Sexuality after Childbirth: Analysis of the Experiences of Central African Women in Bangui

Introduction: In many societies, sexuality is still a taboo subject. In the Central African Republic, this topic is rarely discussed outside the context of gynecological consultations and infertility, whereas the sexual life of couples is often disrupted by the arrival of a child, particularly by the ordeal of childbirth. The aim of the study is to analyze the sexual experience of Central African women after childbirth in order to contribute to improving the health of the population, in particular that of mother and child, and to facilitate harmony within the couple. Methodology: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study covering the period from July 1 to August 30, 2023, at the maternity ward of the Center University Hospitalier Communautaire. The study concerned only women who had given birth between the second week and the sixth month postpartum. The sampling was exhaustive. Results: A total of 303 women agreed to take part in our study, aged between 15 and 44, more than half of whom had completed secondary school. The eagerness of the women to take part in the study shows that they are ready to express themselves about their sexuality despite certain biases linked to the method of patient selection. Resumption of sexual relations was initiated by the partners within six weeks in the vast majority of cases. Conclusion: Resumption of sexual intercourse was delayed, often at the partner’s initiative. Further studies are needed to understand the cultural, religious and psychological dimensions of postpartum sexuality in the Central African context.

Factors Influencing the Resumption of Postpartum Female Sexuality in Women Who Have Given Birth Once or Several Times at the Ignace Deen Maternity Hospital of the Conakry University Hospital Centre (Guinea)

Introduction: Sexuality in the postpartum period is a taboo subject that raises many questions, especially among women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of factors such as mode of delivery, parity, type of household and level of education on the resumption of sexuality, by comparing our results with those in the literature. Methods: This is a prospective descriptive and analytical study, which took place from 3 April to 2 June 2023 in the maternity ward of the Ignace Deen National Hospital of the University Hospital Centre of Conakry. The sample included married women who had given birth once or several times. Results: Of 118 married women who had given birth once or several times and who were questioned about their sexuality in the postpartum period, 75.42% (89 cases) stated that they had resumed sexual activity in the postpartum period. (The majority were aged 20 - 29 years (46.61%), pauci pares (51.69%), living in a monogamous household (88.14%), with secondary education (44.92%) and self-employed (38.98%). More than half (58.47%) of these women had a normal vaginal delivery with vulvo-perineal tear (5.80%), episiotomy (15.94%) and instrumental extraction (8.69%). The main reasons for resuming sexual activity were the desire to satisfy their partner (50.56%) and to maintain the harmony of the couple (29.21%). Resumption of sexual activity was more common in patients who had given birth by caesarean section (p = 0.007) and in patients with a higher level of education (p = 0.03). However, it was not influenced by parity or household type. Conclusion: Sexuality remains a taboo subject, and its resurgence in the postpartum period is influenced by the mode of delivery and the level of education and perception of women. Certain practices and complications related to childbirth can also influence the resumption of sexuality in the postpartum period.

Quality Provision of Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Sexual and Reproductive Health in Resource Constrained Higher Education Institutions: A Case of Mukuba University

In an effort to ensure that Institutions of Higher Learning provide quality Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) at the level of Universities and Colleges, indeveloping countries such as Zambia, some universities have engaged in offering programmes and services in CSE and SRH. However, the provision of such programmes has had some limitations in terms of resources to ensure quality delivery. As a result, there was a need to examine the provision of CSE and SRH in a resource constrained Mukuba University. The study has three research objectives: 1) to examine the CSE and SRH programmes and services that are available at Mukuba University;2) to determine the actual resources available for the University to ensure quality provision of CSE and SRH to students;3) to use views and opinions of students and academics to examine the extent to which the CSE and SRH are reflected as standards by UNESCO and universities and colleges. The study took a pragmatic philosophy stance and convergent parallel research design of mixed methods;the primary approach is qualitative which will be analysed using thematic analysis, while the quantitative approach was secondary and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study envisaged some implications that include the rise in communicable diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), gender based violence, general lack of information on matters relating to CSE and SRH among students at Mukuba University. The policy implication is that policy makers will be able to formulate policies that address the needs and challenges of students in providing quality CSE and SRH programmes and services for a university that is constrained with resources. The study found that there was a need to contextualize the quality provision of CSE and SRH at an institutional level, for instance, Mukuba University has created an enabling environment for quality provision of CSE and SRH activities and programmes through training of the stakeholders. Further, it was found that in any successful programme, it is expected to meet certain challenges that might in some cases make it difficult to implement the programme as envisaged. In other words, this study has revealed that there are some drawbacks as well as lessons that Mukuba University could learn from other universities that offer CSE and SRH. The study provides a synergistic conceptual model that could be used in the implementation of CSE and SRH in colleges and universities for sustainability. It is hoped that this study has proved that even with limited resources a university can provide CSE and SHR programmes and services without depending on support from other external funders and cooperating partners.

