BACKGROUND

In response to the need to provide for mental health services to address gender-related concerns in a higher education institute, the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies (CGWS) commissioned a project to formulate a framework for the increasing volume of referrals.

METHODOLOGY

A mixed methods study was done in order to gather data to create a responsive and practical mental health care service provision framework with and for service providers and service users in the university. An online survey (N=135), focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and a round table discussion were conducted, with constituents of the university recruited through purposive sampling.

RESULTS

A stepped-care model was proposed, consisting of: 1. Preventive Well-Being Resources, 2. Supportive Well-Being Interventions and Initial Screening Resources, 3. Structured Interventions, and 4. Interventions for Severe Mental Health Problems.

CONCLUSION

The framework formulated in collaboration with service providers and service users in the university addresses the goals of optimizing existing resources and enhancing service provision. Implementation and evaluation of this framework, as well as further information regarding the target population and their use of this model, are proposed avenues for further research.

Human ; Gender ; Gender Identity ; Sexual Harassment ; Mental Health ; Mental Health Services ; Lgbtq ; Sexual And Gender Minorities ; Psychiatry ; Psychology

Objective: To investigate the knowledge of hepatitis C prevention and treatment and related factors among two groups of female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Xizang Autonomous Region (Xizang) to provide a basis for the subsequent development of Hepatitis C publicity and education strategies. Methods: From August to September 2021, a special survey was conducted among 1 244 FSW and 234 MSM in 5 districts (counties) of 4 regions in Xizang. A one-on-one face-to-face questionnaire survey was adopted, and the χ² test and logistic regression were used to analyze the related factors of awareness of hepatitis C prevention and treatment among FSW and MSM. Results: The awareness rates of hepatitis C prevention and treatment knowledge among FSW and MSM were 35.0% (436/1 244) and 11.1% (26/234), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the positive related factors of FSW' awareness of hepatitis C prevention and treatment knowledge among those who had high school or technical secondary school education (aOR=4.72, 95%CI: 3.30-6.74) and college education or above (aOR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.58-3.18), those who experienced self-perceived risk of HCV infection (aOR=1.87, 95%CI: 1.43-2.45), negative related factors included married or cohabiting (aOR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.35-0.95), divorce or windowless (aOR=0.44, 95%CI: 0.27-0.72), no condom was used in the most recent commercial sexual activity (aOR=0.54, 95%CI: 0.43-0.69). The positive related factors of MSM's awareness of hepatitis C prevention and treatment knowledge were over 40 years old (aOR=8.65, 95%CI: 3.19-23.42) and having a self-perceived risk of HCV infection (aOR=6.25, 95%CI: 2.50-15.61). Conclusions: The awareness rate of hepatitis C prevention and treatment among FSW and MSM was relatively low in Xizang in 2021 and urgently needs to be improved. It is necessary to formulate targeted publicity strategies based on the characteristics of these two groups of people, increase publicity efforts, and expand the coverage of knowledge publicity to popularize key points about the clinical manifestations, treatment options, and transmission routes of hepatitis C, and carry out necessary warnings and education.
Humans ; Male ; Hepatitis C/therapy* ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sex Workers/psychology* ; Homosexuality, Male ; Female ; Adult ; China ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; Logistic Models

