Regional and Country Prevalence Estimates of Unsafe Sex Among Adolescents in 68 Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries.

Prioritizing adolescent health is a public health priority to achieve the sustainable development goals, including reducing the risk of unsafe sex. Data on unsafe sex have remained scarce among adolescents in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). To estimate the prevalence of unsafe sex in LMICs, we conducted secondary data analysis on the Global School-based Student Health Surveys among 244,863 students aged 13-17 years from 68 countries across five World Health Organization regions. The overall prevalence of ever had sex was 16.2%. The highest to lowest regional prevalence estimation of ever had sex was 30.5% (28.9-32.1) in the Americas, 28.6% (26.8-30.4) in Africa, 10.9% (9.2-12.6) in the Eastern Mediterranean, 9.6% (8.8-10.5) in South-East Asia, and 8.0% (6.8-9.1) in the Western Pacific. The highest prevalence of sexual intercourse before age 14 and practicing sexual intercourse without condom use were 36.5% (34.5-38.5) and 32.2% (30.1-34.3) in Africa, respectively. Findings suggest that current interventions are inadequate in promoting the uptake of safe sexual behaviors and an urgent intervention is needed.

Sexualized Drug Use and Chemsex among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Europe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: In recent years, in Europe, there has been a growing concern about the use of sexualized drugs among men who have sex with men (MSM), due to its possible link to an increase in sexually transmitted infections. The aim of this review is to study the prevalence of chemsex, and the sexualized drug used in Europe, describing both different consumption patterns and other sexual behaviors considered risky and their possible relationship with positivity in diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus. Methods: We conducted a literature review in the main scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science), filtering for articles published between January 2018 and April 2023 that collect information on sexualized drug use and sexual practices conducted in European countries among men who have sex with men, including whether these behaviors can lead to diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections. Results: The definition of drugs included in chemsex is not clearly defined and shows heterogeneity between study publications; the three drugs presented in all manuscripts are mephedrone, GHB/GBL, and crystal methamphetamine. The prevalence of chemsex in Europe is 16% [11-21%] among MSM. The most frequent risky sexual behavior associated with chemsex practice was unprotected sex with a high number of partners. The log risk ratio of STIs was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.49 to 1.23). Conclusions: Adherence to definitions, stringent research methodologies, and focused interventions are needed to tackle the intricate relationship between substance use, sexual behavior, and the risk of HIV/STI transmission in MSM.

[Survey to know the perception of sexual education in adolescents]. / Encuesta para conocer la percepción sobre la educación sexual en adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: Sex education is essential for an accurate approach of sexuality in adolescents, being more effective when it is carried out at early ages. This study aimed to estimate the sexual health knowledge and the information in this regard perceived by adolescents, as well as where it came from. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was performed in students from two public high schools in Castilla-La Mancha who were surveyed about sexual knowledge. Comparisons were made by using the Student's t test or Mann Whitney U test, the Chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test) depending on the variables. RESULTS: 248 students were included (68.1% from Madridejos and 31.9% from Herencia) with a mean age of 14.67±1.1 years. The 47.2% were women. Only 4.8% of the participants affirm to talk about sexuality with their parents. The 56% declared had consumed pornographic content, with a mean first access age of 12.8±1 years. Significant statistically differences were found between the information received in schools and in the familiar surroundings, being alcohol and drug intake, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and contraceptive methods more frequently treated at the educational centers. A 25% of the surveyed students who reported having performed sexual relations stated not having used condom. Approximately, half of the participants did not perceive a high risk of getting STIs (HIV, herpes and chlamydia) in the case of having sex without condom. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of sexual knowledge in adolescents, perceiving a noteworthy heterogeneity in the offered information depending on it is received in high school or in familiar surroundings.

OBJECTIVE: La educación sexual es un pilar fundamental para un correcto enfoque de la sexualidad en los adolescentes, siendo más efectiva si se realiza en edades tempranas. El objetivo de este trabajo se fundamentó en estimar los conocimientos de salud sexual y la información percibida por los adolescentes, así como de dónde provenía. METHODS: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal en estudiantes de dos centros educativos públicos de Castilla-La Mancha a los que se les realizó una encuesta sobre conocimientos de sexualidad. Se hicieron comparaciones mediante t de student o U de Mann Whitney, o test de Chi-cuadrado (o test exacto de Fisher), según variables. RESULTS: Se incluyeron 248 encuestados/as (68,1% de Madridejos y 31,9% de Herencia) con una edad media de 14,67±1,1 años. El 47,2% fueron mujeres. Solo un 4,8% de los/as encuestados/as afirmaron hablar sobre sexualidad con sus progenitores. Un 56% afirmaron haber consumido contenido pornográfico, siendo la edad media de la primera visualización de 12,8±1 años. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la información recibida en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar, tratándose más frecuentemente el consumo de alcohol y drogas, las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y los métodos anticonceptivos en los centros. Un cuarto de los/as encuestados/as que afirmaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales no habían utilizado preservativo. Aproximadamente, la mitad de los/as participantes no percibieron un riesgo alto de contraer ITS (VIH, herpes y clamidia) en el caso de mantener relaciones sexuales sin preservativo. CONCLUSIONS: Existe una falta de educación sexual en los/as adolescentes, percibiendo gran heterogeneidad en los conocimientos ofrecidos en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar.