中国性别失衡与Sexuality:一个新的研究视角与框架

比较了性别失衡研究与sexuality研究在学科层面、研究视角、研究对象以及政策实践等方面的异同,探讨了在性别失衡研究领域引入sexuality视角的可行性。最后,以sexuality视角为着眼点,围绕性别失衡的理论拓展和政策实践,进行了性别失衡研究框架的创新。新研究框架的提出可以开拓性别失衡研究视野,纳入新的研究主题和内容,也有利于在多元化性差异的社会变迁中,准确把握社会舆论走向和社会需求,提升性别失衡研究和实践工作的科学性和长期性。

男性性障碍与Sexuality理念在中国的普及(二)

五、某论坛部分网民的观念分析 本节材料均来自名为"猫头鹰两性论坛"的网上论坛,虽然只是少数网友的观点,但亦可以从一个侧面让我们了解两性知识比较丰富、热衷于两性问题思考与讨论的现代青年的性存在理念.这个论坛中曾有一次多人参与的关于男人性障碍的讨论,写作本文时,我又专门针对该论坛网友进行了一次明确的男人性障碍观点的调查.现分别做分析如下.

男性性障碍与Sexuality理念在中国的普及(一)

一、性存在理念及其它 Sexuality在英文中出现的历史不过三十年,它的出现与被普遍使用是西方性学长期发展的结果.这一词汇尚无公认的标准汉译,潘绥铭教授使用的"性存在"这一译法是目前流行最广的汉译.

KAP Survey of Turkish University Students on Sexuality,reproductive Health,Drug Addiction and Violence

Objective To investigate the attitudes, behaviours and reflections of the university students, on sexuality, reproductive health, violence, smoking, alcohol and drug use, and to find out their expectations from a youth health service. Methods A total of 5 300 students （1 880 girls, 3 420 boys）from various Jaculties of Kyrykkale University were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. Students completed the self-administered questionnaire as one of the researchers was present at the classroom. Research monitors five categories of priority health-risk behaviours among youth and young adults. Results Mean age of 3 420 male （64.5%） and 1 880female （35.5%） students were 20.3 years. Among all 4 380 （82,9%） students [1 350 girls （71.8%）, 3 030 boys （88.5%）] had some kinds of information about sexuality, however this dropped to 2 730 students （51.5%） within the context of adequacy. Friends were the major source （34%） for the first information on sexuality. Using a condom was the mostly heard method of contraception （46.9%） and interestingly 1.1% of the students had no knowledge on any of the protection methods. Among all 25.3% of the students （33.0% boys, 11.4% girls） had some kind of sexual intercourse, and within this group 58.8% experienced his/her first sexual relationship at 18 years of age and over; 53.9% were protected in all intercourses. Using a condom was the main way of protection for boys （63.7%） and pills were for the girls （73.9%）. None of the female students mentioned having an abortion but 8% had friends who had undergone abortion. Tobacco use was 35.1% among the group, and 8. 7% of the male and 3.6% of the female students were using drugs. Although 67. 4% students claimed they never witnessed violence between their parents, 43.2% witnessed violence among their siblings, 67.0% beween friends, 72.6% in the streets and 64.2% in the school. About 30.0% of the students reported having weight problems, and 14.7% admitted visiting a doctor for that problem. If there would be a service providedfor the adolescents in the university, 67% of the students would attend in case of a problem. Past experiences were important for us and we saw that among all 8% of the participants had some kind of sexual problem, within this group 50.7% felt uncomfortable during the visit and only 60.4% were satisfied with the care of the physician. Conclusion Our study results show the current situation of adolescents in Kyrykkale University and will be used to improve policies and programs to reduce priority healthrisk behaviours among youth of our and surrounding provinces and establish a youth friendly service in Kyrykkale University within this purposes.