INTRODUCTION: Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been available in Singapore since 2016, its uptake among gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (GBMSM) is low. The iPARTY study was established to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of PrEP and a PrEP teleconsultation service for young GBMSM aged 18 to 29 years. METHOD: A total of 53 young GBMSM were enrolled in the iPARTY study. They had a total of 5 in-person consultations and teleconsultations, at 12-week intervals. Laboratory tests and quarterly baseline surveys were performed to assess PrEP adherence, sexual behaviour, and incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). RESULTS: Thirty-five participants completed the entire 12-month follow-up. Most participants had positive experiences with PrEP teleconsultations. There was a statistically significant fall in participants' aggregate Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores throughout the study. Self-reported PrEP adherence decreased over the course of the study, denoting improved mental health. Although self-reported condom use for anal intercourse and participants' risk perception of HIV decreased after PrEP adoption, there was no statisti-cally significant increase in STI incidence. CONCLUSION This pilot project has shown that PrEP services provide an opportunity for YMSM to access sexual health testing, treatment and counselling, and may even have tangible benefits on the mental health of this population. Teleconsultation is shown to be a suitable platform for the delivery of such services. Collaborative initiatives are crucial to further enhance the affordability and accessibility of PrEP in Singapore, and to improve patient adherence.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Anti-HIV Agents/administration & dosage* ; Feasibility Studies ; Health Risk Behaviors ; HIV Infections/psychology* ; Incidence ; Medication Adherence ; Mental Health/statistics & numerical data* ; Pilot Projects ; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis/statistics & numerical data* ; Sexual and Gender Minorities/statistics & numerical data* ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control* ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Telemedicine/statistics & numerical data* ; Homosexuality, Male/statistics & numerical data*

PURPOSE: This study aims to review the literature to explore some factors affecting sexual and partnership adjustment in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: This study was based on the methodological framework of scoping reviews, including 3 methodological steps: (1) identifying relevant studies (searching for related studies); (2) selecting related studies; (3) collecting key findings, summarizing, and reporting the results. The electronic databases were searched including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they reported data about the related factors of sexual and partnership adjustment in individuals with SCI. No limitations were considered in terms of time or methodology of the search. RESULTS: After the full-text screening, 52 studies were included from the year of 1978 - 2019 with various methodologies. The present review demonstrated that proper sexual health among individuals with SCI is related to several factors including the anatomical factor, level of the injury, completeness of the injury, psycho-social factor, socio-economic status, and type of relationship. CONCLUSION With consideration of factors affecting sexual and partnership adjustment in individuals with SCI, a better estimation of sexual health can be achieved in clinical to improve the relationship and quality of life.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Quality of Life ; Sexual Behavior ; Sexual Health ; Spinal Cord Injuries/psychology*

Recent studies have shown that shorter periods of ejaculatory abstinence may enhance certain sperm parameters, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these improvements are still unclear. This study explored whether reduced abstinence periods could improve semen quality, particularly for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). We analyzed semen samples from men with normal sperm counts ( n = 101) and those with low sperm motility or concentration ( n = 53) after 3-7 days of abstinence and then after 1-3 h of abstinence, obtained from the Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya (Changsha, China). Physiological and biochemical sperm parameters were evaluated, and the dynamics of transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived fragments (tRFs) were analyzed using deep RNA sequencing in five consecutive samples from men with normal sperm counts. Our results revealed significant improvement in sperm motility and a decrease in the DNA fragmentation index after the 1- to 3-h abstinence period. Additionally, we identified 245 differentially expressed tRFs, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was the most enriched. Further investigations showed significant changes in tRF-Lys-TTT and its target gene mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 ( MAP2K2 ), which indicates a role of tRFs in improving sperm function. These findings provide new insights into how shorter abstinence periods influence sperm quality and suggest that tRFs may serve as biomarkers for male fertility. This research highlights the potential for optimizing ART protocols and improving reproductive outcomes through molecular approaches that target sperm function.
Male ; Humans ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; RNA, Transfer/genetics* ; Sperm Motility/genetics* ; Adult ; Semen Analysis ; Sexual Abstinence/physiology* ; Sperm Count ; DNA Fragmentation