Encuesta para conocer la percepción sobre la educación sexual en adolescentes / Survey to know the perception of sexual education in adolescents

Fundamentos: la educación sexual es un pilar fundamental para un correcto enfoque de la sexualidad en los adolescentes, siendo más efectiva si se realiza en edades tempranas. El objetivo de este trabajo se fundamentó en estimar los conocimientos de salud sexual y la información percibida por los adolescentes, así como de dónde provenía. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional transversal en estudiantes de dos centros educativos públicos de castilla-la mancha a los que se les realizó una encuesta sobre conocimientos de sexualidad. Se hicieron comparaciones mediante t de student o u de mann whitney, o test de chi-cuadrado (o test exacto de fisher), según variables. Resultados: se incluyeron 248 encuestados/as (68,1% de madridejos y 31,9% de herencia) con una edad media de 14,67±1,1 años. El 47,2% fueron mujeres. Solo un 4,8% de los/as encuestados/as afirmaron hablar sobre sexualidad con sus progenitores. Un 56% afirmaron haber consumido contenido pornográfico, siendo la edad media de la primera visualización de 12,8±1 años. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la información recibida en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar, tratándose más frecuentemente el consumo de alcohol y drogas, las infecciones de transmisión sexual (its) y los métodos anticonceptivos en los centros. Un cuarto de los/as encuestados/as que afirmaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales no habían utilizado preservativo. Aproximadamente, la mitad de los/as participantes no percibieron un riesgo alto de contraer its (vih, herpes y clamidia) en el caso de mantener relaciones sexuales sin preservativo. Conclusiones: existe una falta de educación sexual en los/as adolescentes, percibiendo gran heterogeneidad en los conocimientos ofrecidos en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar.(AU)

Background: sex education is essential for an accurate approach of sexuality in adolescents, being more effective when it is carried out at early ages. This study aimed to estimate the sexual health knowledge and the information in this regard perceived by adolescents, as well as where it came from.methods: a cross-sectional observational study was performed in students from two public high schools in castilla-la mancha who were surveyed about sexual knowledge. Comparisons were made by using the student’s t test or mann whitney u test, the chi-square test (or fisher’s exact test) depending on the variables.results: 248 students were included (68.1% from madridejos and 31.9% from herencia) with a mean age of 14.67±1.1 years. The 47.2% were women. Only 4.8% of the participants affirm to talk about sexuality with their parents. The 56% declared had consumed pornographic content, with a mean first access age of 12.8±1 years. Significant statistically differences were found between the information received in schools and in the familiar surroundings, being alcohol and drug intake, sexually transmitted infections (sti), and contraceptive methods more frequently treated at the educational centers. A 25% of the surveyed students who reported having performed sexual relations stated not having used condom. Approximately, half of the participants did not perceive a high risk of getting stis (hiv, herpes and chlamydia) in the case of having sex without condom.conclusions: there is a lack of sexual knowledge in adolescents, perceiving a noteworthy heterogeneity in the offered informa-tion depending on it is received in high school or in familiar surroundings.(AU)

Characterizing changes in drug use behaviour following supply shortages of 5-MeO-DIPT, alkyl nitrites and new psychoactive substances among men living with HIV in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Since 2005, Japan has incrementally banned a range of new psychoactive substances (NPS), including 5-MeO-DIPT (5MO; foxy) and alkyl nitrites (AN; rush, poppers) that have commonly been used among men who have sex with men (MSM). After the largest ban in 2014, these drugs were reported to have disappeared from the domestic market. Given that 5MO/AN/NPS use has been prevalent among men living with HIV in Japan, a population largely comprised of MSM, we sought to characterize changes in their drug use behavior following the supply shortages. METHODS: Using data from two waves of a nationwide survey of people living with HIV in Japan in 2013 and 2019-20 (n = 1042), we employed multivariable modified Poisson regression to identify correlates of self-reported reactions to the 5MO/AN/NPS shortages and changes in drug use behavior in 2019-20 vs. 2013. RESULTS: Among 391 men (96.7% MSM) surveyed in 2019-20, following the supply shortages, 234 (59.8%) stopped using 5MO/AN/NPS, 52 (13.3%) retained access to the supply, and 117 (29.9%) used substitute drugs: most commonly, methamphetamine (60.7%). Individuals who used substitutes were more likely to report unprotected sex (adjusted relative risk [ARR]=1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-2.47) as well as low (ARR=2.35; 95% CI: 1.46-3.79) and lower middle (vs. upper middle to high) socioeconomic status (ARR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.00-2.41). The prevalence of past-year methamphetamine use (ARR=1.93; 95% CI: 1.11-3.35) and self-reported uncontrollable drug use (ARR=1.62; 95% CI: 1.07-2.53) were significantly higher in 2019-20 compared to 2013. CONCLUSION: Following the supply shortages, approximately one-fifth of our participants used methamphetamine as a substitute for 5MO/AN/NPS. Methamphetamine use and perceived uncontrollable drug use also appeared to have increased at the population level after the supply shortages. These findings suggest a potentially harmful substance displacement effect of the aggressive ban. Harm reduction interventions are needed in this population.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la viruela del mono en una serie de casos tratados en un establecimiento de salud del Perú

