Search Results (258)

Male contraceptive options remain largely limited to condoms and vasectomy, while family planning services and monitoring indicators often prioritize women, contributing to inequities in contraceptive responsibility. This review examines how future male hormonal contraceptives (MHCs) could support more equitable, rights-based family planning, and what policy and implementation pathways are needed for responsible integration. We conducted a narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed studies and policy/advocacy guidance on male engagement in family planning and on MHC development (searches in PubMed/Scopus/Google Scholar and key organizational sources; 2000–May 2025), focusing on acceptability, service-delivery readiness, governance, and potential system impacts. Evidence indicates substantial interest in MHCs among men and women in hypothetical studies and trials, but highlights persistent barriers: gender norms, limited routine sex-disaggregated data on men’s participation, provider and service constraints, and insufficient public/private investment. Model-based analyses suggest that novel, reversible male methods could avert unintended pregnancies (with larger effects in settings with lower baseline contraceptive uptake) and that preventing unintended pregnancies can yield cost savings to health systems. Ethical discussions increasingly emphasize a dyadic perspective on risk and decision-making, alongside safeguards for autonomy and rights. We conclude that coordinated policy action—linking regulation, financing, service delivery, communication, and monitoring—is needed to expand couple-focused counselling, reduce stereotyping in care, strengthen indicators, and accelerate implementation pathways for MHCs while safeguarding women’s options and agency. Full article

Previous research suggests that certain personality traits, such as extraversion and openness, may be associated with sexual risk behaviors (SRB). Exploring psychological and social factors is critical to guide effective sexual health promotion. Background/Objectives: To examine the associations between sociodemographic characteristics, personality traits, sexual attitudes, and risky sexual behaviors among health science students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 730 health science students (median age: 21 years, IQR: 20–22 years) using validated questionnaires on personality (BPQ), sexual attitudes (BSAS), and sociodemographic factors. Non-parametric tests and logistic regressions were performed. Results: The results highlight significant differences in sexual attitudes based on sociodemographic characteristics, such as sexual orientation, type of relationship and cohabitation. High levels of pornography consumption are associated with drug use and greater permissiveness. A relationship was established between condom use and openness and intellect. Drug use scored high on extraversion and permissiveness. In relation to the use of dating apps, a positive relationship was found with permissiveness and substance use. Conclusions: The findings reveal a relationship between personality, sociodemographic characteristics, and risky behaviors, underscoring the need for tailored strategies in sexual health education for young adults. Full article

Despite widespread support for comprehensive sex education (CSE), abstinence-focused education is the legally mandated standard in Florida public schools. Using a cross-sectional survey design, this study examined the relationship between sex education content and sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among 117 college students aged 18 to 25 attending predominantly one large Florida public university. Participants completed an anonymous online survey assessing demographics, sex education history, HIV/STI knowledge, sexual attitudes, and condom use. Contrary to expectations and some prior findings, there were no significant differences in HIV/STI knowledge, sexual attitudes, or condom use between students who reported receiving predominantly abstinence-only education (AOE) and those who reported receiving predominantly CSE. While challenging assumptions about the long-term effectiveness of CSE compared to AOE, the data suggest, in part, that the CSE label may be secondary to local implementation, personal experiences, and broader sociopolitical context, in influencing outcomes. Given Florida’s restrictive sex education and reproductive health policies, findings highlight the urgent need for more nuanced, context-sensitive research. Findings also emphasize the importance of evaluating not only the stated content but also the delivery, quality, and accessibility of sex education programs to better support youth sexual health. Full article

School-based health centers (SBHCs) provide accessible, comprehensive healthcare to students, particularly in underserved communities, and play a critical role in addressing reproductive health needs. Despite their benefits, the availability of SBHCs remains limited across the U.S., with ongoing debates regarding their role in educational settings, especially concerning reproductive health services. This study assessed public opinion regarding reproductive health services in SBHCs within middle and high schools in Duval County, Florida. A representative sample of 605 adults was surveyed using a Random-Digit-Dialing approach, and data were weighted for analysis. Overall, support for reproductive health services was high, with 68–74% of respondents in high school and 49–57% in middle school favoring services such as STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, and providing condoms. Significant differences in support levels are noted across demographic groups, particularly by age and race. The findings indicate strong community support for implementing reproductive health services in SBHCs, highlighting their potential to improve access to essential health services for adolescents. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers to advocate for the expansion of SBHCs to include comprehensive reproductive health services, addressing health disparities among youth. Full article