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can negatively affect sexual function, and only a minority of patients report sexual activity. We reviewed the existing literature regarding the proportion of men who remained sexually active during and after ADT. The PubMed database was searched for studies published over the past 20 years. We selected and reviewed randomized clinical trials that provided sexual function data at baseline and during and after ADT. The primary outcome measure was the sexual function. Studies assessed sexual function using quality of life patient-reported outcome measures, which included sexual potency/activity evaluation. Information from 2947 patients was analyzed in this review. The median age of patients was 70 years. At baseline, a median of 49.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 49.1%-50.7%) of the patients reported being sexually active. At 6 months, 12 months, and 2 years or later of ADT treatment, a median of 10.3% (95% CI: 10.2%-10.5%), 8.9% (95% CI: 8.6%-9.2%), and 8.3% (95% CI: 8.2%-8.5%) of the patients reported being sexually active, respectively. Considering that half of the patients were sexually active at baseline, it seems probable that more than 10% of the patients who were sexually active before starting ADT remained sexually active when undergoing ADT. In conclusion, despite the common belief that ADT eliminates sexual activity, this analysis found that approximately 1 in 10 men are sexually active when on ADT, and this proportion is likely increased in men who are sexually active before starting ADT. Attention to sexual activity should not be dismissed in men on ADT.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Androgen Antagonists/therapeutic use* ; Sexual Behavior/drug effects* ; Quality of Life ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of psychological intervention based on the extension and expansion of positive psychology (PERMA) model on sexual psychological resilience (PR) and erectile function in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (pED). METHODS: This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial included 122 cases of pED diagnosed in our hospital from September 2023 to August 2024, which were equally divided into a trial and a control group, the former treated by PERMA-based psychological intervention in addition to drug therapy, while the latter by drug therapy only. After 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, we obtained the scores of the patients on IIEF-5, Connor-DavidsonResilience Scale (CD-RISC), Self-Esteem and Sexual Relationship Satisfaction Scale (SESRS) and the quality of sexual life, and compared them between the two groups before and after intervention. RESULTS: At 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, the IIEF-5 scores were significantly lower in the trial than in the control group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline scores on any dimensions of CD-RISC between the two groups, while after 8 weeks of treatment, the scores on personal abilities, stress resistance, control, mental influence and total CD-RISC scores were all remarkably higher in the trial group than in the control (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups before treatment either in the SESRS scores, or in the average number of effective erections, average duration of each erection and average erection hardness. After 8 weeks of treatment, the patients in the trial group, compared with the controls, showed marked increases in self-esteem, sexual relationship satisfaction and total SESRS scores, as well as in the average number of effective erections, average duration of each erection and average erection hardness (P<0.05). CONCLUSION For the treatment of pED, PERMA-based psychological intervention in addition to active medication contributes to elevating the psychological resilience and improving the erectile function of the patients.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/therapy* ; Prospective Studies ; Single-Blind Method ; Quality of Life ; Psychology, Positive ; Self Concept ; Resilience, Psychological ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Sexual Behavior ; Penile Erection

