Measurement of Sexual Health in the U.S.: An Inventory of Nationally Representative Surveys and Surveillance Systems

Abstract

Objectives. To identify opportunities within nationally representative surveys and surveillance systems to measure indicators of sexual health, we reviewed and inventoried existing data systems that include variables relevant to sexual health .Methods. We searched for U.S. nationally representative surveys and surveillance systems that provided individual-level sexual health data . We assessed the methods of each data system and catalogued them by their measurement of the following domains of sexual health: knowledge, communication, attitudes, service access and utilization, sexual behaviors, relationships, and adverse health outcomes .Results. We identified 18 U.S.-focused, nationally representative data systems: six assessing the general population, seven focused on special populations, and five addressing health outcomes. While these data systems provide a rich repository of information from which to assess national measures of sexual health, they present several limitations . Most importantly, apart from data on service utilization, routinely gathered, national data are currently focused primarily on negative aspects of sexual health (e .g ., risk behaviors and adverse health outcomes) rather than more positive attributes (e .g ., healthy communication and attitudes, and relationship quality) .Conclusion. Nationally representative data systems provide opportunities to measure a broad array of domains of sexual health . However, current measurement gaps indicate the need to modify existing surveys, where feasible and appropriate, and develop new tools to include additional indicators that address positive domains of sexual health of the U.S. population across the life span . Such data can inform the development of effective policy actions, services, prevention programs, and resource allocation to advance sexual health .

A Comparison by Sexual Orientation of Sexual Health and Sexual Behaviors Among Hispanic Men

“…Globally, the age of sexual debut has decreased while the number of lifetime sexual partners has increased. Previous research and prevention policy has focused on the negative aspects of sexuality such as HIV infection and STIs, sexual power, sexual violence and exploitation while ignoring the positive aspects of sexuality such as quality of sexual experiences, quality of sexual relationships (Welling & Johnson, 2013), sexual communication, and attitudes about sexuality (Ivanovich, Leichliter & Douglas Jr., 2013). Policy makers need to advocate for the develop new tools to measure the positive aspects of sexual health, and lobby for more resources to be allocated for sexual health and wellness (Ivanovich et al, 2013).…”

The Association Between Sexual Health and Physical, Mental, and Social Health in Adolescent Women

“…Moreover, it is unclear how sexual health may promote non-sexual health in young women who choose same-sex partners, or those who choose both same-sex and opposite sex relationships. As acknowledged in existing literature, 39 substantial revisions may need to be made to existing nationally representative surveys in order to reach appropriate numbers of sexual minority youth. We also do not have a clear understanding of how the structure of sexual health and related non-sexual behaviors function in the relationships of young men.…”

Factors Associated with African American Women’s Sexual Health and Risk Behavior: A Mixed Methods Study

“…Trading sexual favors for money or other means of support, concurrent sexual partnerships, and being involved in actual or potential partner violence are additional behaviors that have been cited as increasing risk (Whyte, 2005). Measuring sexual health using indicators that are conceptually congruent with its definition is needed to adequately characterize the many issues that may influence sexuality and sexual behavior (Ivankovich, Leichliter, & Douglas Jr., 2013).…”

“…Despite ongoing efforts to migrate away from using more traditional measures, in a review of national surveillance systems and health surveys, Ivankovich, Leichliter, and Douglas found that, most data systems and surveys used in the US tend to focus primarily on the behavioral aspects of sexual health including sexual risk or the surveillance of negative health outcomes (2013). Collaborative efforts between individual researchers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have begun to expand the tracking and measurement of sexual health in the US to include pertinent domains involving an individual's level of sexual health education, communication abilities, and sexual approach or attitude (Douglas & Fenton, 2013;Ivankovich et al, 2013). In addition, social-and community-level indicators have been integrated into national surveillance efforts to include sexual behaviors and relationships, health outcomes, and access or utilization of sexual health services (Douglas & Fenton, 2013;Ivankovich et al, 2013).…”

“…Canada's Public Health Agency has successfully carried out WHO recommendations made to include emotional and relational domains in the tracking and measurement of sexual health (Douglas & Fenton, 2013;Ivankovich et al, 2013;Smylie et al, 2013). Canadian researchers have created and validated a 75-item survey to measure the multiple domains of sexual health for Canadian young adults (Smylie et al, 2013).…”