Initial Impacts of COVID-19 on Sex Life and Relationship Quality in Steady Relationships in Britain: Findings From a Large, Quasi-Representative Survey (Natsal-COVID)

Mitchell, Kirstin; Shimonovich, Michal; Pérez, Raquel Bosó; Dema, Emily; Clifton, Soazig; Riddell, Julie; Copas, Andrew; Tanton, Clare; Macdowall, Wendy; Bonell, Chris; Sonnenberg, Pam; Mercer, C; Field, Nigel

doi:10.2139/ssrn.3862586

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 34 publications

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“…It is also important to consider whether changes in sexual risk behavior during this time could lead to fewer cases of chlamydia being identified in the present study than anticipated. This concern is, however, not supported by community surveys, which indicate that a substantial proportion of people continued to engage in at-risk behavior during 2020 [28][29][30], and the most recent STI data which shows that among those seeking internet testing, chlamydia positivity was comparable between 2019 (23,426/284,050, 8.2%) and 2020 (33,294/381,744, 8.7%) [1].…”

Section: Strengths and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Intervention to Increase Condom Use Among Users of Sexually Transmitted Infection Self-sampling Websites (Wrapped): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

Newby¹,

Kwah²,

Schumacher³

et al. 2023

JMIR Res Protoc

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Background Reducing the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people is a public health priority. The best way to avoid STIs from penetrative sex is to use a condom, but young people report inconsistent use. A missed opportunity to intervene to increase condom use is when young people access self-sampling kits for STIs through the internet. The potential of this opportunity is enhanced by the increasing numbers of young people being tested through this route every year in England. Hence, in a cocreation by young people, stakeholders, and researchers, Wrapped was developed––a fully automated, multicomponent, and interactive digital behavior change intervention developed for users of STI self-sampling websites, who are aged 16-24 years. Objective This paper is a protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial (fRCT). The fRCT seeks to establish whether it is feasible to run a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Wrapped. Wrapped aims to reduce the incidence of STIs through increasing correct and consistent use of condoms among users of STI self-sampling websites, who are aged 16-24 years. Methods A 2-arm parallel-group randomized fRCT of Wrapped plus usual care, compared to usual care only (basic information on STIs and condom use), with a nested qualitative study. A minimum of 230 participants (aged 16-24 years) are recruited from an existing chlamydia self-sampling website. Participants are randomized into 1 of 2 parallel groups (1:1 allocation). Primary outcomes are the percentage of users recruited to the fRCT and the percentage of randomized participants who return a chlamydia self-sampling kit at month 12. Additionally, besides chlamydia positivity based on biological samples, surveys at baseline, month 3, month 6, and month 12, are used to assess condom use attitude, behavioral capability, self-efficacy, and intention, along with details of any partnered sexual activity and condom use, and health economic data. Nested qualitative interviews with trial participants are used to gain insight into the factors affecting recruitment and attrition. Results Recruitment to the fRCT began in March 2021 and was completed in October 2021. Data collection was completed in December 2022. Conclusions This feasibility study will provide data to inform the design of a future-definitive trial. This work is timely given a rapid rise in the use of internet testing for STIs and the sustained high levels of STIs among young people. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN17478654; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17478654 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/43645

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Section: Strengths and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Intervention to Increase Condom Use Among Users of Sexually Transmitted Infection Self-sampling Websites (Wrapped): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

Newby¹,

Kwah²,

Schumacher³

et al. 2023

JMIR Res Protoc

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Sexual Coping Mechanisms During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Determinants of Use, Usefulness, and Effects on Sex Life

Berdychevsky

2023

Sex Res Soc Policy

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Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many people’s sex lives. The ways people cope with these adverse impacts are an urgent area that needs to be recognized by sexual health researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Thus, this study investigated sexual coping mechanisms during the pandemic while clarifying their determinants of use and usefulness and examining their impacts on the quantity and quality of sex life. Methods The cross-sectional data ( N = 675) were collected using an online survey methodology in February–May 2021. The data were analyzed with one-sample and independent-samples t -tests, one-way between-subjects ANOVA, and multivariate multiple regression. Results This study identified eight sexual coping mechanisms during the pandemic, including creativity and pleasure, diversion, goal-setting, relational, educational, caution and logistical, online and technological, and innovation and experimentation strategies. All the coping mechanisms were used and rated significantly useful, albeit to different degrees. Gender, availability of a sex partner, the existence of children, and age served as determinants of different coping mechanisms’ scope of use and degree of usefulness. The coping mechanisms predicted the frequency of sexual activity, sexual desire, and satisfaction with sex life during the pandemic. Conclusions This study’s results can help scholars and practitioners prevent or mitigate the deterioration of sex life during the pandemics and other crises and stressors. It is essential to train people concerning sexual coping resources and strategies to protect their sexual wellbeing and quality of life. Policy Implications Health researchers, practitioners, and policymakers must consider maintaining sexual health as an essential service. Recognizing sexual health, rights, education, and counseling is a prerequisite for appropriate prevention measures during the pandemic. It is vital to ensure the availability of proper resources supporting people’s sexual coping processes during and after the pandemic.

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Sexual leisure and profiles of coping with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sex life: Using cluster analysis approach

Berdychevsky

2024

Journal of Leisure Research

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Initial Impacts of COVID-19 on Sex Life and Relationship Quality in Steady Relationships in Britain: Findings From a Large, Quasi-Representative Survey (Natsal-COVID)

Cited by 4 publications

References 34 publications

An Intervention to Increase Condom Use Among Users of Sexually Transmitted Infection Self-sampling Websites (Wrapped): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

An Intervention to Increase Condom Use Among Users of Sexually Transmitted Infection Self-sampling Websites (Wrapped): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

Sexual Coping Mechanisms During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Determinants of Use, Usefulness, and Effects on Sex Life

Sexual leisure and profiles of coping with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sex life: Using cluster analysis approach

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