La infección por el virus de la viruela del mono es una zoonosis producida por un virus tipo DNA, del género orthopoxvirus. En este reporte se describe una serie de 12 casos cuya media de edad fue 36 años, con antecedente de sexo entre hombres en el 66%; previo al inicio de los síntomas el 50% manifestó haber tenido relaciones sexuales con desconocido. Los síntomas prodrómicos se presentaron en el 90%, entre 1 y 4 días caracterizados por fiebre, cefalea, mialgia. Las lesiones dérmicas fueron pústulas-vesículas, pápulas, costras localizadas principalmente en extremidades, cara-tórax y genitales. Todos los casos tuvieron una evolución favorable.

Monkeypox virus infection is a zoonosis caused by a DNA-like virus of the orthopoxvirus. This report describes a series of 12 cases whose mean age was 36 years, with a history of sex among men in 66%; prior to the onset of symptoms, 50% said they had had sex with a stranger. Prodromal symptoms occurred in 90%, between 1 and 4 days characterized by fever, headache, mialgia. The dermal lesions were pustules-vesicles, papules, scabs located mainly on extremities, face-thorax and genitals. All cases had a favorable evolution.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a Risky Sexual Behaviour Scale for Married Women (RSBS-MW) in Iran: a mixed-method study.

A valid and reliable culture-based scale for the evaluation of risky sexual behaviours for married Iranian women is lacking. This study aimed to develop, and psychometrically test, a risky sexual behaviour scale for married Iranian women. A mixed-method sequential exploratory design was conducted from 2016 to 2020 in Tehran, Iran. First, a qualitative study was employed to define the concept of risky sexual behaviour using 16 semi-structured individual interviews and 10 focus group discussions (n = 100). Then, an item pool was generated, and the scale was developed. Finally, in the quantitative study, the psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated by validity and reliability tests. A maximum likelihood extraction with promax rotation was performed on 400 sexually active married women to assess the construct validity. The six components: (i) 'quality of sexual relations'; (ii) 'unusual pleasures in sexual relations'; (iii) 'sexual coercion'; (iv) 'verbal violence in sexual relations'; (v) 'self-care in sexual relations'; and (vi) 'concealment in sexual relations' could explain 57.49% of the total observed variance. The findings showed that the 27-item Risky Sexual Behaviour Scale (RSBS-MW) for married women in Iran has excellent internal consistency (α = 0.94) and stability (ICC = 0.98). Health care providers can use it to access risky sexual behaviours in married Iranian women.

The Relation between Depressive Symptoms and Unsafe Sex among MSM Living with HIV.

In people living with HIV (PLWH), a positive association is often found between depressive symptoms and unsafe sex, which means sex without a condom. However, the results of such studies are inconclusive. The present study compared the numbers of safe and unsafe sexual contacts from men who have sex with men (MSM) (N = 159), living with HIV and attending a mental health clinic, with those of HIV-negative MSM in the general population (N = 198). We determined whether the presence of depressive symptoms was associated with unsafe sex in either of the two study populations. The depressive symptoms were measured with the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (IDS), (MSM living with HIV) and with the 2012 Sexual Health Monitor (HIV-negative MSM). Finally, we determined whether MSM living with HIV with depressive symptoms, who received psychiatric treatment as usual, engaged in fewer unsafe sexual contacts one year after baseline. The mental-health-treatment-seeking MSM living with HIV engaged in more unsafe sexual contact than the MSM comparison group without HIV. Neither the treatment-seeking MSM living with HIV nor the MSM without HIV in the general population exhibited a relationship between depressive symptoms and unsafe sex. Moreover, the successful treatment of depressive symptoms in the treatment group did not lead to any reduction in the number of unsafe sexual contacts. Further research is needed to develop interventions that might be effective for MSM living with HIV with mental health symptoms to reduce the number of unsafe sexual contacts.

Parental supervision and sexual behavior among Brazilian adolescents / Supervisão dos pais e comportamento sexual entre adolescentes brasileiros