This paper is concerned with the sexual rights of homeless adolescents. After a brief presentation of the ethical foundation of these rights in the capabilities approach and noting the relevance of the concept of relational autonomy, an ethical analysis of a specific problem is performed, namely the risky sexual behavior of homeless adolescents. It is argued that although these young people have moral agency it is not fully developed and thus they cannot be held to the same standards of responsibility as are adults. Thus, we can see the importance of interventions that empower homeless youth to protect their own sexual health through risk-avoidance or harm reduction strategies. Full article

This study develops a mathematical model to investigate the transmission dynamics of HSV-II within the framework of symmetry in dynamical systems. The basic reproduction number ($R_0^{HSV}<1$) of the model was determined using the next generation method (NGM). The stability of the disease-free equilibrium point was also investigated using the Routh–Hurwitz Criterion and was found to be locally asymptotically stable (LAS) when $R_0^{HSV}<1$ but not globally asymptotically stable (GAS). To help ensure that the control variables were included correctly, sensitivity analysis was performed on the fundamental reproduction number parameters. Four control variables were applied for the model: HSV-II vaccination, effective condom use, laboratory test, and treatment. The optimality system was solved using Pontryagin’s maximum principle (PMP) to establish the optimal control strategy for combating the spread of the disease. Numerical solution was obtained by using the forward-backward Runge–Kutta fourth-order approach. The most effective approach to help eradicate HSV-II disease in the system is to combine the HSV-II vaccine, effective condom use, laboratory testing, and HSV therapy (strategy D). Full article

Background: Adolescents face unique challenges as they transition from childhood to adulthood, which can be marked by risky behaviours such as substance use and sexual activities. The present study analyses the relationship between risky sexual behaviour and the use of psychoactive substances, namely alcohol, cannabis, and other illegal substances, among students aged 15–16 years in 23 European countries, to investigate potential between-country differences. Method: Data were extracted from the 2019 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) cross-sectional survey. Risky sexual behaviour was defined as self-reported unprotected sex. Substance use, other individual risk behaviours, and parenting indicators were investigated as key predictors. Results: A 9.8% of 16-year-old students in Europe reported sexual intercourse without a condom in the past year, and 7.8% had unprotected sex while not using alcohol/drugs, with a higher prevalence observed among males (8.5%) than among females (7.1%). Prevalence ranged from 3.2% in Georgia to 16.0% in Sweden. The multivariate analysis revealed significantly higher odds of engaging in sexual intercourse without a condom in illicit drug users (cannabis, inhalants, cocaine, ecstasy) and heavy episodic drinkers, students who went out in the evening, and those belonging to non-traditional families. Conclusions: Unprotected sex in the past year and substance use are strongly associated amid 16-year-old students in Europe. The prevalence of risky sexual behaviours across European countries does not follow a clear geographical pattern, suggesting that simple macro-level factors, such as broad regional or cultural groupings, may only partially explain prevalence differences. Full article

Although rubber waste devulcanization has been widely studied, its industrial-scale implementation remains limited due to challenges in process scalability. This study examines the feasibility of devulcanizing off-spec latex waste through a two-phase approach involving laboratory and pilot-scale trials. The latex waste was sourced from off-spec condom products composed of natural rubber latex. Laboratory-scale experiments were initially conducted to establish process parameters and generate baseline data, including gel content before and after the devulcanization process. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were employed. The laboratory findings have been used to design and operate the subsequent pilot-scale devulcanization process, using a retrofitted waste rubber machine. Samples from the pilot trials underwent the same analytical tests to assess consistency and process performance at scale. Results from the pilot scale experiments suggest that comparable levels of devulcanization were achieved, with gel contents of 52.5% and 55.2% achieved at the laboratory scale and pilot scale. GPC analysis confirmed a uniform distribution, with an increase in the number average molecular weight, indicating the scission of crosslinks in the sample. GPC analysis also revealed a decrease in dispersity index (Ð) value of 2.27 in lab scale conditions and 1.76 for pilot scale conditions, suggesting a more uniform molecular weight distribution and improved devulcanization efficiency, which enhances the possibility of recycling. The successful translation from lab-scale to the pilot setup highlights the process’s potential for industrial rubber recycling using retrofitted equipment. Full article

