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Because housing is central to the recovery of individuals with experiences of homelessness and incarceration, it is important to consider how U.S. policies denying housing to residents with criminal histories can adversely affect racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with a history of homelessness. The state of Texas passed a rule specifying certain criteria that Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) supportive housing providers must use to screen tenants using criminal history. A retrospective cohort of 600 LIHTC supportive housing residents was used to estimate the potential impact of the rule. Based on this sample, the rule would have resulted in significantly higher proportions of Black and chronically homeless individuals being denied housing compared to the proportions of White and low-income individuals, respectively, who would have been denied housing. With the exception of drug convictions, there was no significant difference in recidivism between residents who would have been affected by the rule and unaffected residents who also had criminal justice involvement within a comparable time frame before move-in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined spending behaviors of U.S. tenants who reported delaying rent payments during federal eviction moratoria in 2020-2021, enacted in response to the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A national sample of 772 middle and low-income tenants who reported delaying rent payments because of the eviction moratoria were assessed from May 2020 to October 2020. Among tenants who delayed paying rent, most rent money was spent on groceries (11-19%), utilities (9-14%), substance use (8-10%), and debt (7%) across two time periods; the remaining rent money was spent on other expenses including recreation and medical care. Sociodemographic and psychiatric characteristics together only explained 2-3% of the variance in spending in major expense categories suggesting the broad impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, these findings provide insight into spending behaviors of tenants during a time of great financial and psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research has examined the social network types of older SGM women and gender non-binary adults. To better understand their social network types, 37 semi-structured interviews were conducted with SGM women and gender non-binary adults, ages ranged from 50 to 84 years old. Five previously identified social network types were examined: diverse, diverse/no children, friend-centered/restricted, immediate family-focused, and fully restricted. Participants were grouped based on their current social network and common network themes were identified. Results offer insights that can help identify individual characteristics of those in each network to develop interventions to increase social resources and reduce social isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemsex is the use of methamphetamine or other substances to enhance sexual experiences, and is most often associated with sexual minority men. Within the chemsex literature, questions of sexual violence emerge due, in part, to ambiguity about what constitutes consent within sexualized environments with co-occurring substance use. To understand the context in which sexual violence occurs, data from an online survey of sexual and gender minority Texans were analyzed using bivariate and logistic regression (N = 1273), and qualitative interviews with substance-using sexual minority men from a separate sample were thematically analyzed (N = 22). Among survey participants, 12.8% experienced a form of sexual violence (10.1% experienced intimate partner violence and 7.6% experienced sexual assault). When participants were categorized based on past year substance use and sex party attendance, 48.0% of participants who used drugs and attended sex parties (a proxy for chemsex) experienced sexual violence (41.6% experienced intimate partner violence and 41.0% experienced sexual assault). When variables statistically significant at the bivariate-level were entered into logistic regression models, participants in the chemsex category were 12.5 [95% CI: 6.9, 22.8] times more likely to experience sexual violence. Substance-using sexual minority men experiencing sexual violence describe situations in which consent is difficult to revoke and sexual exploitation is likely to occur. Studies which more deeply explore the relationship between sexual and relationship violence and chemsex among sexual and gender minorities are needed. Particularly, the notion of consent needs further conceptualization in the context of drug use and sex parties. Measures of recent substance use and sex party attendance were combined to create a proxy measure for chemsex, which is the use of substances to enhance sexual experiences. Substance-using sexual and gender minorities engaging in chemsex were at increased risk of sexual violence. In addition to engaging in chemsex, variables associated with an increased odds of sexual violence among sexual and gender minorities were younger age, having a non-monosexual sexual identity, and receiving a mental health diagnoses. Studies on sexual and gender minorities engaging in chemsex should be developed to further explore sexual exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnamese nail salon workers have low cancer screening rates and confront multiple socioeconomic disparities as immigrants to the US. The Sức Khỏe là Hạnh Phúc (Vietnamese for "Health is Happiness") program was adapted to the cultural and work needs of this population and implemented at nail salons to increase cancer screening adherence. A total of 186 study participants were recruited from 59 nail salons in a neighborhood with mostly Asian population. After being pretested, workers were enrolled in a cancer education session delivered by Vietnamese lay health workers. Non-adherent cases were offered navigation to cancer screening services to a local federally qualified health center. Participants completed a posttest survey