Sexual health最新文献

{"title":"A digital citizen science intervention to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV testing: a randomized clinical trial among adolescents and young adults in Kazakhstan.","authors":"Alissa Davis, Laura Nyblade, Yihang Sun, Olga Balabekova, Sara E Landers, Denis Gryazev, Joseph D Tucker, Valera Gulyaev, Susan L Rosenthal, Karsten Lunze, Weiming Tang, Azamat Kuskulov, Assel Terlikbayeva, Sholpan Primbetova, Mingway Chang, Alfiya Y Denebayeva, Aikerim Utegulovna Akhmetova, Ainur Absemetova, Sholpan Karzhaubayeva, Sairankul Kassymbekova, Marina Maximova, Zhannat Mussina, Gulnar Bekenova, Zhamilya Nugmanova, Zhanna Kalmatayeva, Ludmila Polyakova, Zhanneta Kanaevna Zhazykbaeva, Vitaliy Vinogradov, Amir Shaikezhanov, Meruyert Darisheva, Bella Orynbetova, Elena Norakidze, Mashirov Kozhakhmet, Akbota Tolegenova, Aknur Imadillda, Dariga Satkhozhina, Alikhan Kartamyssov, Zhamilya Kanieva, Albina Aleshina, Olzhas Makhan, Aida Muravyova, Adema Rahimzanova, Arman Duisenbayev, Zhanerke Tursynbek, Nurgazy Dias, Malika Beken, Miras Murzakhan, Zhandos Ali Brown, Daniyal Maitekov, Artur Li, Sandizaira Mergen, Dautali Mergenov, Amirali Kuanysh, Anuar Rakhimbekov, Yenlik Baisbay, Alibek Aruzhan, Zhasmina Kozhambet, Denis Grebenchishikov, Dmitriy Bekker, Sultan Kozhamberdiev, Dauren Salykov, Madina Sagimbayeva, Kamila Yussupova, Gaukhar Mergenova","doi":"10.1071/SH24235","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24235","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background Kazakhstan has a high HIV incidence among adolescents and young adults (AYA), and high HIV stigma contributing to low HIV testing uptake. We examined whether an AYA-developed digital crowdsourced intervention reduced HIV stigma compared with conventional public health materials among AYA in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Methods A total of 216 AYA (females:116/males:110) aged 16-24 years were recruited to the online study cohort and randomized 1:1 to the intervention or control arm. AYA were exposed to the crowdsourced intervention or control materials once a week for 5weeks, with equivalent exposures between arms. Outcomes included a total HIV stigma score assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention and 2months post-intervention from January to August 2023. We conducted multilevel mixed models to compare changes over time by arm and sex. Results AYA in the intervention arm had significantly lower HIV testing stigma 2months post-intervention (adjusted mean change (AMC): -0.73 (-1.07, -0.39)) than AYA in the control arm (AMC: -0.06 (-0.42, 0.30); P =0.032). Female AYA in the intervention arm had significantly lower total HIV stigma immediately post-intervention (AMC: -4.91 (-7.25, -2.58)) and 2months post-intervention (AMC: -5.16 (-7.48, -2.84)) than females in the control arm (immediately post-intervention AMC: -0.03 (-2.63, 2.57) and 2-months post-intervention AMC: -0.07 (-2.70, 2.56); P =0.012, P =0.012). Conclusions The AYA-developed crowdsourced intervention decreased HIV testing stigma, although this effect was moderated by sex, and decreased total HIV stigma among female AYA. Crowdsourced interventions may be a promising way to engage communities to develop interventions to decrease HIV stigma.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143731656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring sexual desire and fantasies: a cross-sectional online study on gender differences on Iranian adults.","authors":"Rezvan Shekarchi, Filippo Maria Nimbi","doi":"10.1071/SH24179","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background Sexual fantasies represent a cognitive pattern that influences sexual activation and desire. This study aims to investigate the relationship between sexual fantasies, sexual desire and overall sexual functioning among Iranian adults. Methods A total of 1353 volunteers from the general population participated by filling out questionnaires including, the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies Questionnaire, the International Index of Erectile Function and the Female Sexual Function Index. Sexual fantasies were categorized based on predefined criteria. Statistical analyses were conducted using correlation and regression techniques to explore these relationships. Results Men reported more explicit sexual fantasies, including active roles, common sexual behaviours and dominance, during sexual activities (mean1.62, s.d.1.16), taboo elements (e.g. sex with minors, animals, family members and rape; mean0.38, s.d.0.60) and fantasies with diverse partners (mean5.18, s.d.4.16). In contrast, women preferred romantic content (mean1.97, s.d.0.97) and a passive role. No gender differences were observed in bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism fantasies. Both genders showed a strong correlation between sexual fantasies and sexual desire (Men0.461, Women0.372). Conclusion Understanding these patterns in a conservative country, such as Iran, may contribute to culturally sensitive intervention in traditional culture. For instance, in sex therapy or workshops for couples on utilizing fantasy to enhance sexual satisfaction, subject to the values of modesty and privacy. This research reveals valuable insight into sexual imagery and sexual performance, and fills a gap in cultural studies. However, further research is needed to validate these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing and projecting the global impacts of female infertility: a 1990-2040 analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study.","authors":"Hanjin Wang, Bengui