sexual-minority youths were more likely to report each of the primary study outcomes (i.e., lifetime and past-month alcohol use, past-month heavy episodic drinking, earlier onset of drinking, and more frequent past-month drinking). Alcohol-use disparities were larger and more robust for (1) bisexual youths than lesbian or gay youths, (2) girls than boys, and (3) younger than older youths. Few differences in outcomes were moderated by race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Bisexual youths, sexual-minority girls, and younger sexual-minority youths showed the largest alcohol-use disparities. Research is needed that focuses on identifying explanatory or mediating mechanisms, psychiatric or mental health comorbidities, and long-term consequences of early onset alcohol use, particularly frequent or heavy use, among sexual-minority youths.