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the association between parental supervision and sexual behaviors among Brazilian adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study with data from 102,072 adolescents who responded to the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey. We estimated the prevalence of sexual behaviors (initiation, use of condoms, contraception, and number of partners). Parental supervision was evaluated using a score considering five indicators. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) adjusted by age and sex in order to estimate the association between parental supervision score and sexual behaviors of adolescents. Results: Prevalence of risky sexual behavior for adolescents with minimum and maximum parental supervision were: sexual initiation (min.: 58.0%; max.: 20.1%), condom use in the last sexual intercourse (min.: 50.9%; max.: 80.2%), use of contraceptives (min.: 40.8; max.: 49.1%), and mean number of partners (min.: 3.25; max.: 2.88). Parental supervision was greater among girls. Those with higher supervision scores had higher prevalence of condom use in the first and last sexual intercourse and of contraceptive methods, and a smaller mean number of partners, even after adjustments for sex and age. Conclusion: The greater the parental supervision, the better the sexual behavior for both sexes, although supervision seems to occur differently between girls and boys. These findings point to the role of the family in providing adolescents with monitoring, along with dialogue and affection, conditions that encourage healthy and risk-free sexual behavior.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre a supervisão dos pais e comportamentos sexuais entre os adolescentes brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados de 102.072 estudantes do 9º ano que responderam à Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar de 2015. Estimou-se a prevalência dos comportamentos sexuais (iniciação, uso de preservativo, contracepção e número de parcerias). A supervisão dos pais foi avaliada por meio de escore formado por cinco indicadores. Foram calculadas razões de prevalência ajustadas por sexo e idade para a análise das relações existentes entre o escore de supervisão dos pais e os comportamentos sexuais de adolescentes. Resultados: As prevalências de comportamentos sexuais em adolescentes com mínima e máxima supervisão parental foram: iniciação sexual (mín.: 58,0%; máx.: 20,1%), uso do preservativo na última relação sexual (mín.: 50,9%; máx.: 80,2%), de contraceptivos (mín.: 40,8; máx.: 49,1%) e número de parceiros (mín.: 3,25; máx.: 2,88). A supervisão parental apresentou maior magnitude no sexo feminino. Aqueles com maior escore de supervisão apresentaram maiores prevalências do uso de preservativos na primeira e última relação sexual, de métodos contraceptivos e menor média do número de parceiros, mesmo após ajustes por sexo e idade. Conclusão: Quanto maior a supervisão dos pais, melhores os comportamentos sexuais, para ambos os sexos, apesar de a supervisão ocorrer de forma diferenciada entre os sexos. Esses achados apontam o papel da família em proporcionar aos adolescentes monitoramento simultâneo ao diálogo e ao afeto, condição estimuladora do comportamento sexual saudável e livre de riscos.

Risky sexual behavior among people living with HIV/AIDS in Andabet district, Ethiopia: Using a model of unsafe sexual behavior.

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to be a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Previous studies have described risky sexual behavior and associated factors among HIV-positive people. These studies, however, did not use a model of unsafe sexual behavior that could address both subjective and objective factors of sexual activity, and there is no study that examines the distal aspects of risky sexual behavior among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the risky sexual behavior among people living with HIV/AIDS using a model of unsafe sexual behavior. Methods: An institutional-based study was conducted from March to April 2022. The sample size was determined by using Sloven's formula. In this study, both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed. Study participants were selected using systematic sampling method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and correlation tests were computed to analyze the data. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Results: This study included a total of 181 PLWHA clients. The average score for participants' perception regarding the facts of HIV/AIDS was 48.7% (95% CI: 38.9, 58.4). Three months prior to the study, 46.3% of study participants had engaged in at least one risky sexual activity (95% CI: 33.8, 65.4). The correlation model revealed a positive correlation between living in a rural area and risky sexual behavior (p-value = 0.001). Furthermore, a poor perception of HIV risks was associated with risky sexual behavior (p-value = 0.003). Economic issues, stigma and discrimination, and usage of substances were also identified as contributing factors to unsafe sexual activity in the qualitative data. Conclusions: A high proportion of PLWHA clients had engaged in at least one risky sexual activity in the 3 months prior to the study. It is not enough to be on ART; additional educational interventions that shape the sexual behavior of PLWHA clients must be considered.

Factors Associated with the Involvement of Women Drug Users in Risky Sexual Behaviors: A Narrative Review.

Background: Drug use is known as an important underlying factor in the occurrence of risky sexual behaviors. The present study was conducted to identify the factors associated with the involvement of women drug users in risky sexual behaviors. Materials and Methods: This review was conducted by searching databases of ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane, PubMed, Scientific Information Database (SID), the Iranian Magazine Database (Magiran), the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc), and the Iranian Medical Articles Database (IranMedex) and searching through the Google Scholar engine. All the articles published in English and Persian using the keywords including substance use, drug users, addiction, substance use disorders, substance-related disorders, sexual risks, high-risk sexual behavior, HIV risk behavior, unsafe sex, unprotected sex, and risky sex were searched from January 2000 to December 2020. After reviewing the articles, out of 110 articles, 21 articles were selected for final evaluation. Results: Factors related to the involvement of women drug users in risky sexual behaviors were divided into five categories: individual factors, factors related to drug use, inter-personal relationships, gender discrimination, and socio-economic factors. Conclusions: The results can be used in the field of women's social harms in finding strategies and designing the necessary interventions to prevent risky sexual behaviors in women drug users in different societies and cultural contexts. Also, the results can be used by all researchers who want to study the relationship between these factors and the involvement of women drug users in risky sexual behaviors.

