Sexual Health publishes contributions on sexual health from the widest perspectives including HIV/AIDS, STIs, issues of sexuality, and reproductive health. Read more about the journalMore
Editors-in-Chief: Jason Ong and Joseph Tucker
Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.
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, Fengyi Jin, Nittaya Phanuphak , Ruth K. Friedman, Christopher K. Fairley , David J. Templeton, Iryna Zablotska-Manos, Jennifer Hoy, David Baker, Mayara Secco Torres Silva, Andrew Grulich, Benjamin Bavinton and for the Opposites Attract study group
STIs remain a key concern in the context of HIV biomedical prevention. In a study of 343 male HIV-serodiscordant couples in Australia, Brazil and Thailand, we found higher rates of STI diagnosis for HIV-positive partners compared with their HIV-negative regular partners, and couples were typically not diagnosed with an STI together. HIV transmission risk has been eliminated for HIV-serodiscordant couples where the HIV-positive partner has a supressed viral load; however, other STIs continue to be diagnosed.
SH24208 Abstract | SH24208 Full Text | SH24208PDF (308 KB) Open Access Article
, Sarmad Muhammad Soomar and Salima Meherali
The ‘Girls’ Voices Curriculum’, a 10-week girl-led advocacy program, was piloted in Sindh, Pakistan, to empower underprivileged adolescent girls. Evaluated for cultural acceptability with 86 educators, it showed promise in fostering gender equality, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Efforts continue to integrate and scale the curriculum for broader impact.
, Benedict Xin Hao Tan, Daniel Weng Siong Ho, Ye Xuan Wee , Muhammad Hafiz bin Jamal, Rayner Kay Jin Tan and for Rainbow+
This study highlights the importance of community involvement in HIV research, particularly among marginalized groups, such as young gay, bisexual, and queer men in Singapore and Malaysia. A collaborative project between the National University of Singapore and a local organization, RainbowAsia, used a citizen-led approach to overcome funding challenges and stigma. The research focused on issues, such as mental health and relationships, relying on community resources and volunteers. The proposed framework includes eight phases for effective collaboration, aiming to transform research into impactful community programs.
SH24196 Abstract | SH24196 Full Text | SH24196PDF (1 MB) | SH24196Supplementary Material (1.7 MB) Open Access Article
, Jason J. Ong, Lei Zhang , Rick Varma , Louise Owen, Darren B. Russell, Sarah J. Martin , Joseph Cotter, Caroline Thng , Nathan Ryder , Eric P. F. Chow , Tiffany R. Phillips and for the Australian STI research group
This survey of 27 Australian sexual health clinics about their services in 2023 found they offered a median of 35 bookings each day, but only a median of 10 walk-in consultations for symptomatic patients. Only approximately half of clinics could provide services to all individuals with symptoms who attended each day. The catchment population of the clinics ranged from as low as 3696 to a maximum of 5 million. Turing away individuals with symptoms will impede effective STI control.
SH25026 Abstract | SH25026 Full Text | SH25026PDF (358 KB) Open Access Article
and Pei Hua Lee
This paper reflects on a community-based participatory research and qualitative study on HIV/STI risks in the sex work industry in Singapore. Although other studies on facilitating peer-led research among sex workers have generated similar findings on the challenges of training and implementing peer-led research, our findings further nuance such work by integrating concerns and challenges that peer leaders face due to the heterogeneous and hierarchical nature of sex work in Singapore, and in the context of potential stigmatization and criminalization.
, Leroy R. Thacker and Frances E. Casey
Sexually transmitted infections are increasing in the United States and have devastating health impacts. Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) has been shown to decrease the chance of reinfection, but uptake has been poor in states with recent policy changes to support EPT. This study shows that online learning can effectively teach providers how to prescribe EPT following state-based policy.
, Lauren Fidelak, Weiming Tang , Susan Nkengasong, Titilola Gbaja-Biamila, Lateef Akeem, Adesola Zaidat Musa, Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu, Tomilola Musari-Martins , Jane Okwuzu, Aishat Adedoyin Koledowo, Suzanne Day, Temitope Ojo, Olufunto A. Olusanya, Kadija M. Tahlil, Donaldson F. Conserve, Oluwaseun Adebayo Bamodu, Nora E. Rosenberg, Ucheoma Nwaozuru, Chisom Obiezu-Umeh, Collins Airhihenbuwa, Oliver Ezechi, Juliet Iwelunmor and Joseph D. Tucker
Adolescents and young adults (AYA) play a key role in shaping sustainable HIV prevention services, yet they do not have many opportunities to contribute to these efforts. To address this challenge, we organized a crowdsourcing open call and identified four key strategies – AYA engagement and leadership in research, digital health solutions, financing and efficiency, and partnerships. These findings demonstrate how engaging AYA can transform HIV prevention efforts, ensuring they meet the needs of AYA.
