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Self-efficacy seems to be one of the most important resources for the different stages underlying condom use and STI prevention. For this reason, this study evaluates trends in self-efficacy by gender, from 2004 to 2008, 2013 and 2020 in Spain. Throughout these years, 6,698 people ranging from 17 to 40 years old, participated filling the Brief scale of condom use self-efficacy. According to our findings, despite the slight improvement in the recent years, self-efficacy still maintains a risky profile for safe sex, especially among the youngest people. Moreover, most of the traditional gender differences continue over the years with women reporting lower scores for condom purchase and men for putting them. However, these differences are not relevant in other dimensions such as using condoms despite drug consumption where women reveal worse results over the years. Therefore, our findings reaffirm the need of intensifying gendered preventive efforts aimed at Spanish people and, particularly, among the youngest.La autoeficacia parece ser uno de los recursos más importantes para las diferentes etapas que subyacen al uso del preservativo y la prevención de las ITS. Por ello, este estudio evalúa la tendencia de la autoeficacia por género, desde 2004 a 2008, 2013 y 2020 en España. A lo largo de estos años, 6.698 personas con edades comprendidas entre los 17 y los 40 años participaron cumplimentando la Escala Breve de autoeficacia en el uso del preservativo. Según nuestros hallazgos, a pesar de la ligera mejoría en los últimos años, la autoeficacia aún mantiene un perfil de riesgo para el sexo seguro, especialmente entre los más jóvenes. Además, la tradicional diferencia de género continúa a lo largo de los años: las mujeres informan puntuaciones más bajas en la compra de condones y los hombres en ponérselo. Sin embargo, estas diferencias no son relevantes en otras dimensiones como el uso del preservativo a pesar del consumo de drogas donde las mujeres muestran peores resultados a lo largo de los años. Por tanto, nuestros hallazgos reafirman la necesidad de intensificar los esfuerzos preventivos de género dirigidos a los españoles y, en particular, a los más jóvenes.

Recently, with the increase in demand, multiple intervention proposals aimed at improving the sexual health of people with intellectual disabilities have emerged. Among them is the SALUDIVERSEX program, which takes a positive approach to sexuality. It has an extended version, consisting of 16 sessions and whose efficacy has already been proven, and a reduced version of 10 sessions. Thus, the present study aimed to test the differential efficacy of the two versions. A total of 208 participants (103 women and 105 men) aged between 19 and 67 years (M = 37.23, SD = 10.66) completed a battery of instruments before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses showed that users who participated in the reduced version of the program presented a significantly higher rate of improvement in their sexual behaviors compared to those who participated in the extended version (Sexual response: β10 = − 0.46 ± 0.19, p = .034; Sex practices: β10 = − 0.52 ± 0.23, p = .037; Use condoms: β10 = − 1.56 ± 0.59, p = .017), as well as a significantly higher decrease in the risk of suffering sexual abuse (β10 = 3.95 ± 0.64, p β10 = − 0.09 ± 1.21, p = .94). Meanwhile, the professionals who applied the program found that those who participated in the reduced version, although they presented a significantly greater increase in their knowledge about privacy (β10 = − 0.48 ± 0.08, p β10 = − 1.35 ± 0.21, p

The scientific community has systematically ignored the needs of women who have sex with women (WSW). The invisibilization of romantic and sexual relationships between women has caused a profound lack of knowledge about the impact of HIV and other STIs on this population subgroup. This study aims to analyze the frequency of dental dam and condom use in WSW and identify the variables that explain the use of these two preventive methods. The sample is composed of 327 women aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 27.82; SD = 8.10). The results indicate that only 4.7% of those who practice cunnilingus and 5.2% of those who practice anilingus report “always” using dental dam (systematic use). Condoms are used systematically by 37.1% of those who practice vaginal penetration and 37.8% of those who practice anal penetration. Age, high perceived self-efficacy, and adequate assertive communication skills are variables significantly related to preventive behavior. The severity attributed to HIV and the perceived risk of infection are protective factors regarding dental dam use. For condom use, high levels of internalized homophobia and drug use are risk factors. Future preventive strategies should provide information on preventive strategies to WSW who, for different reasons, are not involved in LGBT contexts or associations and, therefore, do not have access to training activities and mistakenly believe that they are invulnerable as they do not have sexual relations with men. Funding for open access charge: CRUE-Universitat Jaume I

Despite the recognition of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) as a diagnostic entity in the ICD-11, few works have reported on its natural course. The aim of this study was to explore the natural course of CSB over a 1-year period, as well as to analyze the predictive power of different risk factors. A convenience sample of 154 young adults were assessed at baseline and after 1 year. Dimensionally, we found that scores on most CSB symptoms significantly decreased at 1 year (d between .20 and .35). On the contrary, severity of problematic use of online sexual activities increased (d = 0.22). Regression analyses revealed that sexual orientation (being bisexual) and religious beliefs (atheist) were significant predictors of the trajectory of CSB. However, after controlling for baseline levels of CSB, only openness to experience (β between − .167 and − .199), sexual sensation seeking (β between .169 and .252), anxiety (β = .363), and depression (β between .163 and .297) predicted an increased risk of CSB over time. Categorically, diagnostic consistency of CSB at 1 year was modest. These findings suggest that the natural course of CSB tends to be highly transient and inconsistent, and that classic risk factors for its occurrence have a limited predictive power over its natural course.