Parental supervision and sexual behavior among Brazilian adolescentes / Supervisão dos pais e comportamento sexual entre adolescentes brasileiros

Objective: to evaluate the association between parental supervision and sexual behaviors among Brazilian adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study with data from 102,072 adolescents who responded to the National Adolescent Health Survey. We estimated the prevalence of sexual behaviors (initiation, use of condoms, contraception, and number of partners). Parental supervision was evaluated using a score           considering five indicators. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) adjusted by age and sex in order to estimate the association between the parental supervision score and the sexual behaviors of the adolescents.  Results: Prevalence of risky sexual behavior for adolescents with minimum and maximum parental supervision were: sexual initiation (min.: 58.0%; max.: 20.1%), condom use in the last sexual intercourse (min.: 50.9%; max.: 80.2%), use of contraceptives (min.: 40.8; max.: 49.1%), and mean number of partners (min.: 3.25; max.: 2.88). Parental supervision was greater among girls. Those with greater supervision score had higher prevalence of condom use in the first and last sexual intercourse, use of contraceptive methods and a lower mean number of partners, even after adjustments for sex and age. Conclusion: The greater parental supervision, the better the sexual behavior for both sexes, although supervision seems to occur differently between girls and boys. These findings point to the role of the family in providing adolescents with monitoring, along with dialogue and affection, conditions that encourage healthy and risk-free sexual behavior.

Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre a supervisão dos pais e comportamentos sexuais entre os adolescentes brasileiros. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados de 102.072 estudantes do 9° ano que responderam à Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar de 2015. Estimou-se a prevalência dos comportamentos sexuais (iniciação, uso de preservativo, contracepção e número de parcerias). A supervisão dos pais foi avaliada por meio de escore formado por cinco indicadores. Foram calculadas razões de prevalência (RP) ajustadas por sexo e idade para análise das relações existentes entre o escore de supervisão dos pais e os comportamentos sexuais de adolescentes. Resultados: As prevalências de comportamentos sexuais em adolescentes com mínima e máxima supervisão parental foram: iniciação sexual (min.: 58,0%; máx.: 20,1%), uso do preservativo na última relação sexual (mín.: 50,9%; máx.: 80,2%), de contraceptivos (min.: 40,8; máx.: 49,1%), e número de parceiros (mín.: 3,25; máx.: 2,88). Supervisão parental apresentaram maior magnitude no sexo feminino. Aqueles com maior escore de supervisão, apresentaram maiores prevalências do uso de preservativos na primeira e última relação sexual, de métodos contraceptivos e menor média do número de parceiros, mesmo após ajustes por sexo e idade. Conclusão: Quanto maior a supervisão dos pais melhores os comportamentos sexuais, para ambos os sexos, apesar da supervisão ocorrer de forma diferenciada entre os sexos. Esses achados apontam o papel da família em proporcionar aos adolescentes monitoramento, simultâneo ao diálogo e ao afeto, condições estimuladoras ao comportamento sexual saudável e livre de riscos.

Fatores que influenciam o uso inadequado do preservativo na perspetiva de jovens universitários / Factors influencing condom misuse from the perspective of young university students / Factores que influyen en el uso inadecuado del preservativo desde la perspectiva de los jóvenes universitarios

Resumo Enquadramento: O comportamento de risco sexual de jovens relacionado com as infeções sexualmente transmissíveis envolve o início da vida sexual, variabilidade de parceiros, práticas casuais, (des)uso de preservativos e consumo de substâncias psicoativas. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores que influenciam o uso inadequado do preservativo na perspetiva de jovens universitários. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo, qualitativo, realizado numa universidade privada carioca brasileira com 30 jovens universitários, que integraram três grupos focais. Análise de dados utilizando a técnica de análise lexical e do IRaMuTeQ. Resultados: Emergiram cinco classes, entre elas: o uso de álcool como determinante do comportamento de risco; uso inadequado de preservativos, associado ao risco de infeção; pouca informação sobre a prevenção dessas doenças; e uso de preservativos. Nas práticas sexuais, os participantes faziam uso descontinuado do preservativo e preocupavam-se mais com a ocorrência de uma gravidez não planeada. Conclusão: A assunção dos comportamentos sexuais de risco pelos universitários denota vulnerabilidades nos âmbitos individual-social evidenciando-se a necessidade de se desenvolver estratégias efetivas de educação para a saúde e de intervenções terapêuticas.

Abstract Background: The sexual risk-taking behaviors of young people regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are associated with sexual debut, partner variability, casual sex activities, (lack of) use of condoms, and substance abuse. Objective: To identify the factors influencing condom misuse from the perspective of young university students. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at a private university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 30 young university students participating in three focus groups. Data were analyzed using the lexical analysis technique and IRaMuTeQ software. Results: The following five classes emerged: alcohol use as a determinant of risky behaviors; condom misuse associated with the risk of infection; lack of information on STI prevention; and condom use. Participants reported using condoms inconsistently and being more concerned about the occurrence of an unplanned pregnancy. Conclusion: University students' sexual risk-taking behaviors reveal individual and social vulnerabilities and highlight the need to develop efficient health education and therapeutic interventions strategies.

