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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences & Services".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 33220

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Stefano Eleuteri

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: sexuality and biopsychosocial aspects; sexual education
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Inês M. Tavares

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Assistant Guest Editor

Research Group in Human Sexuality (SexLab), Center for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
Interests: cognitive psychology; human sexuality; psychophysiology of human sexual response; dyadic aspects of sexual well-being

Dr. Raquel Pereira

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Assistant Guest Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Few phenomena have had and continue to have such a significant impact on individual and societal well-being as the exploration of the concept of sexual health in its broadest sense. These advances have influenced many aspects of people's personal and social life, and have also had a significant impact on demographic, production, economic, and civil trends. Gender relations, of course, have also been strongly influenced by the acceptance of gender equality demands and sexual rights. The same, even if at different levels in different societies, could be said for sexual minorities.

There is certainly no lack of studies that have addressed the evolution of the concept of sexual health and the definition and defense of sexual rights, both at the level of single nations and at the international level, with the significant influence of the WHO.

This Special Issue seeks research papers on various aspects of sexual health and sexual rights; they could be a synthesis of the various initiatives and social transformations resulting from the expansion of the concept of sexual rights and sexual health, as well as the emergence of different approaches, for example, from historical, anthropological and/or sociological, psychological, medical, legal, religious and philosophical, and finally political and practical.

Furthermore, these contributions could also be focused on critical visions of the evolution of the concept of sexuality and sexual rights through testimonies—even literary ones—of those who narrate. We especially encourage the submission of interdisciplinary work and multi-country collaborative research. We welcome original research papers using different study designs as well as systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

Dr. Stefano Eleuteri
Dr. Inês M. Tavares
Dr. Raquel Pereira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sexual health
sexual rights
sexual minorities
gender
sexual behavior
bio-psycho-social approach

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sexual and Parenting Rights of People with Physical and Psychical Disabilities: Attitudes of Italians and Socio-Demographic Factors Involved in Recognition and Denial

by Simona Gabriella Di Santo, Margherita Colombo, Marco Silvaggi, Giorgia Rosamaria Gammino, Valentina Fava, Chiara Malandrino, Chiara Nanini, Cristina Rossetto, Sara Simone and Stefano Eleuteri

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19021017 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3225

Abstract

The sexual and parenting rights (SPRs) of people with disabilities (PwDs) are under-recognized. Sociodemographic factors may influence attitudes towards them. The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze the levels of agreement of a sample of Italian people with some SPRs of PwDs; (2) to inquire if the SPRs of people with psychical disabilities (PwPSYDs) were less recognized than those with physical disabilities (PwPHDs); (3) to verify if sociodemographic characteristics associated with under-recognition. An online anonymous survey was distributed using non-random sampling methods to conduct an inquiry into the level of agreement with statements regarding the SPRs of PwPHDs and PwPSYDs to have satisfying sexuality, to marry, and to adopt children. Answers from 973 Italian participants, aged 18–84 years (71.1% females) were analyzed. At least 70% of respondents declared in favor of the SPRs of PwPHDs. The SPRs of PwPSYDs were always subjected to higher under-recognition. Religiosity, male sex, higher age, and lower education were the factors most often associated with being against the SPRs of PwDs. Improved identification of the less tolerant respondents and the less recognized categories may allow for specific strategies for promoting the recognition of the SPRs for PwDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sexual Health and Sexual Rights)

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14 pages, 1072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safe Sexual Behavior Intentions among College Students: The Construction of an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior

by Chien-Liang Lin, Yuan Ye, Peng Lin, Xiao-Ling Lai, Yuan-Qing Jin, Xin Wang and Yu-Sheng Su

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126349 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8151

