The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS): validation among a sample of female college students.

INTRODUCTION: Gynecological exams continue to be underused among young women, possibly due to a woman's genital self-image. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to (i) examine college women's genital image using the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS); (ii) assess the reliability, validity, and factor structure of data collected on the FGSIS; and (iii) examine the relationship between FGSIS scores and gynecological exam behaviors. METHOD: Data were collected in November/December 2010 from 450 undergraduate women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze demographic variables. A comprehensive psychometric assessment of the FGSIS included: (i) a reliability assessment of internal consistency; (ii) conducting a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to identify factor structure; and (iii) structural equation modeling and predictive discriminant analysis to asses the predictive qualities of the FGSIS on gynecological exam behavior. RESULTS: CFA analyses yielded a two-factor FGSIS structure: X(2) (12, N=450)=49.77; P<0.001, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=0.08, Comparative Fit Index=0.98, Normed Fit Index=0.97. Reliability assessments indicated very good internal consistency for the scale (α=0.89), as well as for factor one (α=0.86) and factor two (α=0.82). Women who engaged in at least one gynecological exam during the past 24 months had a significantly more positive genital self-image than those who had not (t (449)=-2.501; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Data collected using the FGSIS were found to be valid and reliable in this sample, further supporting the utility of the scale and aiding in the understanding of college women's genital image using an underlying two-factor approach. This has important implications for the development of sexual health and women's health programs and discussions. Specifically, a two-factor FGSIS can aid medical and health professionals in better understanding relationships between genital image and gynecological exam behavior.

Using genital self-image, body image, and sexual behaviors to predict gynecological exam behaviors of college women.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the benefits of gynecological exams, they continue to be underused. A woman's decision to seek gynecological care may be influenced by a number of factors including genital image, body image, and sexual behaviors. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to assess if genital self-image, body image, and sexual behaviors predict gynecological exam behaviors among a convenience sample of college women. METHODS: Data were collected from female students enrolled in health-related courses at a large southern university. A total of 450 completed surveys were collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze participant characteristics. Reliability analyses were conducted to assess internal consistency of scales used within the study, using Cronbach's alpha coefficient as an indicator of this reliability. Predictive discriminant analysis (PDA) was used to indicate the predictor, or group of predictors, best suited to predict gynecological exam behaviors of college women. RESULTS: Hit rates yielded from the PDA indicate the number of cases correctly predicted by the classification functions, with higher hit rates being indicative of better predictive capabilities. The following variables were found to be most predictive of gynecological exam behaviors: (i) having had a vaginal intercourse (VI) partner during the past 3 months (68.2%); (ii) genital self-image paired with having had a VI partner (68.2%); (iii) having had a VI partner paired with having had an anal intercourse (AI) partner during the past 3 months (68.2%); and (iv) genital self-image, VI, and AI combined (68.2%). CONCLUSION: VI behavior was found to be the primary predictor of gynecological exam behavior in the current study. Understanding the factors influencing a woman's decision to engage in regular gynecological exams is important in order for health and medical professionals to address the limiting factors in this preventive health measure.

Assessing male spousal engagement with prevention of mother-to-child transmission (pMTCT) programs in western Kenya.

The importance of male spousal involvement in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (pMTCT) programs is incremental to maintain family health and adherence to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment and prevention regimens. This study examined reasons for men's involvement in pMTCT initiatives sought by their wives and other HIV-related services in western Kenya. Data were collected from 146 men and women during 16 focus groups across four different HIV-related clinics. Four different groups of participants were recruited: (1) male spouses of women enrolled in pMTCT within the past 12 months; (2) married men who were participating in support groups of the AMPATH Support Network; (3) married women living with HIV who were currently enrolled in pMTCT; and (4) married women who were HIV negative and currently enrolled in pMTCT. Demographic information was collected from each participant using a written questionnaire. Focus groups were conducted to determine the factors associated with men's participation in pMTCT services. From the emergent themes revealed by the focus groups, several intervention strategies were identified to increase male involvement in HIV-related services, specifically pMTCT. They include: couple's counseling, weekend clinic hours or extended weekday hours, community education regarding HIV-related services offered at clinics, and making clinics more male-oriented. These findings provide a starting point for the development of interventions to increase men's involvement in pMTCT programs.

College students and condom attitude: validation of the Multi-Factor Attitude toward Condoms Scale (MFACS).

OBJECTIVE: Sexually transmitted infections and the human immunodeficiency virus incidence rates remain high among college-aged individuals. This study examined the validity and reliability of the Multi-Factor Attitude toward Condoms Scale (MFACS). PARTICIPANTS: Participants were recruited from a large midwestern university during February and March 2009. METHODS: Data were collected using in-class data collection with a test-retest design from undergraduate courses. A total of 442 surveys were collected during initial testing and 421 during retesting. RESULTS: Reliability assessments indicated a sufficient Cronbach's alpha for the total scale (α = .805) and each subscale: affective (α = .790), perceived effectiveness (α = .795), and manageability (α = .751). Further analyses provide evidence of construct validity. CONCLUSIONS: The study reaffirmed the psychometric properties of the MFACS among a sample of college students. The MFACS provides a contemporary way to examine condom attitudes as sexual health research is moving beyond only disease prevention efforts.

Inside the ordering room: characteristics of women's in-home sex toy parties, facilitators and sexual communication.

BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests that adult bookstores are a unique way through which individuals may learn about sexuality or practice sexual communication. Recently, the woman-oriented in-home sex toy party industry has rapidly expanded in several countries. The purpose of this study was to document the characteristics of the parties, the women who run the parties ('facilitators') and facilitator-consumer communication about sexual health topics. METHODS: Female facilitators for a large in-home sex toy party company in the USA were invited to participate in an anonymous, cross-sectional online survey. RESULTS: A total of 1197 completed surveys were received. Most respondents were white (85.2%), heterosexual (91.6%), had at least some college education (76.3%) and were married (59.4%). Most parties were held in another woman's home (88.3%), lasted 1-2 h (72.2%) and had 10 or fewer women in attendance (65.1%). At their most recent party facilitated, most respondents were asked questions about increasing desire/arousal (75.3%), orgasm (57.8%), desire discrepancy (56.4%), erection and ejaculation (73.8%), and vaginal dryness and lubrication (64.5%). Respondents who encountered sexual health questions or disclosures by consumers (those that were more 'askable') scored significantly higher on the Sexual Opinion Survey, indicating greater erotophilia. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that female in-home sex toy party facilitators have the potential to provide a diverse group of women with opportunities to access sexuality information, products and communication and that facilitators' 'askability' is related to erotophilia. Implications for sexual health professionals are discussed.

Young female breast cancer survivors: their sexual function and interest in sexual enhancement products and services.

Although American women are living longer after a breast cancer diagnosis, they may experience significant alterations in sexual function. However, little is known about the types of strategies that women are interested in using to address these sexual issues. This study used a reliable and valid instrument, the Sexual Function Questionnaire, to assess survivors' sexual function. Data were collected from 115 women who were younger than 50 years at diagnosis. Compared to normative controls, survivors scored significantly lower, indicating lower functioning, on most subscales of the Sexual Function Questionnaire and the overall measure, with the exception of the masturbation subscale on which they scored significantly higher. Most participants indicated moderate or strong interest in sexual enhancement products and comfort purchasing sexual enhancement products through various venues. Nurses and other health professionals might consider collaborations with entities of the adult retail industry to provide survivors with information about sexual enhancement products and their therapeutic potential.