Internet Through Mobile Phone and Its Cognitive and Behavioral Impact： Changing Sexuality

This study investigates how Internet media in the mobile phone influence on the cognitive and behavioral aspects of human sexuality. Sex is being deviating from socially accepted behaviors; ranging from bisexuality to homosexuality. Based on the qualitative methodology using particular case studies and textual analysis as well as survey research leading to quantitative methodology, this assumes of a transition of cultures as a result of the thorough impact of Internet towards society. In conclusion, lnternet implicit practices in the Mobile Phone in youth and teen societies storms a big change in sexuality, is also affecting towards the human cognitive and behavioral phases of the social life in traditional Buddhist rural village setting in Sri Lanka.

Dynamics of Female Sexuality;Hidden Emotional Issues

Sexual satisfaction following Laser or RF vaginal rejuvenation is usually assessed by straightforward self-report questionnaires that may not offer a deeper insight into female dynamics. Our randomized double-blind longitudinal clinical trial on 14 menopausal women with high FSFI satisfaction scores following laser or RF vaginal interventions, demonstrated a high positive correlation between the subjects’ FSFI scores and the Hy (hysteria), D (Depression) and L (Lie) validity scales of the MMPI-2. Such high positive correlation between the FSFI and the L-scale negates the reported increase in female sexual satisfaction following laser or RF vaginal rejuvenations. The high positive correlations of the FSFI with the Hy and D scales indicate that despite reports of increased sexual satisfaction, the vaginal procedures did not improve psychological wellbeing or quality of life. Results on the Differential Emotions Scale (DES) reveal that 98% of the subjects were organized around the emotions of shame, sadness and joy. Such results indicated a multilayered emotional organization that possibly reflects joy on the outside and shame and sadness on the inside. Results of Laser or RF vaginal rejuvenation procedures should be evaluated by a battery of tests that take into account females’ often prominent tendency to focus on satisfying their partners rather than themselves. Going down the path that starts with a dismissal of self-fulfillment to focus on their partners’ satisfaction, may bring several women to the endpoint of disingenuous interpersonal relationships tainted by repressed disillusionment.

Caretaker-Adolescent Communication on Sexuality and Reproductive Health: My Perceptions Matter;A Qualitative Study on Adolescents’ Perspectives in Unguja-Zanzibar

This study was conducted to explore the perceptions of adolescents on caretaker-adolescent communication on sexuality. Using an Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills model, this article highlights areas to emphasise when planning strategies to improve caretaker-adolescent communication on sexuality. Twelve focus group discussions were held with adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years, and data were analysed using content analysis. The participants found it important for caretakers to communicate with adolescents about sexuality to avoid sexual and related health risks. Caretakers were the most preferred communicators, by adolescents, on sexuality matters. It became apparent that information about the use of condoms was the most unpopular topic during the discussions, while information about the use of contraceptives seemed to be more interesting to the majority of the participants. From the adolescents’ point of view, the barriers to communication about sexuality on the caretakers’ side, include, the belief that such information might encourage promiscuity;some caretakers do not find it easy to discuss matters related to sexuality with their children;and others feel that some adolescents know more about sexuality than themselves. On the other hand, barriers on adolescents’ side include, “fear” of the caretakers, some of whom seem harsh, unfriendly, and sometimes unapproachable. Following the findings, it is being suggested that intervention strategies that would help to alleviate communication barriers would consequently facilitate caretaker-adolescent discussions about sexuality and reproductive health.