High levels of perfectionism in college students can compromise their academic performance and psychological well-being. This study aims to analyze the implication of perfectionism in psychological well-being and suicidal ideation in the last year. A total of 1.287 students from different degrees reported their academic performance in the previous academic year and completed questionnaires on academic perfectionism, psychological well-being, and suicidal thoughts in the last year. In both men and women, academic perfectionism correlates positively with academic performance and negatively with the different dimensions of psychological well-being. Likewise, both the average grade in the previous year (β = 0.364) and the level of demand of the degree (β = −0.461) are mediating variables between perfectionism and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the interaction between perfectionism and academic performance is related positively to psychological well-being, but not to with suicidal ideation. So, the relation between suicidal ideation and perfectionism is positive (OR = 1.075), but this is negative with academic performance (OR = 0.900), although both variables show a mild predictive capacity. These findings suggest that the levels of perfectionism are associated differently with the mental health of students, since if perfectionism is effective (high academic performance), psychological well-being is high, although in our results, this interaction is not as important for suicidal thoughts.

Las creencias sexistas se originan ante la percepción de diferencias entre hombres y mujeres respecto a características biológicas y sociales. Se trata de un constructo bidimensional compuesto por el sexismo hostil, que implica actitudes abiertamente negativas hacia las mujeres, y el sexismo benévolo, que se caracteriza por un tono afectivo positivo que idealiza a las mujeres al tiempo que enfatiza su debilidad. Ambos tipos de sexismo son perjudiciales y contribuyen a mantener las desigualdades sociales, por lo que es necesario conocer aquellas variables que pueden estar relacionadas con este tipo de actitudes. En este sentido, la autoestima sexual parece actuar como una variable predictora de actitudes más negativas hacia las mujeres. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la relación existente entre las dos dimensiones del sexismo, y la autoestima sexual en hombres y mujeres. Un total de 252 personas, de 18 a 69 años (68,25% fueron mujeres; 31,75% fueron hombres) participaron en el estudio. Los resultados sugieren que existen diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres en sexismo hostil (t=-3,933; p=0,000) y en sexismo benévolo (t=- 4,470; p=0,000), siendo los hombres quienes presentan en mayor medida ambos tipos de sexismo. Por otra parte, parece que existe una relación positiva y estadísticamente significativa entre sexismo benévolo y la autoestima sexual, únicamente en los hombres (r= 0,362; p=0,001), mostrando el análisis de regresión que la autoestima sexual alcanza a explicar un 13,1% del sexismo benévolo. En conclusión, nuestro estudio constata que la autoestima sexual y el sexismo benevolente son dos variables que, en el caso de los hombres, se hallan fuertemente relacionadas.

La salud sexual de las personas con discapacidad física (PDF) no sólo se ve influenciada por las limitaciones derivadas de la propia discapacidad sobre todo a la hora de iniciar contactos sino también, y sobre todo, por la estigmatización social. Creencias como que poseer un cuerpo con una funcionalidad no normativa puede interferir en la conducta sexual y en su función reproductiva son muestras de ello. Así mismo, se ha comprobado que la familia y los profesionales que se proporcionan apoyos a las PDF son el principal agente de formación, por lo que sus actitudes hacia la sexualidad de este colectivo van a condicionar su desarrollo sexual y la vivencia que hagan de la misma. Dada la importancia de estas actitudes y la escasez de instrumentos fiables dirigidos a evaluarlas, el objetivo de este trabajo ha sido construir y validar un instrumento de evaluación de las actitudes hacia la sexualidad de las personas con discapacidad física (ASEX-PDF). Para ello, se contó con 554 participantes (41.3% hombres y 58.7% mujeres) con edades comprendidas entre 20 y 92 años, de los cuales 100 eran profesionales que trabajan con este colectivo y 454 pertenecían a la población general. El Análisis Factorial Exploratorio extrajo una estructura unifactorial, que fue verificada y corregida a través del Análisis FactorialConfirmatorio, mostrando unos buenos índices de bondad de ajuste. La consistencia interna de la escala total fue de .79 ( de Cronbach) y de .89 ( ordinal). Así mismo, las correlaciones con una escala afín resultaron significativas y en la dirección esperada. En conclusión, la ASEX-PDF se presenta como un instrumento válido y fiable que puede resultar útil en la exploración de las actitudes hacia la sexualidad de las PDF.

