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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 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 
Published online 28 April 2025

SH24233Strategies to sustain HIV prevention interventions among adolescents and young adults: analysis of data from a crowdsourcing open call in Nigeria

Ujunwa Onyeama 0000-0002-0455-7100, Lauren Fidelak, Weiming Tang 0000-0002-9026-707X, Susan Nkengasong, Titilola Gbaja-Biamila, Lateef Akeem, Adesola Zaidat Musa, Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu, Tomilola Musari-Martins 0000-0001-9961-1300, 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 0000-0003-2804-1181
 

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

Published online 22 April 2025

SH24149Renal impairment risk in Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who take HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): a retrospective cohort study

D. Drak 0000-0001-6900-2029, H. McManus, T. Vickers, J. Salerno, M. Tobin, J. T. Hughes, D. A. Lewis, A. Carter 0000-0003-2151-2622, 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.

SH24149 Abstract  | PDF (366 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 22 April 2025

SH24175#TheHealthYouthWant: a qualitative analysis of a global crowdsourcing open call for innovative ideas to promote adolescent health and well-being in countries with a high HIV burden

Takhona G. Hlatshwako 0009-0007-0081-8127, Ifeoma Obionu, Yang Zhao, Kelechi Chima 0000-0002-0271-5160, 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 0000-0003-2804-1181
 

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

Published online 07 April 2025

SH24027Can network-based testing services have an impact beyond testing for HIV?

Aliza Monroe-Wise 0000-0002-8843-3462, 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

Published online 03 April 2025

SH24042Assessing sexual health literacy: a systematic review of measures

Tiffany Chenneville 0000-0001-5598-9387, Morgan Haskett 0000-0001-6864-5559, Kaitlyn Ligman 0000-0001-9392-9123, Sarah M. Gardy 0000-0001-6264-2517, Camielle Crampsie 0000-0002-6691-5743 and Trevor A. Hart 0000-0001-5107-7452
 

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.

SH24042 Abstract  | PDF (630 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 31 March 2025

SH24081Changing the model of HIV PrEP delivery – nurse-led telehealth in a metropolitan sexual health service: a retrospective analysis

Jewel Wai 0009-0005-7958-5383, Arthur Wong 0000-0003-4043-1895, Natalie Ovington, Paul Robinson and Rick Varma 0000-0002-0402-0506
 

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.

SH24081 Abstract  | PDF (325 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 27 March 2025

SH24186Improving engagement with sexual and reproductive health services among young African migrants in Australia

Humaira Maheen 0000-0002-7474-7727, Negin Mirzaei Damabi and Zohra S. Lassi 0000-0002-5350-6334
 

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

Published online 27 March 2025

SH24235A digital citizen science intervention to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV testing: a randomized clinical trial among adolescents and young adults in Kazakhstan

Alissa Davis 0000-0003-2084-9741, Laura Nyblade, Yihang Sun, Olga Balabekova, Sara E. Landers, Denis Gryazev, Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181, Valera Gulyaev, Susan L. Rosenthal, Karsten Lunze, Weiming Tang 0000-0002-9026-707X, 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 0009-0000-0588-0586, 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.

SH24235 Abstract  |  SH24235 Full Text  | SH24235PDF (355 KB)  | SH24235Supplementary Material (485 KB)

Published online 17 March 2025

SH24179Exploring sexual desire and fantasies: a cross-sectional online study on gender differences on Iranian adults

Rezvan Shekarchi 0009-0008-0158-5764 and Filippo Maria Nimbi
 

This study explores the relationship between sexual fantasies, sexual desire and sexual functioning among Iranian adults, focusing on gender differences. The findings show that men report more explicit and diverse fantasies, whereas women tend to have more romantic and emotional fantasy.

SH24179 Abstract  | PDF (342 KB) - $35.00   | SH24179Supplementary Material (244 KB)
Published online 17 March 2025

SH24185Epidemiological trends of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes and syphilis in India from 1990 to 2019: analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD 2019)

Ashu Kumari, Kumari Akanksha, Omprokash Dutta, Farah Deeba and Nasir Salam 0000-0001-9133-1304
 

India has a substantial burden of STIs. The incidence rate for chlamydia, trichomoniasis and genital herpes increased, the incidence rate for syphilis declined, whereas the incidence rate for gonococcal infection did not show any substantial change. Most of the disability-adjusted life years and deaths in 2019 were contributed by syphilis.

SH24185 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00   | SH24185Supplementary Material (2.5 MB)
Published online 17 March 2025

SH24200HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis re-initiation among men who have sex with men: a multi-center cohort study in China

Yifan Dai 0009-0007-3325-1972, Zhuoheng Yin 0009-0006-7012-5986, Chunyan Li, Chengxin Fan, Heping Zhao, Haojie Huang, Quanmin Li, Songjie Wu, Aniruddha Hazra, Jonathan Lio, Ke Liang, Linghua Li, Renslow Sherer, Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181, Cheng Wang and Weiming Tang 0000-0002-9026-707X
 

Many men who have sex with men (MSM) stop using PrEP, a medication that prevents HIV, even though they remain at risk. Our study found that MSM are more likely to re-initiate their PrEP prescription if they continue engaging in concurrent sexual partnerships, use drugs, or are influenced by their partners. These insights are crucial for developing strategies that support consistent PrEP use and prevent new HIV infections in key populations.

SH24200 Abstract  | PDF (570 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 06 March 2025

SH24237Assessing and projecting the global impacts of female infertility: a 1990–2040 analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study

Hanjin Wang and Bengui Jiang 0000-0003-0111-1637
 

The projected global burden of female infertility is expected to increase significantly from 2021 to 2040, with notable regional disparities. Central sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia are anticipated to experience higher burdens. Regions with a higher sociodemographic index generally have lower female infertility burdens, with notable trends observed in Europe and Asia.

SH24237 Abstract  |  SH24237 Full Text  | SH24237PDF (1.3 MB)  | SH24237Supplementary Material (775 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 March 2025

SH24171Service delivery of at-home STI testing using self-collected samples: a qualitative investigation of values and preferences among adults in Rakai, Uganda

Yasmin P. Ogale 0000-0002-1882-6535, M. Kathryn Grabowski, Proscovia Nabakka, Herman Mukiibi, Frank Lukabwe, Neema Nakyanjo, Fred Nalugoda, Joseph Kagaayi, Godfrey Kigozi, Charlotte A. Gaydos 0000-0002-1021-3195, Julie A. Denison and Caitlin E. Kennedy
 

At-home self-collection programs for STI testing (SCS/STI testing) can expand STI diagnosis in low-resource settings, but data on client service delivery values and preferences are limited. This study found that clients most valued timely service and the health professionals’ knowledge. When building a framework for a SCS/STI testing program, it is critical to include systems for meeting clients’ needs; these formative data can guide program managers in the development of client-centered SCS/STI testing services in low-resource settings.

SH24171 Abstract  | PDF (271 KB) - $35.00   | SH24171Supplementary Material (468 KB)

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  14. A digital citizen science intervention to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV testing: a randomized clinical trial among adolescents and young adults in Kazakhstan

    Sexual Health 22 (2)
    Alissa Davis 0000-0003-2084-9741, Laura Nyblade, Yihang Sun, Olga Balabekova, Sara E. Landers, Denis Gryazev, Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181, Valera Gulyaev, Susan L. Rosenthal, Karsten Lunze, Weiming Tang 0000-0002-9026-707X, 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 0009-0000-0588-0586, 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

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Sexual health among older adults: A multi-disciplinary collection

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

Hidden gems in Sexual Health: the use of technology to improve the control of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

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

Emerging Sexual and Reproductive Health in Australia and New Zealand: Gaps, Challenges and Solutions

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

STIs in MSM - long and the short of it

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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