SH24233 Abstract | SH24233 Full Text | SH24233PDF (1.1 MB) | SH24233Supplementary Material (545 KB) Open Access Article
, H. McManus, T. Vickers, J. Salerno, M. Tobin, J. T. Hughes, D. A. Lewis, A. Carter , D. Russell, M. Gunathilake, H. Ali, R. Guy, C. C. O’Connor, J. Ward, D. M. Gracey and
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a key tool in HIV prevention, but its current regimens come with a risk of kidney dysfunction. Whether this risk is higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have higher rates of chronic kidney disease, is unknown. Our study demonstrates that the risk of kidney dysfunction with PrEP is similar between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
, Ifeoma Obionu, Yang Zhao, Kelechi Chima , Brian Ahimbisibwe, Chisom Obiezu-Umeh, Eleanor Namusoke Magongo, Onyekachukwu Anikamadu, Oliver Ezechi, Dorian Ho, Yusha Tao, Susan Vorkoper, Rachel Sturke, Juliet lwelunmor, Damilola Walker and Joseph D. Tucker
Treatment coverage, viral load suppression and survival rates among adolescents living with HIV are lagging behind other groups, and yet adolescents are rarely involved in shaping HIV programs and policies. Adolescents and young people in our study suggested leveraging education and entertainment, new digital technologies, such as unstructured supplemental service delivery, and peer-based interventions to improve HIV outcomes. These ideas offer actionable steps for HIV policymakers to develop more effective programs that center the adolescent experience and perspective.
SH24175 Abstract | SH24175 Full Text | SH24175PDF (794 KB) | SH24175Supplementary Material (212 KB) Open Access Article
, Magdalena Barr-DiChiara, Antons Mozalevskis, Busisiwe Msimanga, Maeve Brito de Mello, Kafui Senya, Niklas Luhmann, Cheryl Case Johnson and Rachel Baggaley
Efficient modalities of finding people with STIs or bloodborne infections are necessary to control these epidemics. Network-based testing services, including partner services, social network testing, and family/household testing,, are effective at case-finding and linkage to care for HIV, but less is known about their effectiveness for other infections, or for providing prevention services. In this article we argue for integration of partner service delivery to achieve testing, linkage, treatment, and prevention goals for HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis.
SH24027 Abstract | SH24027 Full Text | SH24027PDF (503 KB) Open Access Article
, Morgan Haskett , Kaitlyn Ligman , Sarah M. Gardy , Camielle Crampsie and Trevor A. Hart
Sexual health literacy has received little attention, despite adverse sexual health outcomes associated with limited sexual knowledge and behavioral skills (e.g. unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections). A systematic review of sexual health literacy measures reveals the lack of reliable and valid instruments to assess sexual health literacy. Current findings support the need to develop a psychometrically sound, culturally sensitive sexual health literacy scale that can be used across clinical, research and educational settings to promote sexual health.
, Arthur Wong , Natalie Ovington, Paul Robinson and Rick Varma
A new model of delivering HIV prevention medication could make a big difference in reaching more people at risk, especially those facing barriers such as cost or stigma. By using nurse-led consultations, telehealth and online testing platforms, this approach offers a convenient and effective way to help individuals access HIV prevention medication without needing to visit a clinic in person. This model could reshape HIV prevention efforts, particularly for underserved populations, by breaking down traditional healthcare barriers and improving access to essential treatments.
, Negin Mirzaei Damabi and Zohra S. Lassi
Young African migrants and refugees in Australia face barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services, such as limited knowledge about the services, cultural stigma, and mistrust of general practitioners. This study underscores the importance of school-based sex education in addressing these challenges and building trust in health services. Pairing this with youth-friendly, culturally sensitive services can create safe spaces, empowering young people to make informed health decisions and improve their overall well-being.