Para promover un desarrollo sexual saludable es necesario garantizar el acceso de las personas con discapacidad intelectual (PDI) a la formación en relación con sexualidad y las relaciones interpersonales. En este sentido, se precisan programas de educación afectivo sexual para PDI que presenten evidencias empíricas sólidas acerca de su validez. Con este objetivo, el presente estudio ofrece los datos preliminares sobre la eficacia de cuatro de las sesiones del Programa de Educación Afectivo-Sexual SALUDIVERSEX: (1) Higiene íntima, (2) Abuso sexual, (3) Orientación sexual e (4) Intimidad. El programa fue aplicado a 43 usuarios de cuatro centros ocupacionales de la Comunitat Valenciana. La implementación del programa y la evaluación de los conocimientos (antes y después de ponerlo en marcha) fue llevada a cabo por los profesionales del propio centro que previamente habían sido formados en dicho programa. Los resultados muestran que los participantes mejoraron o mantuvieron sus conocimientos en todas las áreas evaluadas, aunque fue en la sesión sobre abuso sexual en la que el grado de aprovechamiento fue mayor (entre un 25% y un 80%) siendo inferiores los resultados en la sesión sobre intimidad (entre un 0% y un 20%). Por otra parte, se observó un mayor impacto de las sesiones dedicadas a intimidad y orientación sexual en aquellos grupos formados únicamente por PDI con bajo CI; y en abusos sexuales en los grupos formados por personas de mayor edad. A falta de un análisis más comprehensivo, podemos concluir que las sesiones presentadas del Programa SALUDIVERSEX se muestran eficaces para mejorar los conocimientos de la PDI si bien dicha eficacia se ve modulada por factores como el CI o la edad.

Background: This paper presents a description of the development and psychometric properties of a self-report instrument for the assessment of sexual behaviour and concerns of people with mild intellectual disabilities (SEBECOMID-S). Methods and procedures: The study included 281 people with mild intellectual disabilities. The psychometric properties were examined through exploratory factorial analysis, descriptive statistics, and reliability indices. Results: The exploratory factor analyses offered a structure with three factors: concern about the appropriateness of their sexual behaviour, sexual practices performed, and safe sex practices. The model presents an excellent fit (χ2 /df = 1.10, RMSEA = 0.019, CFI = 0.997, TLI = 0.995, and SRMR = 0.065). General test reliability was good (α = 0.77, Ω = 0.76). Conclusions: SEBECOMID-S is a valid and reliable tool to obtain objective information about the sexual behaviour and concerns of people with mild intellectual disabilities. The use of this instrument will make it possible to adjust their training to their real experiences, making it more effective. Funding for open access charge: CRUE-Universitat Jaume I

The high prevalence of people with Intellectual Disability (ID) fosters the recognition of their health, work, and social needs. However, few studies have focused on the assessment of their affective and sexual needs (a basic personal need and universal right). Even though the current literature suggests changes in social attitudes toward this population, it is unclear whether these changes have actually occurred and their impact on the development of healthy and non-stigmatized sexuality. This question is particularly relevant due to the lack of a sound measure to assess this shift in the social consideration of the sexuality of people with ID. Thus, this preliminary study focuses on the design and validation of a reliable measure to assess attitudes toward the sexuality of people with Intellectual Disability. This study comprises 1103 participants (43.3% men; 56.7% women) between 20 and 92 years old, classified into three groups: parents or relatives of people with ID, professionals working with ID individuals, and the general population. Results from Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) yielded three factors explaining 49.19% of the scale variance: Normalizing Attitudes (NOR-A), Negative Attitudes (NEG-A), and Paternalistic Attitudes (PAT-A). This three-factor structure was subsequently confirmed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Regarding internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha values ranged between 0.66 and 0.86. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that the ASEXID is useful and reliable for the assessment of relatives’, professionals’, and societal attitudes toward the sexuality of people with ID, contributing to the assessment of a potential paradigm shift in attitudes toward the affective sexual education of people with this condition.

This is a pre-print of an article published in Current Sexual Health Reports. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00272-6 Purpose of Review: Sexuality is a complex dimension for which culture seems to play an important role, particularly in countries that are more traditional. This review summarizes the knowledge about sexual relationships in Hispanic countries, considering sexual debut, attitudes, behaviors, and satisfaction. Recent Findings: In line with the literature reviewed, the sexual double standard seems to be continuing to influence sexual relationships. Some countries show more open expressions of sexuality based on the level of gender inequality or sexualized context, and within countries, variables such as religious commitment, family characteristics, and access to resources may play important roles in sexuality. Summary: Future research, policies, and interventions should consider these specific characteristics, including these forms of expression of sexuality, in the adjustment of cross-cultural and cross-national strategies.

Following the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan in December 2019, where Chinese authorities confirmed 41 cases detected between December 8 and January 2, 2020, the city stopped reporting cases until January 19, when 17 more cases were confirmed. By then, the first cases of COVID-19 had been reported outside China: two in Thailand and one in Japan. The rapid spread of the disease led the World Health Organization to declare it an international health emergency on Jan. 30, 2020. By that date, COVID-19 had been detected in all provinces of mainland China and cases were reported in 15 other countries. On March 11, the disease was present in more than 100 territories worldwide and was recognized as a pandemic by WHO. The number of confirmed cases continued to grow and on April 12, the number of confirmed cases worldwide stands at 1,524,161, in Europe at 830,260 and in Spain at 161,852. Globally, the United States, Spain, and Italy thus far, have the highest number of diagnosed cases and the highest number of deaths.

