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Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication
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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 "Health Communication and Informatics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 34783

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Brenda F. Seals

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Chief Guest Editor
Department of Public Health, School of Nursing, Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ 08618, USA
Interests: violence and injury; research methods; statistics; cancer; HIV/AIDS; health disparities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yachao Li

E-Mail Website
Assistant 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
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Emily Scheinfeld

E-Mail Website
Assistant 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
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Decades of research on sexual risk-taking focused on specific behaviors such as condom use and number of partners, and researchers called for more information on partner communication. Only recently have detailed studies emerged providing information about sexual communication that delve with sufficient detail to uncover specific facets of communication that increase or decrease risk taking. Communication with “I” statements, initiative partner communication prior to engaging in sexual activity, carrying protective materials like condoms, and higher self-esteem all consistently predict safer behavior. However, turning such results into effective interventions has been challenging. Constraints on interventions for teens in particular, or for relationships involving violence are limiting due to societal stigma and ethical concerns. Minority groups like the LGBTQ+ community are vulnerable to coercive and violent relationships, constraining preventive behavior.

This Special Issue offers an opportunity to jointly publish high-quality multidisciplinary research and reviews to describe 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; and effective communication and intervention strategies to promote sexual health. New research, intervention studies, and innovations in messaging, as well as reviews of the field are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Brenda Seals
Dr. Yachao Li
Dr. Emily Scheinfeld
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
  • sex-based communication
  • sexual risk-taking
  • health education
  • condom use
  • sexually transmitted infections
  • LGBTQ+
  • emerging adulthood
  • family communication
  • relational communication

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 336 KiB  
Article
Gendered Experiences of Parent–Child Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues: A Qualitative Study Employing Community-Based Participatory Methods among Primary Caregivers and Community Stakeholders in Rural South-Western Uganda
by Dorcus Achen, Viola N. Nyakato, Cecilia Akatukwasa, Elizabeth Kemigisha, Wendo Mlahagwa, Ruth Kaziga, Gad Ndaruhutse Ruzaaza, Godfrey Z. Rukundo, Kristien Michielsen, Stella Neema and Gily Coene
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5052; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095052 - 21 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2015
Abstract
Open and positive parent–child communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is known to reduce negative SRH outcomes for young people. However, socio-cultural influences can inhibit meaningful SRH communication. Restrictive gender norms threaten the SRH of adolescents, as they make adolescent boys more [...] Read more.
Open and positive parent–child communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is known to reduce negative SRH outcomes for young people. However, socio-cultural influences can inhibit meaningful SRH communication. Restrictive gender norms threaten the SRH of adolescents, as they make adolescent boys more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior and make girls more vulnerable to negative SRH outcomes. This study intended to critically understand the impact of gender norms and expectations on parent–child SRH communication in rural south-western Uganda. Methods: The study adopted a community-based participatory approach using community stakeholder engagement meetings (n = 2), in-depth interviews (n = 12), and three focus group discussions with parents (n = 18). The study considered biological parents, step-parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties, as long as they were primary caregivers of adolescents aged 10–14. Results: Participants elaborated on the socio-cultural aspects that shaped their experiences of parent–child SRH communication such as cultural gender norms, religion, and media influences. They also referred to socio-economic challenges, lack of knowledge, and the role of peers and schools. Conclusions: There is need for community-based interventions to improve parent–child SRH communication to address the deeply rooted cultural and gender contexts in rural south-western Uganda. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
11 pages, 324 KiB  
Article
Chronic Vulvovaginal Pain in Patients of Color: Benefits of Partner Supportiveness in Relation to Sexual Dissatisfaction and Distress
by Margaret Bennett-Brown, Olivia R. Adams, Jessica T. Campbell, Zoe Moscovici and Amanda N. Gesselman
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3975; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19073975 - 27 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2414
Abstract
Within the social support literature, individuals who experience chronic pain have shown many positive outcomes and benefits when receiving the appropriate level of emotional support. In the current study, individuals who experience chronic vulvovaginal pain (CVVP) were asked about their partner’s supportiveness, other [...] Read more.