Jiang","doi":"10.1071/SH24237","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24237","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background This study aims to assess the global burden of female infertility from 1990 to 2040. Methods Data on disability-adjusted life years associated with female infertility were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study. Generalized additive models were utilized to predict trends for the period spanning from 2022 to 2040. Results The global burden of female infertility is expected to increase significantly, with the age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rate projected to reach 19.92 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 18.52, 21.33) by 2040. The projected estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) for the age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rate from 2022 to 2040 is expected to be 1.42, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.3951-1.4418. This is in contrast to the EAPC of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.5391-0.8789) observed from 1990 to 2021. Central sub-Saharan Africa is projected to have the highest age-standardized rate at 29.37 (95% UI: 24.58-34.16), whereas Australasia is expected to have the lowest at 0.78 (95% UI: 0.72-0.84). Age-specific projections show a consistent decline in infertility rates across all age groups. Countries such as Kenya, Chad and Peru exhibit EAPCs exceeding 9.00, whereas Mali and South Africa show significant negative EAPCs. Correlation analysis indicates that regions with a higher sociodemographic index generally have lower female infertility burdens, with notable trends observed in Europe and Asia. Conclusion The projected global burden of female infertility is expected to increase significantly from 2021 to 2040, with notable regional disparities. Central sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia are anticipated to experience higher burdens, whereas overall rates are projected to decrease across different age groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143574054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis re-initiation among men who have sex with men: a multi-center cohort study in China.","authors":"Yifan Dai, Zhuoheng Yin, Chunyan Li, Chengxin Fan, Heping Zhao, Haojie Huang, Quanmin Li, Songjie Wu, Aniruddha Hazra, Jonathan Lio, Ke Liang, Linghua Li, Renslow Sherer, Joseph D Tucker, Cheng Wang, Weiming Tang","doi":"10.1071/SH24200","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background Data on persistent use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is limited among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to explore factors associated with the re-initiation of PrEP among Chinese MSM from a longitudinal PrEP demonstration trial. Methods A multi-center cohort study was conducted in Guangzhou and Wuhan, China (September 2021-2024), providing 1134 MSM participants with a 12-month dosage of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) as oral PrEP. Following the trial, a subgroup of participants were invited to complete a 3-month post-trial follow-up survey. These participants were categorized on the basis of self-reported PrEP use patterns into (1) continued PrEP use, (2) discontinued without re-initiation, and (3) re-initiated after discontinuation. Log-binomial regression models were used to assess factors associated with PrEP re-initiation. Results Out of 408 participants who completed the 3-month post-trial follow-up survey, 70.1% (n =286/408) reported discontinuing PrEP, and 50.7% (n =145/286) of those who discontinued subsequently re-initiated PrEP. Participants who had concurrent sexual partnerships (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]=1.47, 95% CI: 1.11-1.96), used drugs during sex (aRR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.09-1.65), or lived alone (aRR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.61) were more likely to re-initiate PrEP. The Likert scale analysis indicated that perceived partner influence, specifically the expectation of condomless sex, played a significant role in re-initiation decisions (P =0.03). Conclusion Individuals engaging in higher-risk behaviors are more likely to re-initiate PrEP, highlighting the dynamic nature of risk perception. Future interventions should focus on promoting both re-initiation and consistent condom use, emphasizing partner-related dynamics and substance use as key factors in PrEP decisions among MSM.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving engagement with sexual and reproductive health services among young African migrants in Australia.","authors":"Humaira Maheen, Negin Mirzaei Damabi, Zohra S Lassi","doi":"10.1071/SH24186","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24186","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are underutilised by young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in many Western countries, including Australia. Young African migrants, a growing demographic in Australia, face unique challenges, including stigma associated with seeking sexual health care and limited sexual health literacy, which lead to adverse SRH outcomes. The study aims to (1) develop an understanding of young African migrants' knowledge of existing sexual health services in Australia and (2) explore young people's perceptions of youth-friendly SRH services for optimal engagement by young migrants from African backgrounds. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia, in 2019, using three participatory workshops involving 30 young African migrants aged 18-24 years. The data was analysed thematically. Results Thematic analysis identified three key themes: (1) lack of visibility and information of existing sexual health services affects service use, (2) cultural stigma associated with sexual health affects help-seeking and health service engagement, and (3) key attributes of youth-friendly SRH care for young African migrants. None of the participants were aware of sexual health services in Australia. Although general practitioners were the most commonly known healthcare providers, many participants avoided seeking SRH care from them due to concerns about confidentiality. Participants emphasised the importance of accessible, youth-friendly SRH services, recommending culturally informed approaches and highlighting preferences for provider characteristics, such as younger age, strong confidentiality assurances, and gender-specific options in provider selection. Conclusion The lack of awareness about sexual health services among young African migrants hinders their ability to access appropriate care. Efforts to promote SRH services should include targeted, culturally sensitive outreach and clear communication to address misconceptions and barriers. Adopting a cultural lens in designing youth-friendly SRH services may enhance their utilisation and improve SRH outcomes among this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143731658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiological trends of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes and syphilis in India from 1990 to 2019: analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD 2019).","authors":"Ashu Kumari, Kumari Akanksha, Omprokash Dutta, Farah Deeba, Nasir Salam","doi":"10.1071/SH24185","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV are a major public health concern globally. The goal of this study is to analyse the trends of the five most common STIs; chlamydia, gonococcal infection, trichomoniasis, genital herpes and syphilis in India and its states from 1990 to 2019. Methods We extracted data pertaining to STIs from the Global Burden of Disease study, 2019 (GBD 2019), and analysed the burden of disease based on individual STI, for both sexes, across multiple age groups, and for each state and union territory of India. Results Incidence of STIs increased by 82.79% from 54.64million in 1990 to 99.88million in 2019, and disability-adjusted life years decreased by 48.66% from 1.51million to 0.77million, which is primarily attributed to a decline in disability-adjusted life years for syphilis. The incidence was higher in men compared to women. The incidence rate for chlamydia, trichomoniasis and genital herpes increased, the incidence rate for syphilis declined, whereas the incidence rate for gonococcal infection did not show any substantial change. Most of the disability-adjusted life years and deaths in 2019 were contributed by syphilis. Conclusion The burden of STIs in India is substantial and calls for comprehensive efforts to stem the tide of increasing incidence of STIs. Enhancing surveillance, increasing awareness and targeted control programs are recommended for the affected populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring residents' and fellows' confidence in sexually transmitted infection management and confidential care for adolescents.","authors":"Cameron L Wynn, Catherine Wong, MinJae Lee, Jasmin A Tiro, Jenny K R Francis","doi":"10.1071/SH24156","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background In the United States, many residents and fellows lack confidence in their ability to confidentially counsel adolescents regarding sexual health topics. Little is known about how personal and professional experiences may affect medical residents' and fellows' confidence in counselling adolescents about sexual health services. Methods We invited 361 residents and fellows (trainees) from paediatric, obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as family medicine programs at an academic medical centre in Texas to complete a survey about confidence in counselling about sexual health services. We describe respondents' demographics, medical training, personal sexual healthcare experiences, and confidence in confidential care and STI management measured on a four-point Likert scale. We calculated average confidence scores, dichotomised responses into confident (≥3 points) and not-so-confident ( Results Among 228 trainees (63% response rate), 54% were confident in confidential care and 81% were confident in STI management. Those who received training in aspects of confidential care and STI management reported significantly greater confidence in many of these areas. Respondents who recalled private discussions with their personal healthcare provider as an adolescent reported confidence in STI management (P =0.02) compared to those who did not have that experience. Conclusions Medical training should focus on communication training to address gaps in confidence, particularly regarding adolescent confidentiality. Clinicians' personal experiences may impact aspects of confidence, highlighting the importance of encouraging trainees to reflect on how their background might influence their clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143415345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Substantial underdiagnosis and underreporting: changes in reported HIV and AIDS cases in 31 provinces in China at the beginning of COVID-19.","authors":"Xinsheng Wu, Zhongwen Wang, Bin Li, Weijie Zhang, Yuanyi Chen, Guozhen Wu, Juan Yang, Huachun Zou","doi":"10.1071/SH24223","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background