Resumen Marco contextual: El comportamiento sexual de riesgo de los jóvenes relacionado con las infecciones de transmisión sexual implica el inicio de la vida sexual, la variabilidad de las parejas, las prácticas casuales, el (no) uso de preservativos y el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. Objetivo: Identificar los factores que influyen en el uso inadecuado del preservativo desde la perspectiva de los jóvenes universitarios. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo y cualitativo, realizado en una universidad privada de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, con 30 jóvenes universitarios que participaron en tres grupos focales. El análisis de datos se llevó a cabo mediante la técnica del análisis léxico y del IRAMUTEC. Resultados: Surgieron cinco clases, entre ellas, el consumo de alcohol como determinante del comportamiento de riesgo; el uso inadecuado del preservativo, asociado al riesgo de infección; la poca información sobre la prevención de estas enfermedades, y el uso del preservativo. En las prácticas sexuales, los participantes hacían un uso discontinuo del preservativo y se mostraban más preocupados por la aparición de un embarazo no planificado. Conclusión: La adopción de conductas sexuales de riesgo por parte de los estudiantes universitarios denota vulnerabilidades en el ámbito individual y social, lo que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias eficaces de educación sanitaria e intervenciones terapéuticas.

Assessing attitude towards condom use among truck drivers at transhipment location, Meerut District, India, using multidimensional condom attitude scale.

Background: In India, unsafe sex has been documented among truck drivers. This study explores the factors influencing their attitude of trucker towards condom use. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adapted for this study in which 25 factors were chosen to assess attitude toward condom use on 7 point validated Likert scale UCLA Multidimensional Condom Attitude Scale on 5 subcomponents -Reliability, Pleasure, Stigma associated with condom use, embarrassment about negotiation and use of condom and about purchasing condom. Hundred truck drivers were recruited using convenient sampling and Mann-Whitney U and Kruskall Wallis Test were used to validate the subcomponents among those practicing unsafe sex. Results: Positive attitudes regarding reliability and effectiveness of condom were significantly higher among adult entrants and those resting more than 10 hours during journey whereas positive attitude regarding pleasure associated with condoms and stigma towards it is significantly higher among truck drivers travelled long distances and resting more than 10 hours. Conclusion: Adolescent entrants, those who have not travelled long distances and not rested more than 10 hrs requires improvement in the attitude towards condom use.

Panorama of risky sexual behaviors in the Brazilian adult population - PNS 2019 / Panorama dos comportamentos sexuais de risco na população adulta brasileira - PNS 2019

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the risky sexual behaviors of Brazilian adults according to socioeconomic, demographic, and regional characteristics. METHODS Data from the 2019 National Health Survey, referring to the population aged 18 years or older, were analyzed. Risky sexual behaviors were considered: early sexual initiation, before the age of 15 years, and nonuse of condoms in the last sexual intercourse. Prevalence and respective confidence intervals were calculated for the subgroups of interest. RESULTS Early sexual initiation among adult individuals was 24% among men and 11% among women, being higher among young people with lower levels of education and household income. The nonuse of condoms was higher among married/cohabiting partners, no schooling or with some elementary school, and among older people. The prevalence of nonuse of condoms among married/cohabiting partners was the same in both sexes (75%). However, among non-cohabiting partners, gender disparity was relevant, as 39.1% of women did not use condoms in the last sexual intercourse, while among men this result was 26.9%. CONCLUSIONS Higher prevalence of early sexual initiation for younger generations is noteworthy, especially among women. Concerning the nonuse of condoms, there are important gender disparities in the group of non-cohabiting partners, in addition to the high prevalence among older people, which should be considered in the formulation of public policies. The results of the present study are extremely relevant for understanding the adult population currently more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, after over five years without official statistics on this matter at the national level.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever os comportamentos sexuais de risco dos adultos brasileiros segundo características socioeconômicas, demográficas e regionais. MÉTODOS Foram analisados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019, referente à população de 18 anos de idade ou mais. Considerou-se como comportamentos sexuais de risco: a iniciação sexual precoce, antes dos 15 anos, e o não uso de preservativo na última relação sexual. Foram calculadas as prevalências e respectivos intervalos de confiança para os subgrupos de interesse. RESULTADOS A iniciação sexual precoce entre indivíduos adultos foi de 24% entre os homens e 11% entre as mulheres, sendo mais alta entre jovens com menores níveis de instrução e rendimento domiciliar. O não uso de preservativo se mostrou maior entre os casados/coabitantes, sem instrução ou com nível fundamental incompleto, e entre os mais velhos. A prevalência do não uso de preservativo entre casados/coabitantes foi igual em ambos os sexos (75%). No entanto, entre os não coabitantes, a disparidade entre os sexos se mostrou relevante uma vez que 39,1% das mulheres não usaram preservativo na última relação sexual, enquanto entre os homens esse resultado foi de 26,9%. CONCLUSÃO Nota-se, especialmente entre as mulheres, maiores prevalências de iniciação sexual precoce para as gerações mais novas. No que se refere ao não uso de preservativo, há disparidades de sexo importantes no grupo dos não coabitantes, além da alta prevalência entre os mais velhos, que devem ser consideradas na elaboração das políticas públicas. Os resultados do presente estudo são extremamente relevantes para compreensão da população adulta atualmente mais vulnerável às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, após mais de cinco anos sem estatísticas oficiais a respeito em âmbito nacional.