Within the social support literature, individuals who experience chronic pain have shown many positive outcomes and benefits when receiving the appropriate level of emotional support. In the current study, individuals who experience chronic vulvovaginal pain (CVVP) were asked about their partner’s supportiveness, other sources of emotional support, and their satisfaction and stress surrounding sexual activity. The participants (n = 333) also identified as people of color, with a majority identifying as African American or Black (n = 227). The participants indicated that their partners were overall supportive of their diagnoses and found other emotional support sources through medical professionals, vulvar/vaginal pain-specific medical information websites, and family or friends. After conducting linear regressions, results showed the partner supportiveness was associated with less distress and less dissatisfaction surrounding sexual activity. Future research is suggested to further examine social support’s role for minority patients who experience chronic vulvovaginal pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
14 pages, 1012 KiB  
Article
Mobile Dating Applications and the Sexual Self: A Cluster Analysis of Users’ Characteristics
by Alexandru Mateizer and Eugen Avram
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1535; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031535 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2992
Abstract
The online environment has had a profound sociocultural impact, and its implications pose new challenges to modern-day societies. The digital sexual and dating domains have dramatically affected sexual and romantic behavior and norms, and yet, no empirical studies have addressed the role of [...] Read more.
The online environment has had a profound sociocultural impact, and its implications pose new challenges to modern-day societies. The digital sexual and dating domains have dramatically affected sexual and romantic behavior and norms, and yet, no empirical studies have addressed the role of the sexual self-concept in driving sexual and romantic online behavior. The aim of this study is to identify reliable sexual self-configurations through a cluster analysis approach and determine whether these profiles are informative in relation to app use motives and sexual outcomes. For this purpose, a total of 244 subjects were recruited. Survey questions measured a set of demographic parameters, motives for app use, online sexual activities, attachment orientations, the sexual self-concept and sexual satisfaction. Five clusters were identified, including two with high levels of sexual drive (“Driven” and “Adventurous”), two with low levels of sexual drive (“Unassured” and “Naïve”) and one with an intermediate level of sexual drive (“Competent”). The clusters differed on gender, attachment styles, app use patterns and sexual characteristics. These findings provide insight into how the sexual self-concept relates to the interaction between individuals and the online sexual and dating scenes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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15 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
Parent-Child Sex Communication Prompts, Approaches, Reactions, and Functions According to Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Sons
by Dalmacio D. Flores, Madelyne Z. Greene and Tamara Taggart
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 74; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010074 - 22 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3628
Abstract
Minimal research on parent-child sex communication between parents and gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) adolescent sons prevents the formulation of interventions that would buffer or brake this youth population’s risks for HIV/STI. We sought to describe the perspectives of GBQ adolescent males on [...] Read more.
Minimal research on parent-child sex communication between parents and gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) adolescent sons prevents the formulation of interventions that would buffer or brake this youth population’s risks for HIV/STI. We sought to describe the perspectives of GBQ adolescent males on this process and the potential ways they think parents can address their sons’ informational needs, including countering youth access of sexually explicit media. We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with GBQ male youth aged 15–20 years. Thematic and content analysis revealed four central themes: prompts and triggers, parents’ approaches, sons’ reactions, and the functions assigned to sex communication. Parents can be sources of reliable sexual health information and may be leveraged for future HIV/STI risk reduction work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
14 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
Affective–Sexual Relationships for Money beyond Prostitution: An Analysis of the Discourse of Women Sex Workers in Chile’s Great North
by Jimena Silva Segovia, Pablo Zuleta Pastor and Estefany Castillo Ravanal
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12317; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312317 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1681
Abstract
A critical analysis of the discourse of female sex workers residing in the Antofagasta region in northern Chile is presented. It highlights the discursive constructions of female sex workers on the commercial, affective, and sexual bond with male mineworkers. From this discursive production [...] Read more.
A critical analysis of the discourse of female sex workers residing in the Antofagasta region in northern Chile is presented. It highlights the discursive constructions of female sex workers on the commercial, affective, and sexual bond with male mineworkers. From this discursive production emerges the image of a whore–mother, of a woman who, encouraged by a monetary transaction, knows how to embody what her client–miner needs beyond sex: to reinforce his manhood while welcoming him and recognizing him as an affectively deprived subject. Such a role fulfills a function of repairing the virile force of work, sustaining a balance that affects the miner’s functioning and performance in the mine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
19 pages, 1256 KiB  
Article
Shame and STIs: An Exploration of Emerging Adult Students’ Felt Shame and Stigma towards Getting Tested for and Disclosing Sexually Transmitted Infections
by Emily Scheinfeld
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7179; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18137179 - 05 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6120
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is identified as a time of identity exploration, during which emerging adults (EAs) may engage in sexual exploration and risky behaviors, potentially resulting in the contraction of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many EAs, do not disclose their status to partners [...] Read more.