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical and other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite available vaccines, vaccination coverage remains low in Bulgaria. This study aimes to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Medical University students in HPV prevention. Materials: A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted at the Medical University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Results: A total of 1485 students, primarily women (60.1%) with a median age of 22.78 years, participated. Four hundred fifty-two (30.4%) reported having received the HPV vaccine. Of the unvaccinated, 800 (77.8%) expressed willingness to receive the vaccine. Vaccinated respondents were more likely to report having had five or more sexual partners (37.1%) compared to unvaccinated respondents (21.1%) (χ² = 77.136, p < 0.001). Approximately one-third (36.4%) mistakenly believe condoms provide complete protection and that antibiotics effectively treat HPV. Students who opposed the assertion that vaccinating minors suggests early sexual activity is permissible were 1.89 times more likely to be vaccinated. Conclusions: Medical University students possess insufficient understanding of HPV transmission, health outcomes, and prevention. Their attitudes and practices require improvement. Enhancing the curriculum with comprehensive HPV information will better equip future healthcare providers and improve public health outcomes. Full article

Justice-involved boys are more likely to become teenage fathers than their community peers. This is linked to numerous negative outcomes, including increased delinquent behavior. To help legal practitioners better identify which boys are at risk of becoming a teen parent, this study identifies factors at the time of boys’ very first arrest that prospectively predict their odds of becoming a teen father. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of 1216 adolescent boys at the time of their first arrest. Binary logistic regression models were used to predict the odds of becoming a teen father across three domains: individual factors, social and contextual factors, and risky behaviors. Approximately 15% of the total sample (n = 171) reported becoming a teen father after their first arrest. At the time of first arrest, poorer neighborhood conditions, increased peer delinquency, substance use, and self-reported offending history increased the odds that boys would become a teen father. Additional models indicated that substance use was the strongest driver of teen fatherhood. However, all factors failed to reached significance once condom use was included in this model. Practical implications for policymakers are discussed, along with suggestions for interventions to reduce teen pregnancy. Full article

Since 2005, the decline in HIV incidence has slowed down, and there is a need to optimise prevention services among young people to sustain and accelerate the HIV decline. This study aimed to describe HIV prevention practices among university students in South Africa. The Arksey and O’Malley Framework for conducting scoping reviews was used. South African studies that described the HIV prevention practices among university students, published in English from 2015 to 2025, were included. The search strategy was developed on the 8 December 2024, then on the 7 November 2025, and five databases were searched using key search terms: university students, HIV prevention, and South Africa. Two reviewers selected articles and extracted data using an extraction tool developed by the researchers. Extracted data was analysed using content analysis. Consultation was performed with students, conveniently selected from one university, and data was collected using interviews. Data from these students was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Thirteen studies were included in the review. Most (30.8%) were from KwaZulu-Natal province. A total of 15 students aged between 19 and 22 years were consulted. Most (53.3%) students were female. HIV prevention interventions used included HIV testing, which was sub-optimal due to stigma. Students also used condoms, although female condom use was minimal. Biomedical HIV prevention interventions used included post-exposure prophylaxis and pre-exposure prophylaxis, and these were used together with other HIV prevention interventions. Gaps remain to ensure optimal HIV prevention practices, and it is recommended that other biological HIV prevention methods like voluntary medical male circumcision, should be utilised. Full article

This paper evaluates the Enhancing Mobile Populations’ Access to HIV and AIDS Services, Information and Support (EMPHASIS) programme implemented by CARE International across Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Using individual-level data, we estimate the programme’s impact on HIV-related knowledge and preventive behaviours among migrant workers. Results show that participation in EMPHASIS significantly increased correct knowledge of HIV transmission, reduced misconceptions, and improved partner communication. These informational gains translated into higher condom use and fewer unsafe sexual practices, with stronger effects among women. The findings provide evidence that peer-led, information-based interventions can improve health behaviours among mobile populations. Integrating such approaches with gender empowerment and mobile health services offers a promising model for addressing HIV vulnerability in cross-border migration settings. Full article

