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Sexual Health

Sexual Health

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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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Sexual Health is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 29 May 2025

SH25017Position statement on doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial sexually transmissible infections in Aotearoa New Zealand: the New Zealand Sexual Health Society

Julia Scott 0009-0008-6347-2941, Massimo Giola 0009-0007-9327-3671 and Jeannie Oliphant
 

This position statement from the New Zealand Sexual Health Society outlines the background, process and recommendations of a cross-sectoral meeting on doxycycline prophylaxis to prevent bacterial STIs. The New Zealand Sexual Health Society recommends that this prevention strategy be considered as part of a comprehensive STI prevention approach, and this statement provides guidance for clinicians in Aotearoa New Zealand on when to consider and how to prescribe doxycycline prophylaxis. STI diagnostic considerations, and monitoring and surveillance are discussed.

SH25017 Abstract  | PDF (197 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 27 May 2025

SH24159Turkish adaptation, validity and reliability study of the sexual and reproductive empowerment scale for adolescents and young adults

Sila Gül 0000-0002-5375-4864 and Nuriye Büyükkayaci Duman
 

Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults in Turkey face various difficulties in sexual and reproductive health. It has been observed that there is a need for a scale to assess the sexual and reproductive health empowerment of adolescents and young adults in Turkey. This study found that the Sexual and Reproductive Health Empowerment Scale for Adolescents and Young Adults is a valid and highly reliable instrument for the Turkish population.

SH24159 Abstract  | PDF (270 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 27 May 2025

SH24210Financial sustainability of HIV services for key populations in four countries in Asia: a mixed-methods study

James Tapa 0009-0006-7619-7243, Matthew Kusen, Felicity Young, Mike Merrigan and Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403
 

Middle-income countries that are transitioning away from external donor funding for HIV services targetting key populations need to have policies in place and domestic resources allocated to continue providing the services sustainably without disruption. We analyzed and presented the findings from the surveys and key informant interviews of diverse stakeholders to understand barriers to domestic funding for key population–led HIV programming in four selected countries (Bhutan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka) in Asia that are scheduled for transition.

SH24210 Abstract  |  SH24210 Full Text  | SH24210PDF (243 KB)  | SH24210Supplementary Material (232 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 May 2025

SH24093Barriers and facilitators to accessing sexual health services among middle-aged and older adults in the UK, including those with disabilities: a qualitative analysis

Charlotte Letley, Isabella Kritzer, Yoshiko Sakuma, Hayley Conyers, Sophia Randazzo, Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, Suzanne Day, Dan Wu 0000-0003-0415-5467, Fern Terris-Prestholt 0000-0003-1693-5196, Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181 and Eneyi E. Kpokiri 0000-0003-1180-1439
 

Despite evidence that many middle-aged and older adults in the UK remain sexually active, their access to and uptake of sexual health services has been underestimated. Our exploration of their lived experiences revealed physical barriers and the stigma around their sexual health and of being perceived as asexual by health professionals. To improve service provision and access, a multi-faceted approach is needed, including enhanced training for healthcare providers, further research, and supportive policies.

This article belongs to the collection: Sexual health among older adults: A multi-disciplinary collection.

SH24093 Abstract  |  SH24093 Full Text  | SH24093PDF (1 MB)  | SH24093Supplementary Material (1.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 May 2025

SH24247Preferences and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV among men who have sex with men in mainland China and Hong Kong

Jiajun Sun 0000-0001-5529-6660, Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, Heather-Marie Schmidt 0000-0002-2629-6407, Curtis Chan 0000-0002-9581-1011, Benjamin R. Bavinton 0000-0001-5834-8278, Kimberly Elizabeth Green 0000-0002-0848-8480, Nittaya Phanuphak 0000-0002-0036-3165, Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Nicky Suwandi, Doug Fraser, Weiming Tang 0000-0002-9026-707X, Michael Cassell, Hua Boonyapisomparn, Edmond Pui Hang Choi 0000-0001-9062-3540, Lei Zhang 0000-0003-2343-084X and Warittha Tieosapjaroen
 

PrEP uptake remains low among MSM in mainland China and Hong Kong. This study found that oral PrEP was most preferred, with MSM in mainland China more likely to use on-demand PrEP, whereas MSM in Hong Kong were more likely to use monthly oral PrEP. These findings highlight the need for specific strategies to improve PrEP uptake and address local social and behavioural influences on HIV prevention.

This article belongs to the collection: Awareness, Preferenes, and the Use of PrEP in Asia Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Findings from the PrEP APPEAL Study.