The Correlation between Sexuality and Family Functioning among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Japan

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between the sexuality of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and family functioning. Methods: The study took the form of a self-administered questionnaire survey, utilizing the Sexuality Satisfaction Index for IBD (SEXSI-IBD) for measuring sexuality and the Survey of Family Environment Survey of Family Environment (SFE) for measuring family functioning. SEXSI-IBD consists of 28 items and five domains, and SFE consists of 30 items and five domains. The participants were recruited at 15 self-help groups and 14 hospitals. Results: Of 146 participants, 48.6% were male and 52.4% female, with an average age of 41.1 years. A significant correlation was observed between the item average score of SEXSI-IBD and Overall Satisfaction Score (OSS) of SFE. Significant correlations were observed in two domains of the SEXSI-IBD, “Daily interaction” and “Sexual communication,” and in all five domains of the SFE. In particular, for “Daily interaction,” the strongest correlation was observed in the SFE’s “Macro system” and “Family internal environment system.” A correlation was observed between the “Physical contact importance” in SEXSI-IBD and the “Macro system” in the OSS of the SFE. Conclusions: Sexuality correlates with family functioning not only in the family internal environment system but also in the family external environment system. Through an approach aimed at elevating the degree of satisfaction for sexuality, it becomes possible to improve family functioning and realize a sense of family well-being.

Endorphins, oxytocin, sexuality and romantic relationships: An understudied area

Endorphins are the body's natural opioids that are created and released by the central nervous system, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Endorphins have a reputation for pain reduction, enhancing excitement or satisfaction, boosting confidence, enabling control of emotions and generating feelings of euphoria, and are involved in the natural reward cycle. There is also evidence in the literature suggesting the role of endorphins in sexuality(including sexual function and sexual behaviours), as they may regulate the release of sex hormones, prolactin and growth hormone, which are involved in sexual function and love. Endogenous oxytocin is another intrinsic hormone whose role in inducing labour contractions, the delivery of the baby and stimulating lactation has been well studied. However, the potential impact of endorphins and oxytocin on sexuality and romantic relationships is not well understood. This article reviews the research on endorphins and endogenous oxytocin and how they relate to human sexuality and romantic relationships. Some animal studies report the effect of endorphin and oxytocin on sex hormones and mating behaviours, but these findings have not been supported by research into human behaviour, indicating many gaps in knowledge relating to the association between these hormones and human sexuality.

A time to look within curricula—Nursing students’ perception on sexuality and gender issues

Nursing students could be viewed as dynamic change agents given the knowledge and skills they would be equipped with. Amongst all areas to be addressed in their clientele of the hospital or community setting, one key area that a nurse could focus on is sexuality. This however is often neglected for simple reasons such as lack of knowledge, embarrassment, fear of intrusion on privacy, or it is perceived as an un-important concern of the patient. Focus groups discussions combined with self report were conducted on 84 nursing students selected by the faculty from three institutions of nursing to assess their perceptions related to sexuality and gender issues, and thus extrapolate on their learning needs within the curriculum. Student expressed discomfort in caring for patients who had sexual expressions and relationships different from the accepted cultural norm;perceived sexuality primarily as heterosexual relationship;helplessness when faced with sexual harassment in the health care field and gaps in their present curricula in relation to contextualization of sexuality and gender issues.