Abstract

Sexual health education is an essential part of quality-oriented education for college students. It aims to help these students to acquire knowledge of sexual physiology, sexual psychology, and sexual social norms that is consistent with the maturity of the students. Along with college students’attitudes toward sex, their perceptions regarding sexual behavior have also undergone profound changes. The importance of safe sexual behavior, sexual taboos, and sexual autonomy are gaining increasing attention as Chinese society is becoming more open. For college students who have just reached adulthood and have full autonomy of themselves, however, are they really going to have sexual behavior without careful consideration? Or is it something they have planned to do in the first place? To answer the above questions, this study was conducted to understand the relationship between college students’ attitudes toward sex, subjective norms, and behavioral control of their sexual behavior intentions by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior. In this study, 460 valid questionnaires were collected from Chinese college students and analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This study analyzes the relationship of multiple factors, including those influencing college students’ sexual behavior intentions. Meanwhile, it also compares the differences in factors affecting sexual behavior intentions between college students with or without sexual experience and those of different genders. Based on the results of the study, it was found that, first, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control of college students had a significant effect on safe sexual behavior intentions, while attitudes did not have a significant effect on safe sexual behavior intentions. Second, the gender and sexual experience of college students had a significant effect on safe sexual behavior intentions. Third, non-sexually experienced college students were more likely to be influenced by external factors. Relevant future research suggestions will be proposed based on the results of this study. Finally, this study helps to provide substantive suggestions for enhancing safe sexual behavior among college students in the context of universal higher education, as well as strengthening the self-protection of college students and providing practical advice for the development of sex education in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sexual Health and Sexual Rights)

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17 pages, 1239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting the Public Acceptance of Extramarital Sex in China

by Nian Liu, Zekai Lu and Ying Xie

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5767; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115767 - 27 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3582

Abstract

There is a lack of quantitative studies on the acceptance of extramarital sex in China. Based on data from the Chinese General Social Survey 2013 (CGSS2013), this paper used a zero-inflated Poisson regression model to analyze the factors influencing the public’s attitudes toward extramarital sex. When other variables were controlled, groups of younger ages, higher educational levels, and stronger tendencies toward “liberalization” and non-Islamic beliefs were more tolerant toward extramarital sex, whereas gender and Christian beliefs had no significant influence. In this regard, family and marriage counseling, and society’s moral tolerance and social control of religion are discussed, and further research on cross-cultural verification is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sexual Health and Sexual Rights)

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19 pages, 2721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Methodological Model for the Promotion of Sexual Corporeal Health and Self-Care

by Jimena Silva Segovia, Pablo Zuleta Pastor and Estefany Castillo Ravanal

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 5034; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18095034 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3122

Abstract

The objective of this article is to contribute to sex education with a methodology that facilitates subjective expression through the body in its different experiences. For that, we propose an intertextual model of sexual self-care that focuses on gender and rights. This work strategy stimulates the emergence of meanings and discourses embodied in a protagonist’s body. These procedures are applied in interactive workshops, where the experience narrated, written and graphed on one’s own body and sexuality is articulated. Based on this amalgam, a body map is drawn that illustrates a geography of interpersonal relationships. In the process, the importance of gender mandates, coming from meaningful figures, is understood. From these findings it is possible to self-analyze experiences that emerge from the intrapsychic levels weaved with sociocultural and emotional experiences, which opens opportunities for the deconstruction of hegemonic positions. The relationship that develops between the person who produces the intertextual map of the body and the person who orients the process is dialogical in that the notions of authorship, agency and subjective autonomy are recognized, which increases the possibilities of redefining gender’s position in social relationships and provides a strategy for educational programs considered from the protagonist’s perspective. It is concluded that this model facilitates the process of corporeal self-care in that it strengthens autonomy through the recognition of authorship and agency, strengthening the redefinition of a gendered position in social relationships, providing a strategy for educational prevention programs and the promotion of sexuality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sexual Health and Sexual Rights)

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13 pages, 487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation of a Sexual-Outlook Questionnaire (SOQ) for Adult Populations in the Republic of Korea

by Sun Houng Kim, Hyang Yuol Lee, Seung Young Lee and Bum Suk Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8681; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228681 - 23 Nov 2020

Viewed by 2599

Abstract

A Sexual Outlook Questionnaire (SOQ) that can apply to a wide range of Korean populations, including disabled people, was necessary for comprehensive research on improving clinical practice of sexual education and developing sex-related intervention programs. We developed the SOQ and tested its validity with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and multi-trait/-item matrix analyses. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient for item total correlations. We studied a total of 334 married or previously married adults with no cognitive impairment in the community settings. The eleven survey items were included in the final SOQ. Three factors were found: The first, “personal benefit”, was devoted to the impact of one’s sexual life and included four questions about the health-promoting effects and their recognition of healthiness, youth, and vitality as benefits of their sexual life. The second, “relational value”, included four questions about sex as an expression of love and means of communication, and its effect on the improvement of their relationship with their spouse (partner). The third, “sexual endeavor”, included three questions about the handling of sex-related problems, consulting with an expert, and sexual education. The questionnaire can briefly measure the sexual outlook of any married or previously married adult, regardless of disability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sexual Health and Sexual Rights)

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Review

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18 pages, 785 KiB

Open AccessReview

Common Features in Compulsive Sexual Behavior, Substance Use Disorders, Personality, Temperament, and Attachment—A Narrative Review

by Yaniv Efrati, Shane W. Kraus and Gal Kaplan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010296 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5673

Abstract

Do addictions share common traits of an “addictive personality” or do different addictions have distinct personality profiles? This narrative review examines the differences in the associations between substance use disorder (SUD) and compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), on the one hand, and personality traits, attachment dispositions, and temperament, on the other hand. We found that both people with a SUD and people with CSBD tended to be more spontaneous, careless, and less reliable, to place self-interest above getting along with others, to show emotional instability and experience negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and/or depression, to be less able to control their attention and/or behavior, and to be engulfed with a constant sensation of “wanting”. Only people with CSBD, but not SUD, noted concerns with their social ties, fear of losing close others, and/or trusting others around them. Results also suggested that people with a SUD and people with CSBD share high commonalities in personality traits and temperament, yet there are noted differences in their social tendencies, especially with close others. People with CSBD reported more concerns with possible relationship losses compared to people with SUD issues, who may be more worried about losing their source of escapism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sexual Health and Sexual Rights)

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Other

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10 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men (BMSM) in the Southern U.S.

by Oluwafemi Adeagbo, Sayward Harrison, Shan Qiao and Xiaoming Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189715 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5129

Abstract

Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) living in the United States (U.S.) South are disproportionately affected by HIV and experience significant disparities in HIV incidence, access to HIV care, and prevention across ages and socio-economic statuses. The aim of this commentary is to critically review current literature on the state of PrEP use among BMSM in the U.S. South, including identifying barriers and facilitators to PrEP use in order to inform intervention development. Extant literature shows that despite the documented benefits of PrEP as an effective HIV-prevention method, its uptake among BMSM is limited across the U.S. South. Common barriers to PrEP uptake included stigma, homophobia, mistrust of healthcare systems, negative attitudes from healthcare providers, access and transportation issues, poverty, and misinformation about PrEP. These barriers are likely to have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited access to PrEP and other HIV-prevention programs, such as HIV testing, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and condoms for BMSM are likely increase HIV incidence in this community. Moreover, the rapid expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 period may offer increased opportunity to scale-up PrEP through telehealth interventions, especially if in-person services remain limited due to pandemic precautions. Given the intersectional barriers that limit the access and uptake of PrEP among BMSM, we suggest that tailored programs or interventions that seek to address PrEP disparities among Southern BMSM should adopt intersectional and interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the complex challenges of scaling up PrEP. More studies are needed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on HIV-prevention services among BMSM and to understand how to co-develop—with the BMSM community and healthcare providers—culturally acceptable interventions to reduce the identified challenges using intersectional and interdisciplinary approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sexual Health and Sexual Rights)

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