El sexting es un fenómeno que consiste en el envío y la recepción de fotos, videos y/o mensajes de texto de naturaleza sexual a través de smartphones. Como en todos los demás países desarrollados, se está convirtiendo en una práctica cada vez más popular entre los adolescentes de España. Al tratarse de un fenómeno muy reciente todavía no existen muchos trabajos que hayan estudiado con profundidad su entidad y sus factores implicados. Por tanto, los dos objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar la prevalencia y analizar las variables explicativas del inicio y del mantenimiento de las conductas de sexting. La muestra estuvo formada por 784 adolescentes españoles (52% chicos y 48% chicas) con edades comprendidas entre los 12 y los 18 años (M = 14.44; DT = 1.61). Los resultados indican que el 24.4% ha practicado sexting en alguna ocasión, realizando esta conducta con una media de 2.32 personas (DT = 2.70). El análisis de regresión reveló que las actitudes positivas hacia el sexting, el nivel de impulsividad, la edad, ser hombre y el mantener una relación de pareja son variables que predicen la práctica del sexting. Estos resultados son muy importantes en la elaboración e implementación de estrategias preventivas que enfaticen el uso responsable de las TICS y las redes sociales. Sexting is a recent phenomenon in which people send and receive photos, videos and/or text messages of sexual nature via smartphones or similar devices. Similar to other developed countries, it is becoming an increasingly popular practice among teenagers in Spain. Provided it has appeared very recently, scarce research has focused on examining in-depth factors involved in its initiation and maintenance. Therefore, the two main aims of this study were to determine its prevalence and to analyse the explanatory variables of the sexting behaviours. The sample consisted of 784 Spanish adolescents (52% boys and 48% girls) between 12 and 18 years of age (M = 14.44; SD = 1.61). The results showed that 24.4% have practised sexting at some time, with an average of 2.32 people (SD = 2.70). The regression analysis revealed that positive attitudes towards sexting, level of impulsivity, age, being male and having a partner are variables that predict engagement in sexting. These results are very important for designing and implementing preventive strategies that emphasise the responsible use of ICTs and social networks.

Introduction In Spain, the sexual route is the main route of transmission in new HIV diagnoses. Men who have heterosexual relations are the second group with the highest incidence of new HIV cases and have the highest rates of late diagnosis in Spain. Planning the response to the HIV epidemic requires specific and updated information on this group. This study aims to analyze sexual practices and frequency of condom use in heterosexual and bisexual men and identify variables that explain inconsistent condom use in vaginal intercourse. Methods The sample consists of 386 men between 18 and 57 years of age (M = 24.61; SD = 6.74). Results The results indicate that the percentage of consistent condom use in vaginal intercourse is 64.9%. Not consuming drugs before sexual intercourse, perceiving a high self-efficacy for condom use, and good assertive communication skills are factors that positively influence condom use. In contrast, a high level of sexual compulsivity is a risk factor. The proposed model explains between 29.1% and 40% of the variance. Conclusions and Policy Implications. Preventive actions implemented in this group should include work sessions that focus on developing assertive skills, reducing risks associated with drug use, and providing cognitive strategies to cope with compulsive sexual thoughts.

The health and socio-economic challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic have led to greater reliance on the internet to meet basic needs and responsibilities. Greater engagement in online activities may have negative mental and physical health consequences for some vulnerable individuals, particularly under mandatory self-isolation or ‘lockdown’ conditions. The present study investigated whether changes in levels of involvement in online activities during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., watching TV series,online sexual activities, video games, social networks, gambling, online shopping, and instant messaging) were associated with problematic internet use, as well as whether certain psychological risk factors (positive/negative affect and impulsivity) were significant predictors of these changes. A total of 1,275 participants (66.1% female, aged between 18-55 years) completed an online survey while in lockdown in Spain (April 15th-23rd, 2020). The survey assessed current engagement in seven different online activities and their engagement prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as psychological risk factors (affect and impulsivity). Most participants (between 60.8%-98.6% depending on the activity) reported no changes in participation in online activities, butthere was a significant increase in weekly internet use (between 25 and 336 min). However, increased internet use was not accompanied by a corresponding increase in problematic use, except for problematic TV series watching and video gaming. Psychologicalrisk factors considered in the study (affect, impulsivity traits)were largely minor or non-significant predictors. Thus, increased internet use during the lockdown in Spain was not related to a proportional growth in problematic usage, suggesting that these behavioral changes may constitute adaptive coping strategies in the context of the pandemic

