International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

13 pages, 344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Female Sexual Function Index and Female Behavioral Changes: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study in Thailand

by Udomsak Narkkul, Jun Jiet Ng and Apisith Saraluck

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15565; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315565 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2006

Abstract

Sexual health alterations are associated with disasters. Consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic may affect female sexual function. This study aimed to determine the COVID-19 pandemic effect on female sexual function and to know the risk of female sexual dysfunction. This online, cross-sectional, observational research [...] Read more.

Sexual health alterations are associated with disasters. Consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic may affect female sexual function. This study aimed to determine the COVID-19 pandemic effect on female sexual function and to know the risk of female sexual dysfunction. This online, cross-sectional, observational research was conducted during the pandemic period. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the associations between outcomes and potential risk factors. In total, 432 sexually active women participating in the region affected by the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed. The overall findings of our study are that 60 percent of females were at risk for female sexual dysfunction. The average FSFI score was 21.27 ± 7.17. Comparing female sexual behavior before and during the COVID-19 pandemic reveals a significant decrease in the frequency of having sex per week, foreplay duration, and coital duration. In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with the development of RFSD are age greater than 45 years (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 15.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.67–62.07), body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 (AOR 3.26, 95%CI 1.23–8.67), jobs as a healthcare provider (AOR 8.45, 95%CI 3.66–19.53), previous COVID-19 infection within the previous three months (AOR 36.81, 95%CI 10.93–123.98), and screened-positive anxiety (AOR 13.07, 95%CI 4.75–35.94). COVID-19 influences female sexual behavior and may increase the risk of sexual dysfunction in women. Concern for the effects of female sexual quality of life in high-risk individuals is essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Health in the Time of COVID-19)

7 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

STIs during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hungary: Gonorrhea as a Potential Indicator of Sexual Behavior

by Kende Lőrincz, Fanni Adél Meznerics, Antal Jobbágy, Norbert Kiss, Mária Madarász, Laura Belvon, Béla Tóth, Béla Tamási, Norbert Miklós Wikonkál, Márta Marschalkó and András Bánvölgyi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9627; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159627 - 5 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1688

Abstract

The social distancing measures introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected the sexual behavior of the population. We collected data retrospectively from the National STD Center of Hungary. The overall patient influx data of the STD Center and the number of [...] Read more.

The social distancing measures introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected the sexual behavior of the population. We collected data retrospectively from the National STD Center of Hungary. The overall patient influx data of the STD Center and the number of patients diagnosed with syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea infections were assessed in the three-month period of 2020 when the strict governmental lockdown was introduced in Hungary. Data were compared to the pre- and post-lockdown quarters of 2020 and matched to the respective quarters of 2018 and 2019. The number of patients diagnosed with syphilis and chlamydia infections in 2020 during the lockdown decreased compared to 2018 and 2019, while the number of gonorrhea cases increased. The lower number of STI screenings resulted in a significant decrease in asymptomatic syphilis and chlamydia case numbers. However, the growing number of gonorrhea cases in 2020 during lockdown highlights that sexual behavior remained unchanged regardless of restrictions. Therefore, gonorrhea may be considered as an indicator of STI incidences during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Health in the Time of COVID-19)

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15 pages, 371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Compared to COVID, HIV Is Nothing”: Exploring How Onshore East Asian and Sub-Saharan African International Students in Sydney Navigate COVID-19 versus BBVs/STIs Risk Spectrum

by Sylvester Reuben Okeke

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106264 - 21 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2837

Abstract

Background: While a large body of evidence indicates changes in alcohol and other drug use among young people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lack of evidence around changes in sexual practices and how the pandemic may be [...] Read more.