Mesmerism, Sexuality, and Medicine：＂Karezza＂ and the Sexual Reform Movement

Within the scope of certain social and religious movements, mesmerism had a considerable impact on the Americanway of life during the last decades of 19th century. A famous example is the Christian Science of Mary Baker EddyBut also less known groups adopted mesmeric ideas and practices. The paper focuses on the concept of＂Karezza＂.It combined a specific sexual practice with religious ideas of divine love, birth control, social reform, women＇semancipation and health education. It was created by Alice Bunker Stockham （1833-1912）, an obstetrician andgynecologist from Chicago. Among other authorities, the writer Leo Tolstoy and medical psychologist HavelockEllis appreciated her approach. She was a pioneer of the sexual and marriage reform promoting practical advice foreveryday life. As a doctor, she stressed especially the disastrous consequences of a brutal sexual life destroyingbody and mind （not only of the women）. As an antidote, she propagated the ＂Karezza love＂ avoiding ejaculation ada punctual orgasm （climax） during intercourse. The leading idea was the imagery of a mesmeric ＂fluidum＂ unitingindividuals spiritually. Bunker＇s publications were translated into German. They corresponded to the Lebensreformmovement, but never became popular. Also the early sexology about 1900 ignored Bunker＇s concept as well as thesexual medicine later on. It is worthwhile to reconsider it within the context of the history of medicine, culture, andanthropology.

Impacts of social desirability response bias on sexuality care of cancer patients among Chinese nurses

The purpose of this study was to detect social desirable response bias on Chinese nurses’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care of cancer patients. A cross-sectional self-reported questionnaire based survey was used. Measures included a 12-item Inventory of Sexuality Attitude and Belief Survey (SABS) and a 10-item Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Total social desirability scores were significantly correlated with four individual items of the SABS, and significantly predicted the total SABS scores (β=﹣0.155, p= 0.028). Before controlling social desirability variable, nurses’ age, marital status, years of working experience, and working units were significantly correlated with total SABS scores. After controlling social desirability variable, only nurses’ age and working units were statistically significant predictors of SABS. Social desirable response bias had impacts on Chinese nurses’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care of cancer patients. Study findings demonstrated that social desirable response bias would potentially jeopardize human sexuality assessment and counseling in nursing practice. Controlling social desirable response should consider using a social desirability scale to detect and control potential social desirability bias during data analysis.

Primary care physicians'knowledge,attitude and perception towards homosexuality in Singapore

Aims:This study aim to gain insights into attitudes,acceptance and knowledge levels among family physicians toward homosexual people,which are important as they may affect care among this at-risk group.Methods:An anonymized self-administered questionnaire in English was posted with the assistance of the College of Family Physicians Singapore in February 2015 to its 1529 members with self-addressed,pre-stamped envelopes for replies.The questionnaire included demographic questions such as age group,gender,religion,ethnicity,marital status and place of practice.Questions and scales that measured attitude,acceptance,knowledge and perception of colleagues who are homosexual were also included in the questionnaire.Results:451 responses(29.5%)were obtained,of which 441 were valid(28.84%).About 52.8%of participants were found to have negative,8.9%neutral and 38.3%positive attitudes toward homosexuality.Most(75.6%)were accepting of homosexuals,with 9.3%neutral and 15.1%not accepting.Knowledge levels were poor,with a mean score of 6.9 out of a maximum of 13.A strong correlation was found between the attitudes towards lesbians and gay men(ATLG)and acceptance of homosexuals scales(r=0.69,P<0.001),with moderate correlations between acceptance and knowledge(r=0.54,P<0.001)and ATLG and Knowledge(r=0.54,P<0.001).Conclusion:Despite majority of family physicians having negative attitudes towards homosexuality,most are able to accept homosexuality.With better education in sexual orientation in the medical educational curriculum,the increase in knowledge will lead to better care for people with homosexuality.

Assessing the Impact of Pregnancy on Sexuality Using the Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory

Introduction: Pregnancy is a state when body undergoes biopsychosocial and hormonal changes which affect pregnant women and her partner. The aim of this study was assessing the changes in sexual life of pregnant women and their partners. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at 8 public hospitals in Kosovo. Mostly, pregnant women in third trimester attending hospitals between July and December 2017 were eligible. The questionnaires have been distributed and supervised by the Kosovo Midwife Association, while have been fulfilled by pregnant women in the delivery room or in their rest rooms. Categorical data were expressed by percentage and comparisons were made by the T-test. Statistical significance was considered as p Results: Out of 1510 participants, who took part in this study, it is shown that the majority of them were between the age of 18 and 35. Only 7.7% were under 18 years old. The 66.2% of the surveyed women have previously planned their pregnancies. The frequency of sexual intercourse per week shows a considerable changing among participants in the study. The number of women who are not satisfied with their sexual lives has increased from 7.9% before the pregnancy to 18.6% during pregnancy. The number of women who have never or rarely experienced orgasm has increased from 9.6% to 16.4% while the percentage of those who have often experienced orgasm before pregnancy has decreased from 38% to 22.5% during pregnancy. From the analyzed parameters only the sexual desire has not undergone changes before and during pregnancy. Moreover, the sexual desire has shown increase, into the option once a day. Conclusion and Recommendation: Apart of sexual desire which remains the same all other parameters have been decreased during the pregnancy. The role of health professionals in consulting sexual activity problems needs to be improved.

Elderly Men Sexuality in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Background: In general, sexuality is a taboo subject. It is more so in elderly people, as it is believed that they do not complain about sexual disorder. Objective: To analyse the sexual activity of elderly men in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study on the sexual activity of men aged at least 60 years old. The study was carried out in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from 1st June to 31st August 2014. All consenting males who were aged 60 and above at the time of the study were included. Results: We contacted 652 men, but only 200 responded i.e. a response rate of 30.67%. The age of the respondents was between 60 years and 89 years with a mean age of 66.38 ± 5.72 years. 80.15% of the respondents had at least one sexual intercourse in a month. Erection was considered satisfactory or very satisfactory in 45.8% (60/131) of respondents and 63.36% of them always had orgasm during sexual intercourse. Premature ejaculation was noted in 23.66% of respondents, while a decline in libido was noted in 82.44% of them. Conclusion: This study which is the first of its kind in Burkina Faso has helped reveal the importance of sexuality in the lives of elderly men.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Sexuality and Modern Contraceptive Methods among the Young People at Cotonou (Benin)

Introduction: Youth is the period of life when one usually experiences sexual relations for the first time. Lack of preparation and inexperience lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The aim was to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of sexuality and modern contraceptive methods among young people in Cotonou. Method: This was a descriptive and prospective study that was conducted from August to September 2017 among young people living in Cotonou. Results: We had questioned 500 young people. The sex ratio was 0.6 with 267 girls (61.1%). 27.9% of young people surveyed do not know the fertility period. 76.2% of young people are sexually active and 39.8% have at least 2 sexual partners. Most of these young people had early sexual intercourse at an average age of 16.73 ± 2.85 years. Half of the boys have sex for pleasure and half of the girls have sex for love. 100% of young people know at least one STI, especially HIV/AIDS. Of the 15.10% of cases of reported pregnancy, 49.2% resulted in an abortion. 99% are aware of modern contraceptive methods for the prevention of pregnancy. But 53.7% are unaware that modern contraceptive methods prevent STIs. The main sources of information on contraception are the media and teachers. The main modern contraceptive method used is the condom in 73%. Young people surveyed do not use modern contraceptive methods in 57.5%. Conclusion: The practices of sexuality and modern contraceptive methods remain quite limited among young people. It is important to intensify information and awareness activities.

Sexuality of People with Spinal Cord Injury: Knowledge, Difficulties and Adaptation

Expressing sexuality is an important part of life, whether the person has a spinal cord injury (SCI) or not. This study investigated the sexual activity before and after SCI, the difficulties, and adjustments made by these people in relation to their sexuality. This is a qualitative study conducted with 14 people with SCI through semi-structured interviews, which we analyzed in light of pertinent literature and organized into three themes: sexual activity before and after SCI;difficulties in performing sexual activities;and adjustments in sexual activity after SCI. We conclude that, although there may be many difficulties, with the partner’s support they can get sexual satisfaction and adapt to the new reality. Nonetheless, it is necessary and essential that the patient receive guidance about the possible changes and adaptive methods, and nurses can play a critical role in this process.