SH24186 Abstract | SH24186 Full Text | SH24186PDF (286 KB) Open Access Article
, Laura Nyblade, Yihang Sun, Olga Balabekova, Sara E. Landers, Denis Gryazev, Joseph D. Tucker , Valera Gulyaev, Susan L. Rosenthal, Karsten Lunze, Weiming Tang , Azamat Kuskulov, Assel Terlikbayeva, Sholpan Primbetova, Mingway Chang, Alfiya Y. Denebayeva, Aikerim Utegulovna Akhmetova, Ainur Absemetova, Sholpan Karzhaubayeva, Sairankul Kassymbekova, Marina Maximova, Zhannat Mussina, Gulnar Bekenova, Zhamilya Nugmanova, Zhanna Kalmatayeva, Ludmila Polyakova, Zhanneta Kanaevna Zhazykbaeva, Vitaliy Vinogradov, Amir Shaikezhanov, Meruyert Darisheva, Bella Orynbetova, Elena Norakidze, Mashirov Kozhakhmet, Akbota Tolegenova, Aknur Imadillda, Dariga Satkhozhina, Alikhan Kartamyssov, Zhamilya Kanieva, Albina Aleshina, Olzhas Makhan, Aida Muravyova, Adema Rahimzanova, Arman Duisenbayev , Zhanerke Tursynbek, Nurgazy Dias, Malika Beken, Miras Murzakhan, Zhandos Ali Brown, Daniyal Maitekov, Artur Li, Sandizaira Mergen, Dautali Mergenov, Amirali Kuanysh, Anuar Rakhimbekov, Yenlik Baisbay, Alibek Aruzhan, Zhasmina Kozhambet, Denis Grebenchishikov, Dmitriy Bekker, Sultan Kozhamberdiev, Dauren Salykov, Madina Sagimbayeva, Kamila Yussupova and Gaukhar Mergenova
High HIV stigma contributes to low HIV testing uptake among adolescents and young adults. We evaluated the effects of a digital youth-crowdsourced intervention on reducing HIV stigma and promoting HIV self-testing among adolescents and young adults in Kazakhstan, finding that the youth-crowdsourced intervention reduced HIV testing stigma 2 months post-intervention compared with conventional public health messaging. Implementing crowdsourced interventions in communities impacted by growing HIV epidemics could help decrease HIV stigma and increase engagement in the HIV care continuum in resource-constrained settings globally.
, Kuan-Yin Lin, Hsin-Yun Sun, Yu-Shan Huang, Wang-Da Liu, Yu-Chung Chuang, Po-Hsien Kuo, Sung-Hsi Huang, Kai-Hsiang Chen, Aristine Cheng, Wang-Huei Sheng, Szu-Min Hsieh, Sung-Ching Pan, Un-In Wu, Szu-Ting Huang, Tzong-Yow Wu, Wen-Chun Liu, Pei-Ying Wu, Yu-Zhen Luo, Hsi-Yen Chang, Ling-Ya Chen , An-Ting Peng, Pei-Yu Wang, Guei-Chi Li and
Chien-Ching Hung
, Jason Ong , Heather-Marie Schmidt , Curtis Chan , Benjamin Bavinton , Kimberly Green , Nittaya Phanuphak , Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Nicky Suwandi, Doug Fraser, Weiming Tang , Michael Cassell, Hua Boonyapisomparn, Edmond Pui Hang Choi , Lei Zhang and
Warittha Tieosapjaroen
, Suzanne Day, Dan Wu , Fern Terris-Prestholt , Joseph Tucker and
Eneyi Kpokiri
, Ying Lu, Yuxin Ni, Xumeng Yan, Rayner Kay Jin Tan , Dan Wu , Joseph Tucker , Jason Ong and
Weiming Tang
, Kirsty Smith, Kelly Andrewartha, Christopher Fairley , Lisa Maher, Donna Mak, Caitlyn White, Jessica Leonard, Rebecca Guy, Lise Lafferty , on behalf of the TTANGO2 Collaboration
, Jon Willis, Joseph Debattista, Judith A. Dean , James Ward
, Morgan O’Reilly, Leanne Hall, Clare Heal
, Jo Durham, Amy B. Mullens , Annette Brömdal , Joseph Debattista, Gianna Parma, Zhihong Gu, Armin Ariana, Charles F. Gilks, Sara F. E. Bell, Judith A. Dean
, Magdalena Barr-DiChiara, Antons Mozalevskis, Busisiwe Msimanga, Maeve Brito de Mello, Kafui Senya, Niklas Luhmann, Cheryl Case Johnson, Rachel Baggaley
, Negin Mirzaei Damabi, Zohra S. Lassi
, Salenna Elliott, Federica Barzi, Kiara Minto , Judith A. Dean , James Ward
, Marion Haas, Deborah J. Street, Deborah Bateson , Danielle Mazza
, Rohit Ramaswamy, Joseph D. Tucker , Dan Wu