five months, on average. At posttest, navigated non-adherent participants were more likely to report a recent Pap test compared to cases not navigated (83.8% vs. 50.0%), an effect not observed for mammography uptake (77.3% vs. 71.4%). Time in the US, marital status, insurance status, having a primary care provider and/or a gynecologist were significantly associated with cancer screening adherence. Low rates of adherence to cancer screening among Vietnamese nail salons workers can be improved by community based programs addressing cultural and work-related barriers confronted by this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore perceptions of condoms associated with complete use and evaluate relationships between condom perceptions, condom use, and sexual quality. Methods: Using data from a U. S. nationally representative probability sample, we assessed individuals' condom use perceptions and related characteristics of their most recent sexual event through bivariate and regression analyses (n = 234). Results: Most participants reported complete condom use and neutral or positive perceptions of condoms. Though incomplete use was associated with orgasm among women, arousal and pleasure did not differ by gender or duration of condom use. Conclusions: We found no evidence that delayed application or early condom removal increased sexual arousal or pleasure, which may help sexual health promotion interventions address negative cultural ideas about condoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women who have sex with women and men (WSWM) are less likely to use effective contraception and more likely to experience unintended pregnancies than their exclusively heterosexual peers. The authors examined contraception use among a community sample of 80 WSWM (defined as genital contact with at least one cisgender man and woman during the past 12 months) of reproductive age living in the Midwest. Authors determined if contraceptive use differed by sociodemographic characteristics, or sexuality and relationship characteristics, and used a modified timeline follow-back calendar to explore contraception use during most recent penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI). Overall, use of highly effective contraception was low (38.8%) with combined hormonal contraceptive pills reported most frequently (54.8%). Of participants who engaged in PVI during their most recent sexual event with a male, nearly one half (46.1%) reported using at least one form of contraception. WSWM with a primary sexual attraction to men were more likely to use contraception (p <.01), as were those who recently engaged in PVI (p <.05). Self-identified lesbian participants were less likely than all others to use contraception (p <. 05). WSWM not planning to engage in sex with men may not use contraceptives consistently or at all, suggesting an area where inclusive contraception counseling can improve the reproductive health of women who have sex with women and men [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on sexual satisfaction tends to focus mostly on heterosexual women and women in monogamous relationships. Sexual satisfaction among sexual minority women and women who are nonmonogamous or not partnered is under-researched. Through an online survey, we gathered data from 334 cisgender sexual minority women in various relationship configurations and assessed sexual satisfaction in relation to individual and interpersonal factors. Sexual satisfaction was not related to sexual identity or gender of relationship, dating, or sexual partners. Although women without a partner reported lower sexual satisfaction compared to those with one partner and those with more than one partner (p <.001), satisfaction between monogamous and nonmonogamous women did not differ (p <.001). Less internalized homonegativity was associated with greater sexual satisfaction (p <.001). This study broadens our knowledge of the sexual lives and health of sexual minority and nonmonogamous women. Findings support reconceptualizing how we understand and measure sexual satisfaction and expanding samples in future research to include sexual minority women and women in nonmonogamous relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the extent to which perceived changes in weight, body satisfaction, body-image self-consciousness, and genital self-image could be used to predict sexual function scores. A total of 168 primiparous women completed the cross-sectional, web-based survey. Significant correlations were found between body satisfaction, body-image self-consciousness, and female genital self-image and sexual function. Multivariate regression analysis suggests body image and genital self-image combined account for 14.1% of the variance in overall sexual function. Women should have opportunities to discuss body changes throughout pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual satisfaction is commonly defined and discussed in physiological terms of arousal and orgasm. Yet this narrow discourse does not accommodate the complex, multidimensional, and interpersonal aspects of sexual experience. To broaden and deepen our understanding of sexual satisfaction, we employed McClelland’s (2014) holistic four-factor framework of sexual satisfaction in a theoretical thematic analysis of 39 behaviorally bisexual women’s descriptions of their “best” partnered sexual experiences from the past year. We found women’s accounts mapped on to four elements: emotional attunement, emotional gratification, partner gratification, and sensory gratification. Relational and emotional dynamics, including emotional security, quality of interpersonal interaction during and after a sexual encounter, mutuality, intimacy, partner skill, novelty, and communication, were key to participants’ best sex experiences. Our findings support a multifaceted model of women’s sexual satisfaction that accounts for emotional, relational, and embodied experiences and the diverse relationships and behaviors these might involve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about current attitudes in the United States toward having sex during pregnancy. It