Syphilis, a curable sexually transmitted infection, has resurged globally, challenging public health systems in both high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, parts of Europe, Canada, and Japan, cases have surged due to declining condom use, digital platforms facilitating casual sex, and practices like chemsex and broader drug use for sex, with rising congenital syphilis rates. In LMICs, such as those in East Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, limited healthcare access, inadequate prenatal screening, and socioeconomic barriers drive persistent high prevalence, particularly among pregnant women and vulnerable populations. Despite contextual differences, shared drivers include stigma, health disparities, and outdated surveillance systems. This resurgence underscores the need for globally coordinated, equity-focused strategies, including universal syphilis testing, modernized surveillance, and context-specific sexual health education. Addressing structural and behavioral factors through collaborative international efforts is critical to reversing this trend and strengthening global STI control. Full article

Background: Little is known about women’s contraceptive use in the United States during the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and the risk of unintended pregnancy. Methods: We compared the weighted response rates on contraception use for female respondents aged 18–44 from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) between 2019 and 2022. Results: Our study reveals a significant increase of 16.1% (CI = 0.145, 0.177) in the proportion of women using contraception in 2022 as compared to 2019. The largest increase in the use of non-reversible contraception was seen in the proportion of female sterilization, at 3.0% (CI = 0.017, 0.043), mostly attributed to non-Hispanic Black individuals with a 12% increase (CI = 0.046, 0.198). The largest decrease was seen in the use of condoms, at 7.4% (CI = −0.094, −0.055). This was driven by both non-Hispanic Black and multiracial groups, each experiencing a 19% decrease (CI = −0.251, −0.127; CI = −0.304, −0.068, respectively). The proportion of women at risk of unintended pregnancy increased by 3.7% (CI = 0.010, 0.063). These increases were observed among those with an income of less than USD 15k, showing a 14.9% increase (CI = 0.037, 0.262). Older females and those with Medicaid insurance were more likely to use female sterilization. Hispanics, college graduates, and those with Medicaid insurance were more likely to use condoms. Non-White females and those without annual checkups were more at risk of unintended pregnancy. Conclusions: Contraceptive methods shifted among females with slightly increased sterilization in the years 2019 to 2022. Full article

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with HIV-positive MSM bearing the highest disease burden. Longitudinal data on anal HPV infection among HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM are limited. We assessed and compared the prevalence, incidence, and clearance of anal HPV infection among HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM in Xinjiang, China. Methods: Sexually active HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM aged 18 years and older have been enrolled in an ongoing observational cohort study of HPV since 1 September 2016, in Xinjiang, China. Participants were followed up on every 6 months with anal HPV testing and questionnaires regarding sexual behaviors. We compared HPV prevalence, incidence, and clearance between HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. Prevalence ratios (PRs), incidence rate ratios (IRRs), and clearance rate ratios (CRRs) for HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM were calculated. Results: A total of 1425 MSM, including 131 HIV-positive and 1294 HIV-negative individuals, with a median age of 29 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 24 to 36), were included in our analysis. Compared with HIV-negative MSM, HIV-positive MSM demonstrated significantly higher prevalence across both individual and grouped HPV genotypes. Specifically, the prevalence of grouped HPV genotypes (any, high-risk, low-risk, 9v, 4v, HPV16/18, and HPV 6/11) was consistently elevated in HIV-positive individuals. PRs for individual HPV types 31, 45, 34, 44, 53, and 81 were 2.47 (95% CI: 1.16–5.25), 2.47 (1.10–5.54), 4.94 (1.25–19.52), 3.29 (1.08–10.06), 2.02 (1.01–4.04), and 2.66 (1.18–6.01), respectively. Furthermore, the incidence of most individual HPV genotypes were higher, while the clearance rates were lower among HIV-positive MSM. Specifically, IRRs for HPV types 31, 33, 45, 55, and 66 were 2.12 (1.19–3.75), 2.19 (1.24–3.90), 2.32 (1.17–4.59), 3.02 (1.15–7.93), and 2.44 (1.18–5.05), respectively. CRRs for HPV types 51 and 58 were 0.33 (0.21–0.52) and 0.60 (0.45–0.79), respectively. Conclusions: HPV prevalence, incidence, and clearance of anal HPV exhibited heterogeneity between HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. HPV vaccination and condom promotion programs should be recommended for HIV-positive MSM to mitigate the burden of HPV infection in this vulnerable population. Full article