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Second Edition of the Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 6284

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yachao Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Communication Studies and Department of Public Health, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
Interests: interpersonal communication; health communication; research methods; communication theory; LGBTQ communication; sexual health; tobacco control; health disparities; minority stress
Dr. Emily Scheinfeld

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
Interests: disclosure; avoidance; privacy; parent-adult child communication; interpersonal health communication
Prof. Dr. John C. Pollock

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Communication Studies and Department of Public Health, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
Interests: health communication; international communication; media sociology; content analysis; community structure theory; survey research

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for your great support of the previous edition of our Special Issue “Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/special_issues/Sexuality_Communication). We published a total of 11 original papers covering diverse populations (e.g., people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, sex workers, emerging adults), various relational contexts (e.g., family relationships, sexual relationships, professional relationships), different health issues (e.g., HIV, sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health, tobacco use), and a variety of sex-related behaviors (e.g., sexting, sexual self-disclosure, transactional sex, sexual communication). After editing the first Special Issue, we are grateful that emerging research has focused on human sexuality, sexual health, sexual communication, and sexual relationships from various perspectives. However, we believe that this is just the beginning, and more evidence and empirical studies on the intersections of public health, sexuality, and communication are needed, especially among historically underrepresented and unserved communities.

This second edition of this Special Issue offers an opportunity for authors to publish high-quality multidisciplinary research and reviews describing the social determinants of sexual health and behaviors; the role of sexuality in interpersonal and public health communication; personal, relational, cultural, and environmental factors affecting people’s sexual communication and experiences; effective communication and intervention strategies to promote sexual health; and the intersections of COVID-19 pandemic and sexuality. New research, intervention studies, and innovations in messaging, as well as reviews of the field, are welcome. Projects focusing on historically underrepresented and unserved communities are strongly encouraged. If you have a research idea but do not know whether it falls within the scope of this Special Issue, please do not hesitate to contact either one of the guest editors (Dr. Yachao Li, Emily Scheinfeld, and Prof. Dr. John C. Pollock).

Dr. Yachao Li
Dr. Emily Scheinfeld
Prof. Dr. John C. Pollock
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

  • sexuality
  • sexual communication
  • sexual risk-taking
  • health education
  • sexual interventions
  • condom use
  • sexually transmitted infections
  • COVID-19 and sexuality
  • LGBTQ+
  • emerging adulthood
  • family communication
  • relational communication