is possible that pregnant women and their sexual partners hold beliefs and have feelings during this time that might lead to sexual and relational distress. Two new scales, Maternal Sex During Pregnancy and Partner Sex During Pregnancy, were developed and administered to 112 newly pregnant couples. The scales demonstrated strong reliability and validity. Attitudes and beliefs varied across the sample, but the scores did not significantly differ between partners. These scales allow clinicians to support healthy sexuality during pregnancy by understanding sources of anxiety and possible misconceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex with more than one gender is associated with higher substance use and sexual HIV risk. The authors examined knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy to engage in safer substance use and sexual behavior among methamphetamine-using U.S. men who have sex with more than one gender (N = 343). Almost half (46.2%) of the men reported having sex with a man (MSM) and a woman or transgender partner in the last 30 days. Compared to monosexual MSM, nonmonosexual MSM reported greater condom use self-efficacy however, they reported more sexual partners who inject drugs. The authors observed distinct differences between men who do or do not have sex with more than one gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sizable minority of women report lifetime sexual behavior with both men and women. In the present study, a multinational sample of women who reported genital contact with at least one man and one woman in their lifetime (N = 2,751) were asked to provide their behavioral definitions of “having sex with a woman” and “having sex with a man.” Replicating previous research, participants were asked “Would you say you ‘had sex’ with a woman/man if the most intimate behavior you engaged in with her/him was …” followed by a list of behaviors that differed based on the hypothetical partner gender. While most participants indicated that they would consider “having had sex” if they engaged in a variety of behaviors, behaviors involving genital contact were most often included within the participants’ definitions of having sex, regardless of partner gender. The percentage of behaviors included in the participants’ definitions of having sex with a woman (M = 59.40%,SD = 20.77%) was higher than the percentage of behaviors included in their definition of having sex with a man (M = 37.26%,SD = 28.97%). Broadening our understanding of “having sex” for individuals with diverse sexual experiences may have important implications for clinicians and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: This study explored predictors of STI screening among a heterogeneous group of women who have sex with women and men. Methods: Following bivariate analyses, a multivariate logistic regression model was conducted to assess the relationship between testing and sociodemographic, relationship characteristics. Results: The majority of participants reported not receiving STI screening in the past year. Gender expression, and not sexual orientation, was a significant predictor of screening. For each increase in masculinity, participants had lower odds of receiving an STI test. Conclusions: More research is needed to understand how gender expression of WSW(M) relates to preventative health behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This exploratory study attempted to assess a range of sexual behaviors, relationships, and related factors among a sample of bisexual men in Mumbai, India. Methods: Data collection occurred in two separate phases. First, focus group discussions were facilitated with local community members in order to finalize an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Afterward, structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 50 bisexual men using this questionnaire. Results: Participants reported a wide range of sexual behaviors and relationships with male and female partners. Conclusions: Findings have implications for future research and practice focusing on bisexual men in India,as well as their partners of all genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Research increasingly shows that genital attitudes have an impact on sexual well-being and health-seeking behaviours. This study explored what women and men like and dislike about women's genitals. Data are from open-ended items, part of a cross-sectional internet-based survey anonymously completed by 496 women and 198 men. Overall, both women and men had positive attitudes towards women's genitals, although there was overlap between likes and dislikes. Some of the most common likes for women were related to aesthetics and for men were related to tactile and sexual aspects. Men listed more likes than dislikes. The emphasis on both positive and negative messages provides a more complete image of the complex ways people interact with their own and others' bodies and can help tailor clinical and educational messages. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This lesson plan is designed to help students develop an awareness of genital anatomy, terminology, and the diversity of female genitals in terms of appearance (e.g., coloration, size, and shape of the parts of the vulva). This lesson plan describes how to accomplish this goal in college classrooms as well as with adult learners. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sexuality education efforts tend to focus on adolescents and risk-reduction strategies. Outside of clinical settings, there are few sexuality education opportunities focusing on enhancing the sexual lives (e.g., desire, arousal, orgasm) of adult women in long-term monogamous relationships. In-home sex toy parties may enrich women's sexual experiences by providing attendees with an opportunity to learn in a nontraditional setting. In the present study, more than 2,500 party attendees were surveyed regarding their party experience and sexual history. Participants reported high scores on the Female Sexual Function Index with repeat attendees scoring significantly higher than their counterparts. Recommendations are discussed regarding the use of parties as a source for sexuality information distribution and screening for therapeutic referrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. Outside traditional risk-oriented public health campaigns, few sexuality education opportunities exist for adult women, particularly those in partnered relationships, that address issues related to sexual desire and pleasure. Data were collected from 677 women attending in-home sex toy parties to assess whether they sought sexuality-related information at a recent party they attended. Participants reported asking 765 questions at parties. The questions were analyzed for their content and for relations with sexual function scores. Question topics were varied, related to various domains of sexual function, and provided insight into the contributions that these parties may make to women's sexual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the sexual lives of bisexually-identified women tends to focus on their heightened risk for sexually transmitted infection acquisition. The development of effective, tailored interventions would benefit from detailed behavior estimates from a large sample of bisexual women. Thus, this study collected sexual behavior data from 710 bisexually-identified women. When possible, items were adapted from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior. Approximately equal proportions of participants reported no recent (past 30 days) sexual partners, male sexual partners only, female sexual partners only and male and female sexual partners. The majority of participants reported a diverse sexual repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to cognitive dissonance theory, the co-occurrence of inconsistent cognitions may result in psychological distress. This distress may lead to undesirable health outcomes. This study explored the role of sexual behavior/identity congruence on women's mental, physical and sexual well-being. A total of 2,578 women who reported sexual attraction, desire, affection, intentions and/or behavior involving other women completed a web-based survey about their sexual identity/orientation, sexual behavior and well-being across domains. Participants whose recent sexual partnering matched their sexual identity reported fewer mentally/physically unhealthy days and also better sexual experiences. The well-being of queer-identified women did not significantly vary as a function of the gender of their sexual partners. The importance of behavior/identity congruence is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented to a special issue on bisexual health, including topics such as health terminology, identity issues for bisexual women, and the sexual health of bisexual men.

Little public health research has explored male bisexuality and the wide range of behaviors experienced by bisexual men beyond disease transmission and other negative consequences. There is a general lack of information on diverse expressions of sexuality among diverse groups of bisexual men in the United States. Researchers collected data on a wide range of variables related to sexual behavior from a sample of 26,042 participants, recruited via a large social and sexual networking Website. Four distinct typologies of male bisexuality were constructed: self-identified bisexual, bisexual dating, bisexual with current sexual partners and bisexual by behavior. These categories were examined individually as well as compared and contrasted with one another. Demographic characteristics varied among men depending on bisexual categorization. Although participants that identified as bisexual within each typology often met criteria for other categories for other typologies, there was no absolute overlap between categories. The recency and frequency of sexual behaviors significantly varied based upon the participant's bisexual typology. Findings suggest that previous research on bisexual men's sexual behaviors and sexual risk behaviors may be misleading if bisexuality is restricted to a single typology. Further research should examine the potential subjective meanings and health implications of diverse typologies of male bisexuality, beyond sexual risk. Comprehensive and insightful research on aspects of life other than disease infection and transmission among bisexual men will help to ensure a more accurate understanding of male bisexuality in a comprehensive sexual health framework. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Women's vibrator use is common in the United States, although little is known about beliefs about its use. Elicitation surveys and interviews informed the development of a 10-item scale, the Beliefs About Women's Vibrator Use Scale, which was administered to a nationally representative probability sample of adults ages 18 to 60 years. Most women and men held high positive and low negative beliefs about women's vibrator use. Women with positive beliefs reported higher Female Sexual Function Index scores related to arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain (indicating less pain). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the United States, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is the main way that the federal government subsidizes place-based housing for low-income individuals including those with experiences of homelessness. Although these communities are at risk of criminal justice involvement (CJI), the relationship between living in LIHTC housing and CJI remains underexplored. This study analyzed data on a retrospective cohort of LIHTC supportive housing residents to examine changes in CJI after move-in and how residents with CJI and without CJI after move-in differed. Compared to the time period before move-in, arrests, convictions, and time sentenced to confinement decreased significantly after move-in. Age, sex, and more extensive criminal history were significantly associated with CJI after move-in. Using negative binomial regression, increasing time in housing was associated with decreasing arrests, convictions, and time sentenced to confinement after move-in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]