La diversidad sexual tiende a considerarse una cuestión que afecta principalmente a personas jóvenes por lo que los estudios centrados en la vivencia de una orientación sexual minoritaria en personas mayores son muy escasos. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido analizar el grado de coincidencia entre la orientación sexual autodefinida, el objeto de deseo y las personas con las que se han tenido relaciones sexuales. En este estudio han participado 244 personas (47,5% hombres y 52,5% mujeres) de entre 55 y 80 años heterogéneos en cuanto al nivel socioeconómico, grado académico y situación laboral. Todos ellos han cumplimentado un cuestionario sobre orientación sexual y aspectos como religión o actividad sexual. Los resultados muestran que el 13% (8,6% hombres, 16,4% mujeres) no se sienten atraídos exclusivamente por el sexo opuesto y el 6% reconoce haber mantenido prácticas homoeróticas (3,5% hombres y 7,9% mujeres). En los hombres la coincidencia entre autodefinición y objeto de deseo es mayor que en las mujeres. Se discute la necesidad de analizar de modo cualitativo en estudios futuros variables relacionadas con la historia sexual y la trayectoria vital por su posible influencia en cuanto a la exploración y/o aceptación de opciones sexuales no mayoritarias.

Las personas transexuales experimentan tasas extremadamente altas de conductas suicidas. Sin embargo, aunque la ideación suicida se considera un precursor importante de intento de suicidio, se ha prestado poca atención a esta problemática y al perfil sociodemográfico de este colectivo. Así, nos proponemos identificar la prevalencia de ideación suicida en una muestra de pacientes transexuales y explorar su perfil sociodemográfico. Para ello, se recogió información sociodemográfica de 172 transexuales (58.7% mujeres transexuales, 41.3% hombres transexuales) de entre 18 y 61 años que acudieron a la Unidad de Trastornos de Identidad de Género del Complejo Hospitalario Carlos Haya. Los resultados revelan una tasa de ideación suicida del 61% y en el 56.2% de los casos la ideación suicida actuó como precursor de intentos de suicidio. Los pacientes con ideación suicida parecen presentar un amplio historial en salud mental, aunque menos ingresos psiquiátricos y un menor consumo de psicofármacos, pero no de cocaína y marihuana. Además, la pérdida de amigos/as, la expulsión del hogar, las autolesiones no suicidas y/o la victimización por razón de género también se identificaron como factores precursores. Así, queda evidenciada la necesidad de elaborar programas de prevención e intervención que se ajusten a las características de este colectivo.

In the last years, there has been a rebound in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Traditionally, STIs were associated with certain groups. However, it is observed that this accentuation occurs in different population groups due to risky sexual behaviours that are carried out, which are exacerbated by certain factors, such as toxic substance consumption, low risk perception and sexual sensations searching. The main goal is to verify the relationship between drugs consumption and condom use in different sexual practices. As secondary objectives, these same relationships will be studied according to the participant’s sex, as well as their sexual orientation. There were 1910 participants (733 men and 1177 women), who completed a survey about sexual experience and practices. The age average was 21,42 (SD = 5,54). Of these subjects, 1700 (89%) were considered heterosexual, 146 (7.6%) bisexual and 64 (3.4%) homosexual. On one hand, the results indicate that women who have consumed alcohol use less condom in vaginal sex practice than those who have not consumed (p= ,023). On the other hand, men use condoms less frequently if they have consumed hashish (p = ,021). In addition, if men consume cocaine, they do not use condoms in practices such as vaginal sex (p= ,035) or with sporadic sexual partners (p= ,007). Furthermore, heterosexual people who consume hashishuse less prophylactics in vaginal sex (p= ,006) and with sporadic sexual partners (p=,03). Hetero also use less condoms in vaginal sex (p= ,019) and with sporadic sexual partners (p= ,023) if they consume cocaine. Finally, bisexual people who consume alcohol use fewer condoms in vaginal sex (p= ,029). No differences were found between drugs and condom use in homosexuals. Despite the great amount of information about sexual health, which is principally taught at schools and high schools, it is a fact that young population carries out risky sexual behaviours. These risky behaviors are increased if there is a drug use. Future programs focused on sexual health should add the relationship between sex and drugs, in order to reduce STIs and increasing condom use.

Sexually transmitted infections are one of the most prevalent risks among young population. In Spain, its incidence has increased in recent years, being one of the most affected countries in Europe. Regardless of diverse preventive efforts have been made to reverse this situation, these have not shown the expected effectiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to study in depth those factors that could maintain risk behaviors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the role of psychological factors in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections among young people. For this, 984 young people between 18 and 24 years old (32.7% men and 67.3% women), sexually active, completed an online questionnaire about lifestyles with a specific section on sexual health. Following the analyses, only 37.2% of them use condoms systematically in vaginal sex and 12.1% in anal sex. Moreover, a greater use of condoms is connected to being afraid of sexually transmitted infections (rho = .098; p = .002), higher age of onset in sexual practices (rho = .075; p = .021), lower frequency of alcohol consumption (rho = -.069, p = .037), lower levels of anxiety (rho = -.094, p = .003), greater satisfaction with the image body (rho = .066; p = .033) and less use of pornography (rho = -.107; p = .001). In particular, in addition to the fear of sexually transmitted infections, the lower use of pornography and less anxiety would also contribute to a greater likelihood of condom use (Chi2 = 29.18, p = .001). Thus, the need to include these variables in sexual risk prevention programs to improve their effectiveness among the young population seems to be evident.