, Laura Nyblade, Yihang Sun, Olga Balabekova, Sara E. Landers, Denis Gryazev, Joseph D. Tucker , Valera Gulyaev, Susan L. Rosenthal, Karsten Lunze, Weiming Tang , Azamat Kuskulov, Assel Terlikbayeva, Sholpan Primbetova, Mingway Chang, Alfiya Y. Denebayeva, Aikerim Utegulovna Akhmetova, Ainur Absemetova, Sholpan Karzhaubayeva, Sairankul Kassymbekova, Marina Maximova, Zhannat Mussina, Gulnar Bekenova, Zhamilya Nugmanova, Zhanna Kalmatayeva, Ludmila Polyakova, Zhanneta Kanaevna Zhazykbaeva, Vitaliy Vinogradov, Amir Shaikezhanov, Meruyert Darisheva, Bella Orynbetova, Elena Norakidze, Mashirov Kozhakhmet, Akbota Tolegenova, Aknur Imadillda, Dariga Satkhozhina, Alikhan Kartamyssov, Zhamilya Kanieva, Albina Aleshina, Olzhas Makhan, Aida Muravyova, Adema Rahimzanova, Arman Duisenbayev , Zhanerke Tursynbek, Nurgazy Dias, Malika Beken, Miras Murzakhan, Zhandos Ali Brown, Daniyal Maitekov, Artur Li, Sandizaira Mergen, Dautali Mergenov, Amirali Kuanysh, Anuar Rakhimbekov, Yenlik Baisbay, Alibek Aruzhan, Zhasmina Kozhambet, Denis Grebenchishikov, Dmitriy Bekker, Sultan Kozhamberdiev, Dauren Salykov, Madina Sagimbayeva, Kamila Yussupova, Gaukhar Mergenova
, Leyla Mousli, Disha Nangia
, J. L. Goller , P. Chondros, J. Ong , R. Biezen, D. Pires, D. Capurro, N. Faux, J. A. Manski-Nankervis
, Hayley Conyers , Suzanne Day, Fern Terris-Prestholt, Jason J. Ong , Stephen W. Pan, Tom Shakespeare, Joseph D. Tucker , Eneyi E. Kpokiri , Dan Wu
, Judith A. Dean , Joseph Debattista, Jon Willis, Federica Barzi, Jonathan Leitch, James Ward
, Nghiep Tran, James Tapa, Warittha Tieosapjaroen , Christopher K. Fairley , Eric P. F. Chow , Lei Zhang , Rachel C. Baggaley, Cheryl C. Johnson, Muhammad S. Jamil, Jason J. Ong
, Dilruk Perera, Salomi Arasaratnam , Yudara Kularathne
, Ifeoma Obionu, Yang Zhao, Kelechi Chima , Brian Ahimbisibwe, Chisom Obiezu-Umeh, Eleanor Namusoke Magongo, Onyekachukwu Anikamadu, Oliver Ezechi, Dorian Ho, Yusha Tao, Susan Vorkoper, Rachel Sturke, Juliet lwelunmor, Damilola Walker, Joseph D. Tucker
, John Chama, Natalia Blanco, Ruxton Adebiyi, Kareshma Mohanty, Ayuba Doroh, Jumoke A. Aigoro, Christiana Katu, Uche Ononaku, John Maigida, Abayomi Aka, Ashley Shutt, Patrick Dakum, Man Charurat, Sylvia Adebajo, Rebecca G. Nowak
, Bingyang She, Phyu M. Latt, Jason J. Ong , Xianglong Xu, Yining Bao, Christopher K. Fairley , Lin Zhang, Weiming Tang , Lei Zhang
Older adults (people 60 years and older) are often neglected in sexual health research, programs, and services. This special collection addresses this gap in the literature, drawing on a wide range of perspectives.
Collection Editors
Lianne Gonsalves (World Health Organization)
Dan Wu (Nanjing Medical University)
Eneyi Kpokiri (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
Titilola Gbaja-Biamila (Washington University in St Louis)
Huachun Zou (Fudan University)
Reena Rajasuriar (University Malaya Medical Centre)
Maggie L. Syme (Mass General Brigham)
Last Updated: 21 Nov 2024
This Collection highlights some recent publications in Sexual Health on using technology to optimise sexual health. By leveraging innovations such as rapid diagnostic tools, mobile health (mHealth), self-testing and artificial-intelligence-powered tools, we can empower individuals to take control of their sexual health, reducing risks and enhancing accessibility.
All papers in this collection are free to read for three months, from 13 September 2024.
Collection Editors Jason Ong and Joseph Tucker
Last Updated: 13 Sep 2024
We are pleased to present this Collection on emerging topics in sexual and reproductive health in Australia and New Zealand. This collection of research articles underscores the pressing significance of addressing sexual and reproductive health matters, inviting an in-depth examination of challenges, solutions, and innovative approaches.
Collection Editors Tiffany Phillips, Eric Chow and Jacqueline Coombe
Last Updated: 14 Sep 2023
This Collection includes papers on rising rates of specific STIs in MSM, possible explanations for the rises, ways to improve surveillance and ways to prevent STIs. It also highlights a number of key papers relating to HPV-associated malignancies and potential approaches to reducing these. Fortunately for young MSM, at least Australia’s national childhood HPV vaccination program will prevent virtually all HPV-related malignancies.
Last Updated: 14 Jun 2017
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Explore more information on upcoming Collections and calls for papers.