Emerging adulthood is identified as a time of identity exploration, during which emerging adults (EAs) may engage in sexual exploration and risky behaviors, potentially resulting in the contraction of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many EAs, do not disclose their status to partners or those who can provide social support, like parents. Nor do they often get tested. This may be due to the changing status of stigma surrounding STIs. This study examines traditional measures of the stigma/shame of STI diagnoses, treatment, and testing, and their relevance alongside both increased opportunities for casual sex and not only heightened education surrounding STIs, but also heightened prevalence of STIs in the U.S. Results show EAs perceived that if their community found out they got tested, they would likely be treated differently. They also felt they would be uncomfortable disclosing an STI to parents as well as to sexual partners. However, disclosing to a monogamous partner yielded less felt shame and stigma by EAs. Lastly, stigma/shame was associated with STI communication, as well as with overall perception of STI knowledge, and getting tested. Further explanation of the results and possible implications of this study are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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12 pages, 2100 KiB  
Article
LGB Tobacco Control: Do Health Belief Model Constructs Predict Tobacco Use Intentions Differently between LGB and Heterosexual Individuals?
by Yachao Li, Bo Yang and Bryan Chen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7008; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18137008 - 30 Jun 2021
Viewed by 2535
Abstract
This research includes two studies testing whether the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs predict tobacco use intentions differently between heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. Focusing on cigarette smoking, Study 1 (n = 1808 U.S. adult current smokers) found that [...] Read more.
This research includes two studies testing whether the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs predict tobacco use intentions differently between heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. Focusing on cigarette smoking, Study 1 (n = 1808 U.S. adult current smokers) found that the perceived health threat and perceived benefits of smoking differently predicted intentions to continue smoking between heterosexual and LGB smokers. The perceived health threat of smoking had a weaker negative relationship and perceived benefits of smoking had a stronger positive relationship with smoking intentions among LGB smokers than heterosexual smokers. Focusing on vaping, Study 2 (n = 2801 U.S. adults) found that the perceived health threat and perceived barriers of vaping differentially predicted vaping intentions between heterosexual and LGB individuals. The perceived health threat of vaping only negatively predicted vaping intentions among heterosexual people. Perceived barriers to vaping had a stronger negative relationship with intentions to vape among LGB people than among heterosexual people. Our finding suggests that compared to perceptions of tobacco-related health consequences (perceived heath threat), behavioral perceptions (perceived benefits and barriers) may have stronger impacts on tobacco use intentions among LGB people. Thus, efforts focusing on reducing tobacco-related disparities among the LGB community should address perceived benefits and barriers of tobacco use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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9 pages, 347 KiB  
Article
Exploring Sexting and Online Sexual Victimization during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
by Aina M. Gassó, Katrin Mueller-Johnson, José R. Agustina and Esperanza L. Gómez-Durán
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6662; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18126662 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3827
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has impacted daily routines, forcing people to stop socializing in person and changing the way people express their feelings and their romantic or sexual interactions. Social distancing has changed the way people behave online, and we expect that engagement [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has impacted daily routines, forcing people to stop socializing in person and changing the way people express their feelings and their romantic or sexual interactions. Social distancing has changed the way people behave online, and we expect that engagement in sexting and online sexual victimization behaviors have increased during lockdown. The aim of this paper is to study the prevalence of sexting and online sexual victimization behaviors during the COVID-19 lockdown in Spanish adults in order to explore how social distancing has affected these behaviors. The sample comprised 293 Spanish adults (mean age = 30.3; 66.2% female) who took part in an online survey about their engagement in sexting behaviors and online sexual victimization experiences. Overall results were apparently not supportive of our main hypothesis, showing that both sexting engagement and online sexual victimization decreased during lockdown despite the increase in internet use. Apart from differences in time period of reference, some alternative hypotheses relate to the increased presence of capable guardians according to the routine activities theory and to forced distance as a demotivation to sext. Possible explanations and hypotheses for these results are discussed further in the paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
13 pages, 635 KiB  
Article
Victimization as a Result of Non-Consensual Dissemination of Sexting and Psychopathology Correlates: An Exploratory Analysis
by Aina M. Gassó, Katrin Mueller-Johnson and Esperanza L. Gómez-Durán
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6564; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18126564 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2801
Abstract
Sexting is generally known as creating, sending and/or forwarding of sexual content using electronic devices. When such content is non-consensually disseminated, it becomes a criminally relevant behavior. To date, very few empirical studies have examined the prevalence of non-consensual dissemination of sexting, and [...] Read more.