Despite preventive efforts, HIV exposure is still a concern for public health. The current prevalence is related to unsafe sex, which is based on socio-cognitive variables. Therefore, information about these variables is required to verify whether the past preventive strategies have been effective and improve the future ones. However, there is not updated information to adjust future preventive interventions. For this reason, this study analyzes trends by gender in Spanish young people over the past two decades in perceived susceptibility to HIV, severity perceived to HIV, condom confidence and the intention of condom use, from 1999 to 2020. For this purpose, 11,665 Spanish young people (from 17 to 40 years old) completed the AIDS Prevention Questionnaire in each year. Following our results, in general, the socio-cognitive variables have revealed an unsatisfactory trend: a low perceived susceptibility to HIV and a behavioral intention that have remained stable or even declined slightly over the past years. Particularly, men are more likely to report a riskier level in socio-cognitive variables although, in the latest evaluations, women would decrease condom use intention largely than men. In general, regarding age, young adult would report better levels of condom confidence, but early youth would get higher results in perceived severity, as well as better scores in the latest evaluations of condom use intention. Considering these results, policies should make an effort in HIV prevention programs, and emphasize the attention to attitudinal beliefs and behavioral intention to improve their effectiveness.

Las habilidades de manejo de grupo que presenten los profesionales que imparten los programas de educación afectivo-sexual para personas con discapacidad intelectual son esenciales a fin de dirigir las sesiones hacia los objetivos establecidos. Por ello, el objetivo del presente trabajo es explorar las incidencias producidas durante la aplicación del Programa SALUDIVERSEX, en función del tipo de contenido de la sesión, analizando las habilidades de manejo del grupo de los 29 profesionales (90% mujeres y 10% hombres) que aplicaron este programa. Los resultados sugieren que las conductas inapropiadas de los/as usuarios/as son las incidencias más frecuentes tanto en las sesiones que trabajan habilidades (58,3%) como las que trabajan actitudes (53,8%). Sin embargo, la baja participación se produce con mayor frecuencia en las sesiones que trabajan actitudes (30,7%), lo que podría deberse a la percepción de utilidad de las temáticas trabajadas en estas sesiones. Por otra parte, el surgimiento de emociones como vergüenza y/o nervosismo es más común en sesiones dedicadas a trabajar habilidades (25%). Respecto a las habilidades de los profesionales, en la mayoría de las ocasiones, responden adecuadamente a los problemas surgidos. No obstante, el 28,5% de las veces que tiene lugar una conducta inadecuada, el profesional no reacciona correctamente; el 50% de las veces que algún usuario/a o el grupo presenta baja participación, el profesional ignora a la persona o acorta el contenido de la sesión; y el 42% de las veces que aparecen emociones que pueden interferir en el desarrollo de las actividades, los profesionales no gestionan de forma oportuna la situación. Estos resultados resaltan la necesidad de abordar las habilidades de los profesionales para manejar el grupo, a fin de que este aspecto no afecte a la efectividad de las intervenciones.

La literatura existente centrada en el estudio de la salud sexual de los/as niños/as y adolescentes, ha reportado resultados heterogéneos que varían en función de las experiencias vitales y de la historia sexual. Los/as niños/as y adolescentes del sistema de protección, a diferencia de los/as jóvenes en conflicto con la ley o de la población general, han sido retirados de sus hogares por sufrir abusos físicos o sexuales, entre otras razones. La vivencia de este tipo de sucesos en la infancia se ha vinculado con una serie de conductas disruptivas, entre las que destacan las conductas sexuales problemáticas. A pesar de ello, tanto los/as niños/as y adolescentes del sistema de protección como los/as jóvenes en conflicto con la ley, son poco accesibles y, en escasas ocasiones, se ha puesto el foco de atención en su salud sexual. Por este motivo, el grupo de investigación SALUSEX se ha embarcado en el presente proyecto que tiene como objetivo principal conocer la salud sexual de estos grupos poblacionales, mediante la realización de un estudio descriptivo que permita identificar posibles variables asociadas a un desarrollo sexual no saludable. La viabilidad de esta línea de investigación reside en dos convenios de colaboración con la DGIA y la Fundación Diagrama, respectivamente. Actualmente, se han evaluado mediante una batería de instrumentos a 326 niños/as y adolescentes (30.5% mujeres; 69.5% hombres) de entre 11 y 19 años que residían en 48 hogares de acogimiento residencial situados en la provincia de Castellón y Valencia; y se ha comenzado a entrevistar a los/as jóvenes de centros socioeducativos. Como fin último, se busca que este estudio revierta en la sociedad mediante la elaboración de materiales específicos que permitan trabajar los posibles déficits de conocimientos y desarrollar estrategias útiles para atenuar las consecuencias que se derivan de un desarrollo sexual no saludable.