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

40 pages, 1073 KiB  
Article
Navigating Body Perception, Affectivity, Intimacy, Gender Identity, and Sexuality: An Exploratory Qualitative Study in Young Adults with SMI, IDs, and ASD in a Community Setting
by Miriam Belluzzo, Veronica Giaquinto, Daniela Volpe, Camilla Esposito, Erica De Alfieri and Anna Lisa Amodeo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050722 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025
Abstract
This exploratory qualitative study investigates the challenges faced by young adults (aged 18–40) with severe mental illness (SMI), intellectual disabilities (IDs), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in navigating body perception, affectivity, intimacy, gender identity, and sexuality. Through semi-structured interviews with 13 participants recruited [...] Read more.
This exploratory qualitative study investigates the challenges faced by young adults (aged 18–40) with severe mental illness (SMI), intellectual disabilities (IDs), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in navigating body perception, affectivity, intimacy, gender identity, and sexuality. Through semi-structured interviews with 13 participants recruited from a community habilitation center, thematic analysis revealed systemic barriers rooted in societal stigma, familial overprotection, and institutional neglect. Key findings highlight tensions between bodily autonomy and familial control, with prolonged caregiver dependency in intimate hygiene reflecting patterns of infantilization. We found that participants’ self-image was shaped by gendered expectations and familial critiques, reinforcing internalized stigma. Romantic relationships were often idealized through cultural narratives, yet lacked practical guidance on consent or boundaries, exacerbating vulnerabilities. Fragmented sexual education left individuals reliant on pornography or peers, perpetuating misconceptions and anxiety. Despite these barriers, participants demonstrated resilience and agency in advocating for inclusive interventions. This study underscores the urgent need for trauma-informed, rights-based approaches that prioritize autonomy, dignity, and intersectionality. Recommendations include structured skill-building programs for independence, disability-adapted comprehensive sexuality education, and systemic reforms fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. By centering lived experiences, this work challenges structural inequities and advocates for community care models that honor the diverse needs of individuals navigating the intersection of disability, identity, and sexuality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of the Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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24 pages, 1425 KiB  
Article
Cultural Validation of the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale for the Portuguese Population: Exploring Its Relationship with Sociosexual Orientation
by Ângela Leite and Ângela Azevedo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020274 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 747
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to adapt the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale for the Portuguese population and examine its association with sociosexual orientation, as measured by the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory, highlighting the relevance of this association as a public health issue. Methods: The Fear-of-Intimacy Scale was [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aims to adapt the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale for the Portuguese population and examine its association with sociosexual orientation, as measured by the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory, highlighting the relevance of this association as a public health issue. Methods: The Fear-of-Intimacy Scale was validated through confirmatory factor analyses. A multigroup analysis, employing confirmatory factor analysis, was conducted to evaluate the consistency of the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale across individuals in and out of romantic relationships. The reliability of the model was assessed using various indicators, including Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, composite reliability, the average variance extracted (AVE), and the square root of the AVE. Results: The results indicated robust psychometric properties for the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale, with a well-fitting model identified. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance related to being in a romantic relationship or not were established; however, error variance invariance was not achieved. Although most dimensions of the two instruments displayed positive and significant relationships, the correlation values were generally modest. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of understanding the relationship between fear of intimacy and sociosexual orientation within the Portuguese context as a significant public health issue. Adapting the Fear-of-Intimacy Scale enables culturally sensitive research and supports clinical interventions aimed at improving relational and psychological well-being, thereby addressing broader public health challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of the Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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12 pages, 683 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Knowledge of HIV and AIDS and Related Factors in Angolans Aged between 15 and 49 Years
by Neida Neto Vicente Ramos, Inês Fronteira and Maria do Rosário O. Martins
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(19), 6816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20196816 - 23 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2094
Abstract
A comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS among men and women in Africa is reportedly low. To the best of our knowledge, no studies using any definition of comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS have been conducted in Angola. To address this gap, [...] Read more.
A comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS among men and women in Africa is reportedly low. To the best of our knowledge, no studies using any definition of comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS have been conducted in Angola. To address this gap, we aimed to describe the comprehensive knowledge held by individuals aged between 15 and 49 years regarding HIV and AIDS and some associated factors, using the most recent Angolan demographic and health survey (DHS). Using an observational, cross-sectional design, we analyzed data collected from 19,785 individuals aged between 15 and 49 years for the 2016 DHS in Angola. We conducted a logistic regression analysis of descriptive and complex samples to examine the data and to unravel possible factors associated with having a comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS. Almost half of the respondents (47.7%) had a general comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS. Individuals who watched television (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.40; 95% CI: 2.11, 2.72) or read newspapers and magazines (aOR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.72, 2.30) more than once a week had higher odds of having a comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS compared to those who did not. Similarly, having completed primary education and above (aOR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.67, 2.00) or living in urban areas (aOR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.34, 1.71) increased the likelihood of individuals having a comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS compared to their counterparts. These results reflect inequalities that require further attention at either a research or a political level. Nevertheless, we consider that these results can assist decision-makers in advocating for continuous investment in HIV health literacy and in adapting global solutions to local Angolan contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of the Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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12 pages, 637 KiB  
Article
The Role of Shame, Stigma, and Family Communication Patterns in the Decision to Disclose STIs to Parents in Order to Seek Support
by Emily Scheinfeld
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4742; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064742 - 8 Mar 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2457
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is identified as a time of personal growth wherein emerging adults engage in sexual exploration and risky behaviors, potentially resulting in the contraction of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Due to the continued reliance on parents for support during this developmental [...] Read more.
Emerging adulthood is identified as a time of personal growth wherein emerging adults engage in sexual exploration and risky behaviors, potentially resulting in the contraction of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Due to the continued reliance on parents for support during this developmental period, emerging adults (EAs) may need to disclose their STI status to their parents. This study applies the health disclosure decision-making model (DD-MM) to extend our understanding of EA disclosures of sensitive health information such as STIs to parents. Data were collected from 204 college students. The results of mediational analyses provided some support for the mediating effects of family communication patterns on the relationship between relational quality and illness assessment (i.e., stigma) and willingness to disclose in a given scenario. The theoretical and practical implications of this are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Edition of the Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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