Condom use and non-use among transgender women in Colombia: a qualitative analysis based on the IMB model / El uso y no uso del condón en mujeres trans de Colombia: un análisis cualitativo desde el modelo IMB

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Review the reasons for condom use and non-use among transgender women in Colombia based on the information, motivation and behavioral skills (IMB) model. METHOD Qualitative study in which an iterative process analysis was carried out. A focal group participated in person, and in-depth interviews were conducted virtually. RESULTS First study carried out in Colombia on condom use among transgender women under the IMB model. The information component finds that traditional sexual education does not have a positive impact. Regarding motivational aspects, the importance of family support and follow-up and community-based organizations to motivate sexual health care and condom use is highlighted. Regarding behavioral skills, it was found that distrust towards sexual partners and the acquisition of condoms promote their use. CONCLUSIONS It is important to create spaces for sexual education delivered by and for the LGBTIQ population, followed by the medical knowledge of health centers, to have positive impacts on the sexual health of transgender women; studies with sexual partners of transgender women are encouraged in order to know the reasons why they request the non-use of condoms.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Analizar las razones del uso y no uso del condón que tienen las mujeres trans de Colombia desde el modelo de información, motivación y habilidades conductuales (IMB por sus siglas en inglés). MÉTODO Estudio cualitativo en el cual se llevó a cabo el análisis de proceso iterativo. Se realizó un grupo focal de manera presencial y entrevistas a profundidad de manera virtual. RESULTADOS Primer estudio llevado a cabo en Colombia sobre el uso del preservativo en mujeres trans bajo el modelo IMB. En el componente información se identifica que la educación sexual tradicional no tiene un impacto positivo. Respecto a lo motivacional, se destaca la importancia del apoyo y acompañamiento familiar y de las organizaciones de base comunitaria para motivar al cuidado de la salud sexual y el uso del preservativo. Con relación a las habilidades conductuales, se analiza que la desconfianza hacia la pareja sexual y la adquisición de los preservativos promueven su uso. CONCLUSIONES Se hace importante la creación de espacios de educación sexual realizados por y para la población LGBTIQ, acompañados por el saber médico de los centros de salud, para impactar de manera positiva la salud sexual de mujeres trans; se motiva a la realización de estudios con parejas sexuales de mujeres trans para conocer las razones por las cuales solicitan el no uso del preservativo.

Analysis of high-risk behaviors related to HIV infection in men who have sex with men recruited by different methods / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To analyze high-risk behaviors related to HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited by different methods in Zhenjiang city, and to provide a reference for precise prevention and control of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) .Methods:From April to June in 2020, MSM in Zhenjiang city were recruited as research subjects through the center for disease control and prevention (CDC) voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinic and community-based organizations (CBOs) . Information such as demographic characteristics, drug abuse, HIV testing history and high-risk sexual behavior were collected through a unified questionnaire survey. Chi-square test or Fisher′s exact test was used to analyze differences in relevant characteristics of MSM recruited by different methods.Results:A total of 641 MSM were recruited by the two methods, including 442 (68.95%) recruited from CBOs and 199 (31.05%) from CDC; the proportion of MSM aged under 20 years was significantly higher in the CBO group (6.56%) than in the CDC group (1.01%, χ2 = 9.20, P = 0.002) ; the proportions of MSM receiving health education information on potential hazards of drug use from professional health institutions and new network media were significantly higher in the CDC group (7.54% [15/199], 16.58% [33/199], respectively) than in the CBO group (3.39% [15/442], χ2 = 5.28, P = 0.022; 9.50% [42/442], χ2 = 6.66, P = 0.010) . In terms of characteristics of sexual behavior, the CBO group showed significantly increased proportions of individuals having group sex (25.21%, 30 cases) and those having unprotected sexual intercourse with women (47.51%, 210 cases) compared with the CDC group (7.50% [6 cases], χ2 = 10.13, P = 0.001; 27.64% [55 cases], χ2 = 22.35, P < 0.001, respectively) , but significantly decreased proportions of heterosexuals (2.04%, 9 cases) , individuals unknowing about the HIV status of sexual partners (22.40%, 99 cases) and those having unprotected anal sex with men (39.82%, 176 cases) compared with the CDC group (6.53% [13 cases], χ2 = 8.37, P = 0.004; 39.70% [79 cases], χ2 = 20.48, P < 0.001; 57.29% [114 cases], χ2 = 16.90, P < 0.001, respectively) . Compared with the CDC group, the CBO group showed significantly decreased proportions of individuals ever having an HIV test (74.43% [329 cases] vs. 80.90% [161 cases], χ2 = 3.19, P = 0.074) and those getting the latest HIV test from CDC (23.10% [76 cases] vs. 57.14% [92 cases], χ2 = 99.41, P < 0.001) , as well as decreased prevalence of HIV infection (5.20% [23 cases] vs. 13.07% [26 cases], χ2 = 21.85, P < 0.001) . Conclusions:The MSM recruited from CBO and CDC are complementary in terms of demographics and behaviors, and can represent the general MSM population. Specific prevention and control measures for AIDS should be taken according to different characteristics of the MSM population.