Sexting is generally known as creating, sending and/or forwarding of sexual content using electronic devices. When such content is non-consensually disseminated, it becomes a criminally relevant behavior. To date, very few empirical studies have examined the prevalence of non-consensual dissemination of sexting, and none of them have analyzed the relationship with psychopathology and further victimization outcomes. Therefore, the aims of this study were (1) to examine the prevalence of non-consensual dissemination of sexual content, (2) to analyze the prevalence of further victimization as a result of non-consensual dissemination of sexting and (3) to investigate the association between secondary victimization as a result of non-consensual dissemination of sexting and psychopathology. The sample comprised 1370 Spanish college students (73.6% female; mean age = 21.4 years; SD = 4.85) who answered an online survey about their engagement in sexting behaviors, online sexual victimization and psychopathology, measured by a sexting scale and the Listado de Síntomas Breve (LSB-50), respectively. Overall, 43 participants (3.14) were victims of non-consensual dissemination of sexting, and results showed those participants who had suffered further victimization reported higher psychopathology scores than those who were not victimized and that being victimized by an ex-partner was associated with poorer mental health outcomes in the victim. Further implications are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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18 pages, 487 KiB  
Article
Promoting Sexual Health Knowledge through a Social Workers’ Mentorship Programme: A Study of Gay Young Adults
by Luis Miguel Dos Santos
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5619; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18115619 - 25 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2028
Abstract
Mentorship of counselling for men who have sex with other men and gay youths is understudied. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of how the Mentor Modelling Programme may increase the sexual health knowledge and practices of gay youths. [...] Read more.
Mentorship of counselling for men who have sex with other men and gay youths is understudied. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of how the Mentor Modelling Programme may increase the sexual health knowledge and practices of gay youths. As an expansion of a previous study with the application of the conceptual framework, this study mapped a sexual health promotion plan and the six-month-long Mentor Modelling Programme with the coordination of eight health and social care professionals and 40 gay youths. The researcher found positive and supportive feedback of how the Mentor Modelling Programme could increase sexual health knowledge, promote long-term relationships, and encourage referral of other vulnerable people. The results indicated two directions. The first solicited the perspectives of health and social care professionals and gay youths on how they would describe the relationship, application to, and experience of the Mentor Modelling Programme and second, assessed how this Mentor Modelling Programme influenced and changed the ideas and senses about counselling services and mentorship. This study reflected the current limited sexual promotion between traditional and inclusive sexual health materials. It further indicated the necessary concerns and areas of attention needed to upgrade the materials and host inclusive sexual health materials for both youths and adults in the communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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17 pages, 592 KiB  
Article
Profiles of HIV Risk, Sexual Power, and Decision-Making among Sexual Minority Men of Color Who Engage in Transactional Sex: A Latent Profile Analysis
by S. Raquel Ramos, David T. Lardier, Jr., Donte T. Boyd, José I. Gutierrez, Jr., Eliana Carasso, David Houng and Trace Kershaw
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4961; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18094961 - 07 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3217
Abstract
Though the transmission of HIV is preventable, there were still 37,968 new documented cases in the United States in 2018. HIV incidence is disproportionate in sexual minority men of color. The purpose of this study was to examine sexual relationship power risk profiles [...] Read more.
Though the transmission of HIV is preventable, there were still 37,968 new documented cases in the United States in 2018. HIV incidence is disproportionate in sexual minority men of color. The purpose of this study was to examine sexual relationship power risk profiles to identify distinct subgroups within the profiles who carry the highest HIV risk. Latent class profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of sexual minority men of color at the highest risk for contracting HIV based on their sexual power profiles. Among 322 sexual minority men, we identified four latent profiles. Profile 1: Low transactional sex and high power (n = 133; 14.3%); Profile 2: Transactional sex, high decision-making in sexual relationships, and low control in sexual relationship (n = 99; 30.7%); Profile 3: Low transactional sex, low decision-making, and moderate control (n = 43; 13.4%); Profile 4: High transactional sex and low power (n = 47; 14.6%). LPA was useful to identify distinct subgroups based on measures of sexual risk and relationship sexual power. Findings carry significant implications for developing tailored strategies to increase HIV knowledge and related HIV prevention and risk reduction services for sexual minority men of color who engage in transactional sex. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intersections of Public Health, Sexuality, and Communication)
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