Sexual Health During COVID-19: A Scoping Review.
Sex Med Rev
; 10(4): 714-753, 2022 10 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2304824
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted profoundly on the wellbeing and social interactions of the world population, and all dimensions of sexual health were potentially affected by globally implemented preventive measures.OBJECTIVES:
The scoping review aimed to compile existing research investigating possible effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on adult sexual health, that is, sexual behavior, functioning, and satisfaction. Further, studies on the interplay between mental health and sexual well-being during the pandemic were reviewed.METHODS:
The review was conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. On October 11-12, 2021, PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Cinahl, Cochrane, Sociological Abstracts and Scopus were systematically searched for relevant peer-reviewed papers employing quantitative methodology. Additionally, unpublished ("grey") research studies on the subject were retrieved. The screening, data extraction, and analysis of evidence were conducted by 4 independent reviewers using an iterative approach.RESULTS:
Based on 107 studies included, the scoping review showed that the pandemic had had a wide impact on all dimensions of sexual health. Except for solo sex activities, mainly negative COVID-19 implications were identified, although findings were, in sum, characterized by complexity and unpredictability. Thus, sexual behavior, functioning, and satisfaction during the pandemic appeared to be mitigated by a broad range of sociodemographic and contextual factors. Finally, sexual health seemed deeply entwined with overall mental health.CONCLUSION:
The scoping review revealed a broad range of COVID-19-related effects on sexual health, including an overall decline in partnered sex and a concurrent increase in solo sex activities. It also emphasized a need for future research to shed light on possible long-term consequences of the pandemic in various population groups and on all aspects of sexual health.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Sexual Health
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Randomized controlled trials
/
Reviews
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Sex Med Rev
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.sxmr.2022.06.005
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS