The relationship between urinary tract infections and the collegiate academic calendar

College students believe that they are more likely to be ill during examination periods than at other times in the academic year. We in the health service hypothesized that urinary tract infections are not affected by the demands of the academic calendar. During a 4-year study, the university health service obtained urine culture data prospectively from 456 patients who had a total of 508 episodes of urinary tract infections. Each year, the number of urinary tract infections decreased during both midterm and final examination periods, but rebounded to higher-than-average levels in the second week following the midterm examination period, as well as during the second week of the second (spring) semester, immediately after the mid-winter recess. Mean duration of symptoms was 34 hours (range, from 12 to 60). Urinary tract infections were less common during examination periods, when students were preoccupied with academic responsibilities, but such infections increased in frequency in the period immediately after examinations, when sexual intimacy was resumed or when sexual intercourse with a new partner began. Urinary tract infections in college women, the study indicated, are primarily related to sexual intercourse, and susceptibility is only indirectly affected by the demands of the academic calendar.     

Religiosity,Sexual Behavior,and Contraceptive Use of College Females

Abstract

A multidimensional religiosity scale and a sexual behavior and contraceptive use inventory was completed by 231 female college students. Respondents were classified into groups according to sexual behavior and contraceptive use. The three sexual behavior groups were: females not participating in intercourse during the preceding calendar year; females participating in intercourse with one partner only during the preceding calendar year; and females participating in intercourse with more than one partner during the preceding calendar year. The three contraceptive use groups were: females who had used intercourse-independent methods at last intercourse; females who had used intercourse-dependent methods at last intercourse; and females who had not used a contraceptive or had relied on a relatively ineffective method at last intercourse. Results of two separate analyses indicate that: (1) a set of religiosity items was able to significantly (p © .001) discriminate among the three sexual behavior groups, and (2) a second set of religiosity items was able to significantly (p © .001) discriminate among the three contraceptive use groups. Thus, it seems that females differing in sexual behavior and contraceptive use can be distinguished on the basis of religiosity.     

The Utilization of Sexual Fantasies by Sexually Experienced University Students

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the nature of and the gender differences in the situational contexts, preferences, and functions of sexual fantasies by sexually experienced, never-married university students.

An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 187 never-married male and 235 never-married female undergraduate and graduate student volunteers at a midwestern commuter university. The data analyses for this investigation were limited to those 144 males and 166 females who had experienced sexual intercourse.

Statistically significant differences were found with reference to the situational contexts of sexual fantasies by gender. Men were more likely than women to report sexual fantasies during masturbation, foreplay, sexual intercourse, and immediately prior to orgasm. In general, men also were more likely to fantasize about being the recipient of sexual activity whereas women were more likely to fantasize about past sexual experiences and romantic settings for sexual activity. The findings strongly suggest that sexual fantasies help many persons of both genders to develop sexual arousal and to achieve orgasm.     

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Dyspareunia and Unsatisfying Sexual Relationships in a Cohort of Primiparous and Secondiparous Women After 12 Months Postpartum

ABSTRACT

Dyspareunia is a common short-term pregnancy complication, rarely lasting longer than 1 year after delivery. Our study aims to determine postpartum dyspareunia prevalence and its impact on women's sexual health. In this retrospective study, we asked 602 women about dyspareunia and the quality of sexual intercourse through telephone interviews. The influence of dyspareunia on the quality of sexual intercourse and couple relationship is scored on a 4-point verbal scale according to its severity. Data were analyzed by R (version 2.8.0), considering significant p < .05. Nearly 100% of women (99.9%) resumed their sexual activity; 16.2% of them reported dyspareunia significantly compromising their sexual intercourse and couple relationships. In univariate analysis, severe perineal tears are associated with persistent dyspareunia (p < .05). By multivariate analysis, postpartum dyspareunia results independently influenced by operative delivery, previous dyspareunia, recurrent urogenital infections and urge incontinence (p < .05), as well as by the Kristeller maneuver and partoanalgesia (p = .084) in the case of women who had a vaginal delivery. Dyspareunia significantly compromises women's sexual health postpartum, mostly caused by perineal trauma by means of delivery management and recurrent urogenital infections.     

Sexual Decision Making for the “Better Than Average” College Student

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the impact of downward social comparison and the “known partner is a safe partner” heuristic on college students’ sexual decisions. Participants: One hundred-eighty heterosexual or bisexual undergraduate college students. Methods: Participants read dating vignettes that varied on perspective and familiarity and then rated the likelihood the couple would engage in sexual intercourse and use a condom. Results: There were no differences in rated likelihood based on familiarity, suggesting that the students did not view the 2 partner types as significantly different. Students rated the likelihood of sexual intercourse lower and condom use higher when the vignette was presented from the second person perspective. Conclusions: The students’ use of downward social comparison is consistent with the “better than average effect,” suggesting that the students perceive their own behavior as safe. The implication is that safer sex messages might be most effective if they focus on what students will gain by practicing safer sex behaviors, not just avoidance of a risk behavior.     

Individual Growth Curves of Frequency of Sexual Intercourse Among Urban,Adolescent, African American Youth

Summary

In the current study we examined individual growth curves of frequency of sexual intercourse among a sample of urban, low-income, African American youth at increased risk for subsequent HIV/AIDS exposure. Three waves of longitudinal data from the Collaborative HIV-Prevention AdolescentMental Health (CHAMP) project were utilized. Participant ages ranged from 9 to 12 years (M = 11 years) at the first interview wave and from 15 to 19 years (M = 18 years) at the final interview wave. As such, we were able to map out true developmental trajectories of sexual intercourse over a 10-year period of adolescence (spanning ages 9 to 19 years). Results indicate that the average study participant was sexually abstinent (in terms of intercourse) during the pre-teen years, reported a single episode of sexual intercourse between ages 14 and 15, and by age 19, reported between 3 and 10 episodes of sexual intercourse. Significant variability in the acceleration of growth rates (as captured by a quadratic random effect) was observed, suggesting that some youth accelerated more rapidly (in their sexual intercourse histories) than did others. Participant gender predicted trajectory starting points; boys reported higher rates of sexual intercourse at age 12. Frequency of baseline exposure to sexual possibility situations (i.e., being in mixed-sex company in a private place in the absence of adult supervision) predicted growth curve acceleration, suggesting preteenswith more exposure to sexual possibility situations accelerated more rapidly in their rates of sexual intercourse over time. Developmental implications of these data are discussed.     

Factors Associated with HIV Sexual Risk Behavior in Male Couples of Mixed HIV Status

Abstract

There are concerns that rates of unprotected anal intercourse and new HIV infections among some gay men have remained at or returned to dangerous levels, similar to those seen in the first decade of the epidemic. Most research on sexual risk behavior of gay men has focused on individuals even though several studies have indicated that unprotected anal intercourse (the most risky of sexual behaviors) is most likely to occur between two men who are regular partners.

This study was conducted with 75 HIV serodiscordant (“mixed HIV status”) male couples. The goals were to assess the types and prevalence of sexual risk behaviors within these dyads, to identify reasons given for engaging in risk behavior with their partner of opposite HIV status, and to examine the association, if any, between risk behaviors and potential individual and partner related factors and context. Both members of the couple were included in all assessments.

There was a tendency for unprotected anal sex to occur more often among younger men, newer couples, Latino men, and men with less education. Lower risk perception and self-efficacy for condom use, desire for sexual spontaneity, intimacy, and personal and partner satisfaction were all related to sexual risk behavior. The men in these relationships also used specific “harm reduction” strategies, based on their own understanding of transmission risk. Therefore it is important to integrate biological and behavioral knowledge to develop effective prevention campaigns. And prevention programs need to consider the ongoing emotional needs of both the HIV seronegative (HIV-) and HIV sero-positive (HIV+) partner.     

Residential mobility and the onset of adolescent sexual activity

Data from almost 5,000 adolescent respondents to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) are used to examine the mechanisms that transmit the facilitative effect of residential mobility on the timing of the transition to first premarital sexual intercourse. Adolescents who have recently moved are approximately one third more likely than nonmobile adolescents to experience first premarital intercourse between the first two waves of Add Health. We find that much of the difference between adolescent movers and stayers in the onset of sexual activity is attributable to the greater propensity for delinquency and the weaker academic performance among members of movers’ school‐based friendship networks. Adolescents’ own delinquent behavior and academic performance also help to mediate the association between residential mobility and the transition to first intercourse.     

Young and Sexual in Norway and Croatia: Revisiting the Scandinavian Versus Mediterranean Gendered Pattern of Sexual Initiation

ABSTRACT

This article describes and analyzes patterns of first sexual intercourse and contraception use from a bicultural perspective. Study results are based on a 2009–2010 large-scale national probability survey of young adults aged 18 to 24 years in Croatia (n = 1,005) and Norway (n = 871). The findings corroborated the persistence of the dual model of sexual initiation in Europe (Scandinavian vs. Mediterranean), in which Norwegian women and Croatian men reported coital debut at an earlier age than their gender counterparts. Age difference between partners and the prevalence of condom use at first coitus were similar in both countries, with differences in contraceptive choices emerging with time. Young Norwegian men and women switched from using condoms to hormonal contraception when having been coitally active for some time. Interestingly, “the pill” remains rather unpopular among young Croatian women. Controlling for selected variables, using a condom at most recent sexual intercourse was significantly associated with condom use at first intercourse in all groups except Norwegian men, as well as with years of coital activity (except among Croatian men). Additionally, the odds of a condom being used at most recent intercourse were significantly correlated with same-sex sexual experience (only among Norwegian men) and with reporting the most recent intercourse with a casual partner (only among Norwegian participants). Country-specific patterns of contraceptive use are discussed in the context of public health and prevention.     

Multiple sex partners among college women and men: Sexual behaviors and sexual satisfaction revisited

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of number of lifetime sex partners on sexual behaviors, sexual attitudes, and sexual satisfaction for never‐married college women and men. An anonymous questionnaire was administered in select classes at a midwestern state university. One‐partner group (one sex partner) women, in comparison to few‐partner (two to five sex partners) and many‐partner (six or more sex partners) group women, were more likely to have been older at first intercourse and to report psychological sexual satisfaction, mastur‐batory guilt, and commitment and love as conditions for sexual intercourse. For men, one‐partner group respondents were also more likely than few‐partner and many‐partner group respondents to report older age at first intercourse, masturbatory guilt, and commitment and love as conditions for sexual intercourse. In an era in which early sexual fulfillment clashes with concerns over unsafe sexual practices, these data provide insights into the influence of multiple partner experience on the sexual behavior patterns of young adults.     

Predictor Factors Associated with Premarital Sexual Behaviors Among University Students in an Islamic Culture

ABSTRACT

We examined premarital sexual behaviors among Turkish university students and the predictor factors for these behaviors. The study included 638 eligible students (256 women and 382 men). Masturbation was reported by 53.3% of the participants, and sexual intercourse experience was reported by 26.3%. Men, heterosexual orientation, and non-religious/liberal religiosity were predictor factors for masturbation and premarital sexual intercourse/foreplay experience. Men having more sexual experiences than women may indicate gender double standards, while heterosexual orientation as a predictor of sexual behaviors could relate to homophobia, still prominent in Turkey. These findings highlight Islam's restrictive attitude towards sexuality despite continued Western influences.     

Casual Sex and Women

Abstract

Our objectives were to delineate important measurement issues involved in the study of casual sex and to determine women's motivations for engaging or not engaging in casual sex. Four different measures of casual sex were used with a Canadian university sample of 230 women. Thirteen percent reported having experienced sexual intercourse with someone they had just met and 36% had experienced intercourse with someone with whom they were not in a committed relationship. More had experienced non-coital casual sex. Sexual health concerns were the strongest deterrents to engaging in casual sex. Sexual pleasure was given as the most appealing aspect of casual sex. Researchers need to be aware of the differing interpretations of casual sex when measuring this type of sexual behavior.     

Investigating the Timing of First Sexual Intercourse Among Youth in EDO State,Nigeria in the Context of the Aids Epidemic

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study examined the timing of sexual debut among youth in Edo state, Nigeria given the role that sexual abstinence plays in HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Survey data were collected from rural youth aged 11 to 17 years old enrolled in Junior Secondary Schools in Edo State, Nigeria. Discrete-time hazard techniques were used to examine the effects of theoretically relevant covariates on the timing of sexual debut among youth in Edo State. Results: Results indicate strong, significant relationships between psychosocial predictors and age at first sex for boys and girls. Youth with higher levels of knowledge about HIV as well as those who rejected common myths about HIV transmission delayed first sexual intercourse. Early sexual intercourse was strongly associated with experiencing pressure to engage in sex, while delay was associated with greater confidence that one could decline to participate in sex. On the other hand, youth with higher condom use self-efficacy engaged in first sexual intercourse at an earlier age. Conclusions: These results support the relevance of programs such as Nigeria's Family Life and HIV Education to contribute to delaying sexual intercourse focusing precisely on the forms of knowledge, myth rejection, motivation, and behavioral self-efficacy measured here. They provide policymakers with concrete evidence to increase support for such programming as a means to combat the spread of HIV among youth.     

Male Responsibility in Sexual Activity and Family Planning: Perspectives of a College Mental Health Professional

Abstract

Social movements of the previous two decades have forced a reevaluation of the traditional male role in sexual activity and family planning. Men are now expected to be active, responsible participants in decisions and actions concerning contraception, child care, pregnancy, partner satisfaction, and emotional bonding. While a number of rational “shoulds” have been advanced as guidelines for healthy, responsible male functioning, the actual behavior exercised is often a function of more irrational or conflicted motivations. The focus of this paper is an examination of motivations underlying maladaptive decisions by college males in the areas of sexual intercourse, contraception, and partner pleasure. The motivations involved in decisions to engage in sexual intercourse are classified and discussed along interpersonal and intrapersonal dimensions. The motivations involved in the use or nonuse of contraceptives are classified and discussed through use of Horney's interpersonal nomenclature. The motivations involved in the failure to give pleasure to one's partner are classified and discussed through use of sexual character types adapted by the author from Millon's personality typology. A societal influence on male lovemaking is also addressed. Concluding remarks address the difficulty of precisely defining male responsibility in sexual activity and family planning.     

Psychosocial Correlates of Premarital Sex Among College Students in Hunan Province,China

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the psychological and sociocultural factors associated with premarital sexual behavior among a sample of 1,875 Chinese college students in Hunan Province. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression were used to determine any variations in the variables between those who had initiated sex and those who had no sexual experience. Students who were impulsive decision makers were more likely to have had premarital sexual intercourse. Those participants who perceived that their parents/friends would approve of their having sex and those who were more exposed to sexual media programs were more likely to have premarital sexual intercourse. Male students were almost 2 times more likely than female students to have had premarital sex. The findings provide insights for developing reproductive and sexual health education programs for Chinese young adults.     

The Impact of High-Profile Sexual Abuse Cases in the Media on a Pediatric Emergency Department

High-profile media cases of sexual abuse may encourage disclosures of abuse from victims of unrelated assaults and also influence parental concerns, leading to increased emergency department visits. In the region of the study authors’ institution, there are two recent high-profile sexual abuse cases with media coverage: Earl Bradley, a Delaware pediatrician, and Jerry Sandusky, a Pennsylvania college football coach. This is a retrospective cohort study of children evaluated for sexual abuse at a pediatric emergency department. Patients were classified as either presenting during a media period or non-media period. The media periods were one-month periods immediately following breaking news reports, when the cases were highly publicized in the media. The non-media periods were the 12-month periods directly preceding the first reports. The median number of emergency department visits per month during a non-media period was 9 visits (interquartile range 6–10). There were 11 visits in the month following the Sandusky case and 13 visits following the Bradley case. There was no statistical difference in number of emergency department visits for sexual abuse between the periods (p = .09). These finding have implications regarding use of resources in pediatric EDs after high-profile sexual abuse cases.     

Beyond “Just Saying No”

Summary

How can women deal with unwanted sexual advances from male dating partners in ways that are effective and that, at least initially, take the men's feelings into account? In Study 1,354 under graduate men watched videotapes in which a woman either did or did not openly communicate early during a date that she did not want to do more than kiss. Open communication decreased men's ratings of how much she wanted petting and intercourse, how likely they would be to attempt these behaviors with her, and how “led on” they would feel if they attempted these behaviors and she refused. In Study 2, 424 undergraduate men were presented with 28 responses women could make to a man's sexual advances. They rated each on its effectiveness in getting them to stop their advances and its effect on the relationship. Women can use this information when responding to unwanted sexual advances, taking into account the relative importance of stopping the advance and maintaining the relationship.     

Silence and Assumptions: Narratives on the Disclosure of HIV Status to Casual Sexual Partners and Serosorting in a Group of Gay Men in Barcelona

ABSTRACT

Disclosing HIV status and seeking sexual partners with the same serostatus (serosorting) are strategies used by some gay and bisexual men to have unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). This study aims to gain an understanding of the occurrence of disclosure and serosorting with casual sexual partners. A grounded approach was used to analyze 22 interviews with gay men from Barcelona. The results reveal that disclosure of serostatus or the seeking of sexual partners of the same HIV status are not behaviors in the repertoire of most HIV-negative men and were not even taken into account when they engaged in UAI with casual sexual partners. The opposite was observed in HIV-positive respondents who did consider the possibility of revealing their serostatus. Some relied on intuition or subjective elements to evaluate the HIV status of their occasional partners.     

The relation between cultural values and condom use among Latino gay men

ABSTRACT

Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) are the second largest group to be affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Latino cultural values may influence sexual behaviors that can result in HIV acquisition. This study explored the relations among traditional machismo, caballerismo, familismo, unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), and the appeal of sex without condoms (ASWC) among Latino gay men. Results indicated that higher levels of familial honor and traditional machismo predicted higher levels of ASWC. These findings suggest that exploration of gender roles and family are important factors to be included in HIV prevention and intervention programs.