Introduction The potential consequences of being assertive or non-assertive for people’s sexual health and sexual well-being highlight the importance of assessing sexual assertiveness (SA). The currently available measures have limitations because they do not take recent social changes into account, they are designed to only assess women, and/or they ignore several components of SA. This study tests the psychometric properties of the Assertiveness in Sexual Relations Questionnaire (ASRQ). Methods Thus, 2370 participants (aged 18–69 years) of Spain completed the ASRQ, along with other scales that assesses related dimensions (e.g., family values in relation to sexual assertiveness, sexual esteem). Data were collected during 2020. Results Exploratory factor analysis yielded a four-factor structure: Assertive behavior as initiative, sub-assertive behavior, overly assertive behavior as initiative, and assertive behavior as a response, which was verified by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A multigroup CFA was also conducted in men and women, confirming the adequacy of this four-factor structure across genders. The reliability of the factors ranged from 0.72 to 0.87. Similarly, correlations with related scales were mostly significant and in the expected direction. Conclusions The psychometric results obtained support the use of the ASRQ as a reliable and valid measure to assess sexual assertiveness in both men and women. Policy Implications The availability of an instrument to assess sexual assertiveness, whose psychometric properties have been satisfactorily tested, benefits society by contributing to the improvement of the sexual health of the population, allowing for more effective interventions and the early detection of skills that contribute to the establishment of risky sexual interactions.

El programa de educación afectivo sexual SALUDIVERSEX para personas con diversidad funcional intelectual (DFI) sienta sus bases sobre la importancia de la implicación activa de los participantes en las sesiones dirigidas a favorecer el aprendizaje de conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes saludables. Por ello, en las sesiones dedicadas a transmitir conocimientos sobre sexo/sexualidad, higiene sexual, prácticas sexuales y sexo seguro, así como, en las que se trabajan actitudes hacia la diversidad sexual y las relaciones de pareja se prioriza más el juego. Por otra parte, en las sesiones dedicadas a trabajar habilidades interpersonales se emplea fundamentalmente el role playing. El objetivo del presente trabajo es observar el grado de implicación de 29 usuarios/as (el 55% son hombres y el 45% son mujeres) que participaron en el programa SALUDIVERSEX en función del tipo de metodología empleada en las diferentes sesiones. La edad de los participantes está entre los 25 y 65 años (x̄: 39,775; D.T.: 9,03). El grado de implicación fue valorado por los/as profesionales en una escala de 0 a 2. Los resultados sugieren que ambas metodologías son útiles observando una alta implicación tanto en las sesiones de habilidades (1,224) como en las de actitudes (1,216). Los peores resultados hallados en cuanto a implicación en las sesiones de conocimientos (0,995) podría deberse a que las temáticas trabajadas abordan diferentes aspectos de la sexualidad de forma más explícita, lo que contribuye a que se muestren más retraídos al no estar habituados a comentar aspectos relacionados con la sexualidad en público. Estos hallazgos nos llevan a concluir que, es necesario que los/las profesionales formados/as durante el programa apliquen lo aprendido, integrando la educación sexual como una actividad más en sus respectivos centros ocupacionales a fin de normalizar la sexualidad en este colectivo.

Sexting is an increasingly frequent phenomenon among adolescents, and it involves risky behaviors such as sextortion or even grooming. This study aims to analyze demographic, psychological, and cultural variables that may explain the nature of this phenomenon. The sample consisted of 471 adolescents from 12 to 18 years old from two countries, Spain and Mexico, with dissimilar levels of gender inequality. Results highlight important differences in sexting behavior between the two countries. We have found higher levels of sexting behaviors in Mexican adolescents (41.5 %) than in Spanish adolescents (24.6 %) as well as an earlier start in Mexican adolescents. Moreover, adolescents in Mexico engage in sexting more frequently. There are no differences, however, in age showing a growing pattern in the two countries, nor in gender, self-esteem or impulsivity. These results are interpreted from a cultural perspective and highlight the importance of studying the phenomenon of sexting within the framework of cultural influences, especially sexism. Considering cultural factors is necessary, in order to implement differential preventive strategies according to each culture. Prevention in countries with high inequality, such as Mexico, should be earlier.