China implemented extensive non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to contain COVID-19. Methods National and provincial data on monthly reported HIV and AIDS cases from January 2017 to December 2020 were collected from the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. We used interrupted time series analysis to assess whether COVID-19-related NPIs had an impact on reported HIV and AIDS cases in 31 provinces in China, and estimated underreported numbers of HIV and AIDS cases in the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results A total of 393,357 HIV cases and 254,735 AIDS cases were recorded in China from January 2017 to December 2020. Nationally, the number of reported HIV cases decreased by 25.1% in the first month of the NPIs period (January 2020) compared with the counterfactual (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.749; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.664-0.845), whereas the number of reported AIDS cases decreased by 36.5% (IRR 0.635, 95% CI 0.543-0.741). An estimated 2208 HIV cases (95% CI 1209-3335) and 1525 AIDS cases (95% CI 927-2233) were underdiagnosed and underreported in the first month of the NPIs in China. The highest numbers of underdiagnosed and underreported HIV cases in the first month of NPIs were estimated in Sichuan (IRR 577, 95% CI 239-978), Guangdong (IRR 185, 95% CI 170-200) and Henan (IRR 170, 95% CI 77-286). Conclusions There was substantial underdiagnosis and underreporting of HIV and AIDS cases during the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and certain provinces. Health departments should consider the specific barriers encountered during the pandemic, such as disrupted healthcare access and resource limitations, and implement targeted strategies to strengthen HIV surveillance and report systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143415346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A holistic evaluation of sexual health disease investigation: case study of the 2022 Mpox outbreak in Santa Clara County, California.","authors":"Harit Agroia, Leyla Mousli, Disha Nangia","doi":"10.1071/SH24197","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background Despite its integral role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases, there is limited research that evaluates the impact of disease investigation (DI) services. The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department activated its emergency response operations, which included designated DI services, to respond to its local Mpox outbreak. The aim of this evaluation was to understand the range of outcomes achieved through Mpox DI services. Methods Mpox investigations completed between June and December 2022 were included in an evaluation that employed a composite measure to calculate the number of investigations needed to achieve the following outcomes: (1) treatment completion, (2) monitoring completion, (3) partial vaccine dose completion, (4) full vaccination series completion, and (5) STI and HIV testing. Results The overall composite score of 0.53 indicated that each investigation led to 1.90 outcomes achieved. Among cases eligible for treatment, 2.16 investigations yielded one treatment completion; 1.19 case and contact investigations yielded one monitoring completion; 2.21 and 3.53 contact investigations yielded one partial vaccine dose completion and one full vaccination series completion, respectively; and 2.25 case and contact investigations yielded one STI or HIV test. Conclusion Recognizing the multiple steps involved in DI can inform holistic evaluations that illuminate intervention impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143190542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Australian veteran sexual health: '…you are the first person I've spoken to about it.'","authors":"Kosta Douvos, Louise Bourchier, Meredith J Temple-Smith, Sue Malta","doi":"10.1071/SH24152","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH24152","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background Sexual health and functioning outcomes have been shown to be poor among veterans due to factors associated with military service, as well as barriers to healthcare access. However, there is currently limited research attempting to assess the scope and extent of these issues in the Australian context. Methods Ten qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian professionals working within or adjacent to veteran sexual health and were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Sexual health and functioning issues commonly develop among Australian veterans due to a variety of physical, psychological and social factors. Factors include mental ill-health, physical illness and injury, use of medication, and relationship strain. These contribute to physiological dysfunctions, poor sexual behaviours and difficulties in forming healthy, meaningful intimate relationships. Barriers, such as lack of awareness and understanding, stigma, and structural barriers, were suggested to interfere with healthcare access and worsen outcomes. Key informants recommended increasing provider training, research and military support, as well as de-stigmatising sexual health issues. Conclusions Veteran sexual health is not often on the radar of Australian health and research professionals. Our study is one of few studies in the Australian context, highlighting the need to conduct more research to better manage veteran sexual health and functioning needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"22 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}