Females increase aggression for mating opportunities and for acquiring reproductive resources. Although the close relationship between female aggression and mating status is widely appreciated, whether and how female aggression is regulated by mating-related cues remains poorly understood. Here we report an interesting observation that Drosophila virgin females initiate high-frequency attacks toward mated females. We identify 11-cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA), a male-derived pheromone transferred to females during mating, which promotes virgin female aggression. We subsequently reveal a cVA-responsive neural circuit consisting of four orders of neurons, including Or67d, DA1, aSP-g, and pC1 neurons, that mediate cVA-induced virgin female aggression. We also determine that aSP-g neurons release acetylcholine (ACh) to excite pC1 neurons via the nicotinic ACh receptor nAChRα7. Together, beyond revealing cVA as a mating-related inducer of virgin female aggression, our results identify a neural circuit linking the chemosensory perception of mating-related cues to aggressive behavior in Drosophila females.
Animals ; Male ; Female ; Drosophila/physiology* ; Drosophila Proteins/physiology* ; Cues ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology* ; Aggression/physiology* ; Drosophila melanogaster/physiology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the discrepancy between behavioral-indicated candidacy and perceived candidacy (behavioral-perceived gap) and its associated factors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to identify the focus population of PrEP interventions and to design and implement targeted interventions. METHODS: We recruited a sample of 622 HIV-negative MSM who were regular clients of a community-based organization located in Chengdu, China, from November to December 2021. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to collect the participants' information on social demographics, PrEP-related knowledge and cognitions, and risk behaviors. In this study, behaviorally eligible for PrEP was defined as performing at least one type of high-risk behavior in the past six months, including inconsistent condom use, sex with an HIV-positive partner, confirmed sexual transmitted infections (STI) diagnosis, substance use, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) experience. Logistic regression models were fitted, and multivariate analyses were adjusted for social demographics. RESULTS: Among the 622 eligible participants, 52.6% (327/622) were classified as behaviorally eligible for PrEP. Only 37.9% (124/327) of the participants perceived themselves as appropriate candidates for PrEP and 62.1% (203/207) had discrepancy between behavioral-indicated and perceived candidacy. 85.9% (281/327) had heard of PrEP, and 14.2% (40/281) accessed PrEP information through health care providers. Of the 327 participants eligible for behavior-indicated PrEP use, about half (47.1%) knew how to obtain PrEP medication and 33.0% had a professional PrEP counseling experience. The majority (93.3%) had no or few friends using PrEP. 54.1% scored eight or above in PrEP knowledge level. 66.7% reported having two or more sexual partners in the past six months. After adjusting for age and recruitment channel, we found six factors that were associated with perceived candidacy for PrEP, including PEP use [adjusted odds ratio (OR_A)=2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33-3.63], PrEP availability (OR_A=1.69; 95%CI: 1.06-2.68), a greater number of PrEP-using friends (OR_A=4.92; 95%CI: 1.77-13.65), PrEP know-ledge (OR_A=2.21; 95%CI: 1.38-3.56), multiple sexual partnership (OR_A=1.77; 95%CI: 1.07-2.94), and perceiving a higher risk of HIV infection (OR_A=4.02; 95%CI: 1.73-9.32). Substance use during sex and PrEP information channel were not statistically associated with this beha-vioral-perceived gap. CONCLUSION We observed a high discrepancy between behavioral-indicated and perceived candidacy for PrEP among Chengdu MSM in China. Future PrEP implementation efforts should be made in skills training in assessing HIV infection risk, increasing PrEP knowledge, providing professional PrEP counselling, and fostering PrEP support environment.
Male ; Humans ; Homosexuality, Male/psychology* ; HIV Infections/psychology* ; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis ; HIV ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Sexual and Gender Minorities

Objective: To analyze the trajectories of HIV testing self-efficacy among men who have sex with men (MSM) based on latent class growth model. Methods: From August 2019 to May 2021, 404 MSM were recruited in Shandong Province and subjected to a 1-year follow-up study with individual intervention (pushing intervention pictures and videos in WeChat and follow-up questionnaires) and community intervention (forwarding to friends and sharing and discussing HIV testing-related information in WeChat groups). The level of HIV testing self-efficacy among MSM was measured. The long-term trend of HIV testing self-efficacy was analyzed using the latent class growth model (LCGM), and the influencing factors of the trend were analyzed. Results: A total of 404 MSM were (28.25±8.95) years old, with the oldest being 58 and the youngest being 18. The scores of HIV testing self-efficacy M(Q₁, Q₃) at baseline and 4 follow-ups were 18.00 (17.00, 21.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00) and 19.00 (18.00, 22.00). The results of the freely estimated two-category LCGM model showed that the trend of HIV testing self-efficacy among MSM could be divided into two classes, "intervention response group" [255(63.1%)] and "intervention non-response group" [149(36.9%)]. The former had a higher level of HIV testing self-efficacy which tended to increase at first and then decrease over time, while the latter had a lower and more stable level. The results of the multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that the OR values of MSM in business or service and jobless or unemployed were 0.261 (95%CI: 0.108-0.633) and 0.186 (95%CI: 0.057-0.610), respectively, using the students as the reference group. Conclusion: There is a group heterogeneity in the trend of HIV testing self-efficacy in the intervention conditions among MSM, and occupation may be an influencing factor.
Male ; Humans ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Homosexuality, Male ; HIV Infections/prevention & control* ; Sexual and Gender Minorities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Self Efficacy ; HIV Testing