Early-life maternal attachment and risky health behaviours in adolescence: findings from the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Early uptake of multiple risky behaviours during adolescence, such as substance use, antisocial and sexual behaviours, can lead to poor health outcomes without timely interventions. This study investigated how early-life maternal attachment, or emotional bonds between mothers and infants, influenced later risky behaviours in adolescence alongside other potential explanatory pathways using the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study. METHODS: Total maternal attachment scores measured at 9 months using the Condon (1998) Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale compared higher and lower attachment, where mothers in the lowest 10th percentile represented lower attachment. Multiple risky behaviours, defined as two or more risky behaviours (including smoking cigarettes, vaping, alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, antisocial behaviour, criminal engagement, unsafe sex, and gambling), were scored from 0 to 8 at age 17. Five multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between maternal attachment and multiple risky behaviours among Millennium Cohort Study members (n = 7796). Mediation analysis sequentially adjusted for blocks of explanatory mechanisms, including low attachment mechanisms (multiple births, infant prematurity, sex, breastfeeding, unplanned pregnancy and maternal age at birth), maternal depression, and social inequalities (single-parent status, socioeconomic circumstance by maternal education and household income) at 9 months and poor adolescent mental health at 14 years. RESULTS: Children of mothers with lower maternal attachment at 9 months had 23% increased odds of multiple risky behaviours at 17 years (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00-1.50) in the unadjusted baseline model. All five explanatory blocks attenuated baseline odds. Low attachment mechanisms attenuated 13%, social inequalities 17%, and poor mental health 17%. Maternal depression attenuated the highest proportion (26%) after fully adjusting for all factors (30%). CONCLUSIONS: Lower maternal attachment in early life predicted increased adolescent multiple risky behaviours. Almost a third of the excess risk was attributable to child, maternal and socioeconomic factors, with over a quarter explained by maternal depression. Recognising the influence of early-life risk factors on adolescent health could innovate current policies and interventions addressing multiple risky behaviour uptake affecting health inequalities across the life course.

Exploring unsafe sexual practices among truck drivers at Meerut District, India: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite implementation of HIV prevention programmes for truck drivers in India, unsafe sex behavior among truck drivers has been documented. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess knowledge about HIV Transmission and modes of prevention, pattern of condom use with high risk partners and explore the practice of unsafe sex and its risk factors among truck drivers. METHODS: This exploratory cross-sectional study design was conducted on a recruited convenient sample of 100 truck drivers above 18 years from March to May 2015. Binary logistic regression was used to compute unadjusted odds ratio [95% Confidence Interval] for establishing association of risk factors with unsafe sex. RESULTS: Overall, only 7% had complete knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. 54% of truck drivers have sex with a high risk partner (commercial sexual worker or men having sex with men) and thirty-eight percent reported unsafe sexual practices due to inconsistent condom use with them. The various risk factors found significantly associated with unsafe sex were mean age of first intercourse (OR= 0.92, 95% CI: 0.75 - 0.97), access to pornography (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.8 - 10.7) and conuming psychoactive substance before sex (OR = 4.06, 95% CI: 1.09 - 15.02). CONCLUSION: Socio-demographic, occupational factors, pornography access and consuming psychoactive substances seems to influence the sexual behaviour of truckers.

Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection in Men with High-Risk Sexual Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan pathogen of the human genitourinary tract, which is the cause of trichomoniasis. The disease is one of the most important non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the world. Many studies have been performed on the molecular identification of Trichomonas in men in different parts of the world, but in Iran, such a study has been very limited. We aimed to detect T. vaginalis in urine of men with unusual sexual behavior by wet mount microscopic observation, culturing in TYM-33 and molecular method in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: Totally, 47 urine samples were collected from men with high-risk sexual behaviors referred to Health Care Centers in South of Tehran, Iran during 2017-2018. After urine centrifugation and wet mount sediment preparation, the samples were cultured in TYM-33 medium and examined microscopically. Then DNA was extracted from urine sediment samples and finally the 18srRNA gene was amplified by PCR. RESULTS: Thirty-one (65.95%) urine samples were positive for T. vaginalis by PCR. Of these, only 6 (12.76%) were detected positive by wet mount method and 25 (53.19%) by culture and successive passages. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of trichomoniasis among men with high-risk sexual behavior in Tehran indicates a potent health risk condition for families. Of course, this percentage is not the real infection rate in ordinary men in Tehran. This situation could be controlled by promoting concurrent diagnosis and treatment of T. vaginalis infection in men and women, as well as strengthening religious beliefs and health education in the individuals.