SH24247 Abstract  |  SH24247 Full Text  | SH24247PDF (3.3 MB)  | SH24247Supplementary Material (526 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 May 2025

SH24136Awareness and willingness toward doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis use for bacterial sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men

Yi-Ting Chen 0009-0001-6734-1593, 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 0000-0001-8271-6595, An-Ting Peng, Pei-Yu Wang, Guei-Chi Li and Chien-Ching Hung 0000-0001-7345-0836
 

Using doxycycline after exposure (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) can prevent men who have sex with men from contracting STIs. A study in Taiwan found that these men were open to using doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, especially when they felt that they might be at risk of STIs. It is important to understand their readiness to identify behaviors that increase the chances of contracting or transmitting STIs, and to offer education and support to help them use doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis effectively.

SH24136 Abstract  |  SH24136 Full Text  | SH24136PDF (905 KB)  | SH24136Supplementary Material (703 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 May 2025

SH24116Using photovoice to explore HIV self-testing and secondary distribution of HIV self-testing among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in China

Qianyun Wang 0000-0002-8558-8565, Ying Lu, Yuxin Ni, Xumeng Yan, Rayner Kay Jin Tan 0000-0002-9188-3368, Dan Wu 0000-0003-0415-5467, Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181, Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403 and Weiming Tang 0000-0002-9026-707X
 

This study sheds light on the experiences of HIV self-testing and secondary distribution among Chinese gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Utilizing the photovoice methodology, the research reveals how systemic discrimination and AIDS-phobia affect their decision-making. The findings emphasize the need for community engagement and supportive policies to enhance HIV self-testing uptake, highlighting the broader implications for public health and inclusivity in China.

SH24116 Abstract  | PDF (2.5 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 12 May 2025

SH24195A comparative analysis of abortion care and outcomes post-decriminalisation in a public sexual health clinic in Queensland, Australia

Alexandra Christina Drew 0009-0007-6917-7612
 

Since Queensland’s decriminalisation of abortion in 2018, societal views have shifted, seeing abortion as a healthcare standard rather than a crime. However, most abortions are still privately funded in Australia. Cairns Sexual Health Service, a public provider, offers affordable, timely abortions without a GP referral. This paper examines clinical practice from 2019 to 2023, detailing the demographics and outcomes of those accessing the service. It also compares these results to a 2011–2015 review, prior to decriminalisation.

SH24195 Abstract  | PDF (573 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 06 May 2025

SH24208Diagnoses of sexually transmissible infections in HIV-serodiscordant male couples in Australia, Brazil and Thailand

James Gray 0000-0001-7090-293X, Fengyi Jin, Nittaya Phanuphak 0000-0002-0036-3165, Ruth K. Friedman, Christopher K. Fairley 0000-0001-9081-1664, David J. Templeton, Iryna Zablotska-Manos, Jennifer Hoy, David Baker, Mayara Secco Torres Silva, Andrew Grulich, Benjamin Bavinton 0000-0001-5834-8278 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

Published online 06 May 2025

SH25010Empowering adolescent girls in Pakistan: development and feasibility of the Girls’ Voices Curriculum for advocacy and leadership

Komal A. Rahim, Zohra S. Lassi 0000-0002-5350-6334, 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.

SH25010 Abstract  | PDF (655 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 06 May 2025

SH24196Engaging citizens to conduct large-scale qualitative research: lessons learnt from a community-engaged research project on queer men’s lived experiences of health in Singapore

Shao Yuan Chong 0000-0001-9612-8647, Benedict Xin Hao Tan, Daniel Weng Siong Ho, Ye Xuan Wee 0009-0008-8533-6780, Muhammad Hafiz bin Jamal, Rayner Kay Jin Tan 0000-0002-9188-3368 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

Published online 06 May 2025

SH25026Do Australian sexual health clinics have the capacity to meet demand? A mixed methods survey of directors of sexual health clinics in Australia

Christopher K. Fairley 0000-0001-9081-1664, Jason J. Ong, Lei Zhang 0000-0003-2343-084X, Rick Varma 0000-0002-0402-0506, Louise Owen, Darren B. Russell, Sarah J. Martin 0000-0002-9325-1647, Joseph Cotter, Caroline Thng 0000-0002-1457-1539, Nathan Ryder 0000-0002-2050-0155, Eric P. F. Chow 0000-0003-1766-0657, Tiffany R. Phillips 0000-0001-6920-7710 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

Published online 28 April 2025

SH24201Blind spots in community-based participatory research with sex workers in Singapore: lessons learned and assumptions uncovered in the context of a diverse, hierarchical and stigmatized key population

Sook Lin Toh, Vanessa Ho, Raksha Mahtani, Shermaine Koh, Nur Binte Sarah Pancadarma, Audrey Kang, Chen Seong Wong, Brooke S. West, Rayner Kay Jin Tan 0000-0002-9188-3368 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.

SH24201 Abstract  | PDF (846 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 28 April 2025

SH25035Assessment and implementation of Expedited Partner Therapy at an academic medical center

Alena Kathryn Hoover 0009-0000-5882-0341, 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.

SH25035 Abstract  | PDF (197 KB) - $35.00 

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