Introduction Romantic experiences during adolescence have an important influence on functioning later in life. Romantic love has been associated with the acceptance of abusive behaviors. This study examined the relationship between myths of romantic love and the perceived severity of different types of abusive behaviors, as well as the influence of gender. Methods The sample comprised 448 Spanish adolescents (M = 12.92 years old; SD = 0.85), of which 50.3% were male and 49.7% were female. Participants were evaluated in the school setting. The Perception of Abuse Scale and the Myths, Fallacies, and Misconceptions about Romantic Love Scale were administered. Results Statistically significant negative associations between the myths of romantic love and the perceived severity of abusive behaviors were found. Myths regarding possession, dedication, and exclusivity were associated with a lower perceived severity of abusive behaviors in adolescent males. Myths regarding the omnipotence of love were associated with a lower perceived severity of abusive behaviors in adolescent females. Believing in jealousy as a demonstration of love (myth of jealousy) and in the need to establish a steady union when you love someone (marriage myth) explained a lower perceived severity of abusive behaviors in regression models. However, being female and having these beliefs explained a higher perceived severity of abusive behaviors. Conclusions The myths of romantic love are already present during early adolescence. These beliefs are implicated in the construction of gender inequality and difficulties in the identification of dating abuse behavior severity. A gendered perspective is necessary to understand this issue. Early intervention strategies should address the cognitive and emotional components of intimate relationships. Funding for open access charge: CRUE-Universitat Jaume I

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic is becoming a major hazard to public health worldwide. This is causing a significant impact on life and physical health, as well as on the psychological well-being of the general population. Since the emotional distress and the social restrictions caused by this epidemic, it must be expected that its impact will also extend to sexual health. The purpose of this study, the first including a large sample of the Spanish general population, was to analyze sexual behavior during the 99 days of confinement in Spain (INSIDE Project). Method. 1,448 Spanish people, between 18 and 60 years old, were evaluated through an online survey during April 2020. The variables analyzed were the physical and social environment during confinement, sexual desire, type of sexual activity, masturbation, sexual intercourse, online sexual activity, general sexual frequency, sexual fantasies, degree of self-control over sexual drive, sexual abuse, general impact of confinement on sexuality and emotional mood. Results. Confinement has affected the sexual life of half of the Spanish population (47.7%), especially women. Those who reported a worsening of their sexual life are almost three times more (37.9%) than those who reported an improvement (14.4%). Conclusions. Different factors have been significant predictors of the positive or negative evaluation about the impact of this confinement on sexual life, such as gender, couple life, privacy, stress level and the perception of confinement as unbearable. Policy Implications. These results have important implications for the public health and more especially sexual health of the Spanish population.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of research on the sexual health of transgender individuals, as well as a paucity of data about overall sexual health indexes before treatment. AIMS: This study aims to analyze the main issues involved in transgender individuals’ sexual behavior (with and without a partner), overall sexual health indexes, and potential predictors of sexual health, comparing trans men and trans women on all the variables assessed. METHODS: 260 trans people were recruited at a transgender health clinic in Spain. Participants completed the Sexual Behavior Questionnaire for transgender people before receiving any treatment. RESULTS: Overall results show that trans women have a more ego-dystonic and problematic experience of their sexuality. Regarding masturbation, there are no differences in its frequency between trans women and trans men, although there are differences in the reasons they do not masturbate. Regarding sexual behavior with a partner, trans women experience more difficulties than trans men, with significant differences in several areas (e.g., the percentage of transgender individuals who never allow their partners to touch their genitals). Regarding sexual health, we found differences between groups, with lower sexual desire, sexual arousal without orgasm, and overall sexual health in trans women. Likewise, different variables such as pain during sex, fantasies, and time with a steady partner seem to be associated with the different sexual health indexes. CONCLUSION: Our results show a clear difference between trans women and trans men in most of the sexual aspects assessed, revealing greater gender dysphoria in trans women. We would recommend taking these data into account, as well as variables that may be associated with different sexual health indexes, when designing interventions for transgender people.

Background This paper presents psychometric properties of an instrument for the Assessment of Sexual Behaviour and Knowledge of people with Intellectual Disability (ASBKID), other‐reported by professionals who are in daily contact with them. Methods and procedures Assessments of 236 individuals with intellectual disability were obtained from 100 professionals. Results Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a four‐factor structure: concern about the user's inappropriate or uninhibited sexual behaviour; perception of the user's knowledge about privacy and social norms; perception of the user's knowledge about sexuality; and concerns about the user's sexuality. A multi‐group CFA was also conducted in men and women, confirming the adequacy of this four‐factor structure by gender. The reliability of the factors ranged from 0.74 to 0.92. Conclusions The psychometric results obtained support the use of the ASBKID as a valid and reliable measure for the assessment of sexual behaviour and knowledge in both men and women with intellectual disability.

This study analyses the prevalence of sexting and the reasons and attitudes associated with its practice in adolescents with different cultural backgrounds (Colombia and Spain). The sample is made up of 489 Spaniards and 510 Colombians aged between 13 and 18 years. The results show that sexting is strongly influenced by gender and the country, in favor of men and Colombians respectively. The interaction between gender and country establishes that in Spain women and men practice sexting equally, while in Colombia men practice much more sexting than women. Although the practice of sexting increases progressively with age, the levels are higher among Colombian adolescents, especially after 15 years. According to the results, although both groups present a high risk for sexting, socio-cultural aspects and gender constitute differential variables to be taken into consideration. Therefore, it is necessary to design preventive strategies including cultural differences in relation to the sexuality.