Background: While a large body of evidence indicates changes in alcohol and other drug use among young people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lack of evidence around changes in sexual practices and how the pandemic may be impacting the potential spread of blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections (BBVs/STIs). Most of what we know about sex during COVID-19 lockdowns is largely based on solitary sexual practices, which may not answer the critical question around how the pandemic may be shaping sexual practices among young people. Against this backdrop, this study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic may be shaping BBVs/STIs risk and protective practices among a sample of onshore African and Asian international students in Sydney, Australia. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study involved semi-structured telephone and face-to-face interviews with 16 international university students in Sydney, between September 2020–March 2021. Generated data were coded using NVivo and analysis was guided by reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants reported elevated mental health distress because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some participants reported engaging in casual sexual hook-ups as a strategy to mitigate the mental health distress they were experiencing. Some of these sexual hook-ups were condomless partly because COVID-related disruptions impacted condom accessibility. Additionally, the preventive practices of some participants who were sexually active during the lockdowns were focused on preventing COVID-19, while the risk of BBVs/STIs were downplayed. Conclusions: This study indicates a need for a comprehensive public health response to the evolving and near-endemic COVID-19 situation. Such a comprehensive approach should focus on empowering young people to prevent both SARS-CoV-2 and BBVs/STIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Health in the Time of COVID-19)

19 pages, 3224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Assessment of Sexual Life—Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys among Polish Adults in 2017, 2020 and 2021

by Zbigniew Izdebski, Jolanta Słowikowska-Hilczer and Joanna Mazur

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074110 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

The study aims to investigate whether assessment of sexual life remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two surveys were conducted among Polish adults aged 18–70 years in June 2020 (n = 2042; perspective of last 2–3 months) and in June 2021 ( [...] Read more.

The study aims to investigate whether assessment of sexual life remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two surveys were conducted among Polish adults aged 18–70 years in June 2020 (n = 2042; perspective of last 2–3 months) and in June 2021 (n = 2418; last 12 months). Data from 2017 (n = 1980) were used as a reference point. Four questions allowed for defining five sexual life assessment profiles (k-means cluster analysis). Their characteristics were presented using 12 variables and 16 factors that contributed to difficulties in sexual life. The 2020 survey showed a temporary increase in the importance of sexual life and the frequency of sexual intercourse. However, the percentage of respondents representing the most favorable profile decreased significantly over the consecutive survey periods (47.1%, 34.2%, and 32.3%, respectively). Pandemic-induced fatigue and stress as well as the permanent presence of others at home were reported as two main factors negatively affecting the frequency of sexual intercourse during the pandemic. Respondents who assessed their sexual life as poor were more likely to consider illness, depression, and low self-esteem as factors negatively impacting their sexual life in 2021 than a year earlier. The results confirmed that as the pandemic drew on, the assessment of sexual life changed compared to the time around the first lockdown. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Health in the Time of COVID-19)

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12 pages, 526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Depressive and Sexual Disorders during the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Young Polish Women

by Ewa Szuster, Paulina Kostrzewska, Anna Pawlikowska, Amanda Mandera, Małgorzata Biernikiewicz, Małgorzata Sobieszczańska, Krystyna Rożek-Piechura, Grażyna Jarząbek-Bielecka, Agnieszka Rusiecka and Dariusz Kałka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031887 - 8 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2563

Abstract

We investigated whether long-term social restrictions and COVID-19 exposure have different impacts on the mental and sexual health of Polish women compared to the effects experienced at the beginning of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among Polish women via Facebook groups. [...] Read more.

We investigated whether long-term social restrictions and COVID-19 exposure have different impacts on the mental and sexual health of Polish women compared to the effects experienced at the beginning of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among Polish women via Facebook groups. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were compared for the first wave (April–May 2020) and the second wave (November 2020 to February 2021) of the pandemic. We enrolled 1644 participants (mean age 25.11 ± 7.09 years) during the first wave and 720 participants (mean age 23.23 ± 5.34 years) during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Significant differences were observed in libido levels and frequency of sexual activity before and during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (both p < 0.001). The percentage of participants under psychiatric or psychological care increased from 6.5% to 14.44% and those who were anxious about the health conditions of loved ones increased from 57.5% to 65.14%. BDI scores increased significantly from 11 (IQR 5–18) to 12 (IQR 7–20). The change in the FSFI score was not significant (27.01 ± 7.61 vs. 26.38 ± 7.76). The COVID-19 pandemic affected various aspects of human life, including sexual life. The data obtained during the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland showed that female sexual dysfunction did not differ, but depressive symptoms and fear intensified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Health in the Time of COVID-19)

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16 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sexual and Reproductive Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Cross-Sectional Online Survey in Germany

by Jule Räuchle, Peer Briken, Johanna Schröder and Olena Ivanova

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031428 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 12881

Abstract

The accumulated evidence maps the COVID-19 pandemic’s diverse impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRH); however, the precise changes in sexual behaviours and the underlying causes producing these changes are rarely considered. This study is aimed at assessing the changes in sexual behaviours [...] Read more.

The accumulated evidence maps the COVID-19 pandemic’s diverse impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRH); however, the precise changes in sexual behaviours and the underlying causes producing these changes are rarely considered. This study is aimed at assessing the changes in sexual behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, using quantitative methods, and it is also aimed at identifying the underlying reasons, using qualitative methods. It is a part of the broader I-SHARE project, which administered a cross-sectional online survey in 33 countries to describe the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on different aspects of SRH. In the current study, a total of 611 adults from Germany are included. The findings demonstrate a decline in sexual satisfaction, as well as increases in sexual problems and partnership conflicts. Furthermore, the findings indicate an increase in pornography consumption and masturbation. Psychological stress, due to the pandemic, seemed to be the main reason for the changes in the participants’ sexual behaviours, followed by a decrease in social contacts, and an increase in time resources. Thus, it is important to provide accessible clinical and psychosocial (online) interventions and services in order to maintain good sexual health in times of pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Health in the Time of COVID-19)

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13 pages, 363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Making Peace” with Bodies and Sexual Selves: Changes during COVID-19 among Adults in the United States

by Jessamyn Bowling, Erin Basinger and Erika A. Montanaro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111063 - 21 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2100

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the physical and mental health of many and has necessitated widespread societal shifts, including changes to work and family activities. These changes have impacted individuals’ identity, including their sexual self-image and body image, yet research on perceptions [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the physical and mental health of many and has necessitated widespread societal shifts, including changes to work and family activities. These changes have impacted individuals’ identity, including their sexual self-image and body image, yet research on perceptions of these changes is missing. This study reports on quantitative and qualitative data from an electronic survey with adults in the United States (N = 326) to examine these perceptions. Body appreciation did not significantly differ between demographic groups. Themes emerging from the qualitative results included changes in general self-image (becoming more restricted or disempowered), changes in sexual self-image (deepening, becoming more sexy/sexual, or less sexy/sexual), and changes in body image (positive, negative, and neutral). Our findings point to positive, negative, and neutral effects on sexual self-image and body image, implying that nuanced approaches are needed to understand how identity has transformed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Health in the Time of COVID-19)

13 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between the Desire for Breast Augmentation and Instagram Engagement: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Young Polish Women

by Tomasz Skrzypczak, Klaudia Błachnio, Tomasz Górnicki, Justyna Kmieć, Agnieszka Ciąder, Małgorzata Biernikiewicz, Marzena Majchrowska, Małgorzata Sobieszczańska, Małgorzata Szymala-Pędzik and Dariusz Kałka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910317 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3345

Abstract

The impact of social media on the eagerness to undergo aesthetic breast surgery is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association between Instagram engagement and the willingness to undergo breast augmentation. Women aged between 19–34 years old participated in an online survey. Of [...] Read more.

The impact of social media on the eagerness to undergo aesthetic breast surgery is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association between Instagram engagement and the willingness to undergo breast augmentation. Women aged between 19–34 years old participated in an online survey. Of the 1560 respondents, 1226 (78.59%) met the inclusion criteria. BMI, bra type, bra cup size, education, and level of activity on Instagram increased the willingness to undergo breast augmentation (OR = 1.520, p = 0.020). Moreover, concurrent Snapchat use (OR = 1.348, p = 0.024) and the number of published posts on a respondent’s Instagram accounts (reference, n > 26; 0 < n ≤ 26; OR = 0.708, p = 0.009; lack of posts (n = 0): OR = 0.702, p = 0.155) were significant drivers of the respondents’ willingness. Fashion (OR = 0.730, p = 0.021), design/architecture (OR = 0.730, p = 0.022), and models (OR = 0.623, p = 0.004) were the searched content categories that increased the desire for breast augmentation. Positive and negative feeling scores that were triggered by Instagram content were correlated with BREAST-Q scores. We concluded that Instagram is a commonly used social network service among young women, and it may drive a desire for breast augmentation. Further analyses of Instagram preferences may help assess the willingness to undergo breast surgery, and in turn assist in tailoring marketing campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Health in the Time of COVID-19)

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