scholarly journals Sexual and psychological health of couples with azoospermia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12162
Author(s):  
Meng Dong ◽  
Yanqiang Tao ◽  
Shanshan Wu ◽  
Zhengtao Li ◽  
Xiaobin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Premature Ejaculation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pornography Use

Background To date, there have been no reports on the sexual and psychological health of patients with azoospermia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Previous studies on the sexual health of couples with azoospermia are limited and are especially lacking in data on the wives of azoospermic men. Methods We conducted a case–control cross-sectional study between 1 July 2020 and 20 December 2020. In total, 100 couples with azoospermia comprised the experimental group and 100 couples with normozoospermia comprised the control group. The couples’ sexual health was measured using standardised sexual function questionnaires (male: International Index of Erectile Function-15 [IIEF-15] and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool [PEDT]; female: Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]) and a self-designed questionnaire to evaluate changes in sexual behaviours (sexual satisfaction, desire, frequency of sexual activity, masturbation, and pornography use) during lockdown. The couples’ psychological health was measured using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to analyse the associations between sexual health and psychological health. Results The IIEF-15 scores (53.07 ± 11.11 vs. 57.52 ± 8.57, t =  − 3.17, p = 0.00) were lower and the PEDT scores (6.58 ± 3.13 vs. 5.17 ± 2.22, t = 3.67, p = 0.00) and incidence of premature ejaculation (χ2 = 14.73, p = 0.00) were higher for men with azoospermia than for men with normozoospermia. Compared with those of wives of men with normozoospermia, the total FSFI scores (25.12 ± 5.56 vs. 26.75 ± 4.82, t =  − 2.22, p = 0.03) of wives of men with azoospermia were lower. The chi-square test showed that the perceived changes in sexual satisfaction (χ2 = 7.22, p = 0.03), frequency of masturbation (χ2 = 21.96, p = 0.00), and pornography use (χ2 = 10.90, p = 0.01) were significantly different between the female groups with azoospermia and normozoospermia, but there were no significant changes in sexual behaviour between the male groups. The GAD-7 (men: 7.18 ± 5.56 vs. 5.68 ± 4.58, p = 0.04; women: 6.65 ± 5.06 vs. 5.10 ± 3.29, p = 0.01) and PHQ-9 scores (men: 10.21 ± 6.37 vs. 7.49 ± 6.10, p = 0.00; women: 8.81 ± 6.50 vs. 6.98 ± 4.43, p = 0.02) were significantly higher for couples with azoospermia than for couples with normozoospermia. The APIM showed that for couples with azoospermia, sexual function negatively correlated with their own anxiety (men: β = −0.22, p = 0.00; women: β = −0.38, p = 0.00) and depression symptoms (men: β = −0.21, p = 0.00; women: β = −0.57, p = 0.00) but not with their partner’s anxiety and depression symptoms (p > 0.05). Conclusions Couples with azoospermia had a lower quality of sexual function and higher levels of psychological distress than couples with normozoospermia. Their sexual health negatively correlated with psychological distress.

The Effects of Herbal Medicines on Women Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahereh Molkara ◽  
Maliheh Motavasselian ◽  
Farideh Akhlaghi ◽  
Mohammad Arash Ramezani ◽  
Hamideh Naghedi Baghdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Female Sexual Response

: Sexual health plays an important role in the women’s health and quality of life. Sexual health management is a prerequisite for physical and psychological health of women. Sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm are three factors of female sexual response. So far many different methods has been known for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, however none of them are not an efficacious therapy. Generally, use of herbal medicine is a safe and effective therapeutic method in the treatment of women with sexual dysfunction. The role of herbal and nutritional supplementation in female sexual function has attracted researchers’ interest in recent years. This study aimed to the evaluation of the studies focusing on the herbal medicine on women sexual function and the assessment of its effectiveness.

Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Depression among patients with diabetes mellitus in a Nigerian teaching hospital

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bawo Onesirosan James ◽  
Joyce Ohiole Omoaregba ◽  
George Eze ◽  
Olufemi Morakinyo
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression Symptom ◽  
Treatment Goals ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Diabetes Patients

<p><strong>Objectives.</strong> Depression is associated with diabetes mellitus and affects treatment goals negatively. We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and identify its socio-demographic or clinical correlates among patients with diabetes mellitus attending an out-patient clinic in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods.</strong> Two hundred consecutively recruited diabetes patients (index group) were compared with a similar number of apparently healthy controls in a cross-sectional survey. In both groups, in addition to obtaining socio-demographic details, depression was diagnosed using the Schedule for the Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN), while the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depression symptom severity. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results.</strong> Sixty (30%) diabetes patients met a SCAN diagnosis for clinical depression, compared with 19 (9.5%) in the control group. Having a smaller income and more children were significantly correlated with higher depression symptoms on the BDI.</p><p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Depression is highly co-morbid with diabetes mellitus. The care of individuals with diabetes mellitus should include the screening and possible treatment for depression in order to achieve and sustain treatment goals.</p>

scholarly journals Hospital Trainees Worries, Perceived Sufficiency of Information and Reported Psychological Health During The COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikoo Aziminia ◽  
Aria Khani ◽  
Colette Smith ◽  
Ameet Bakhai ◽  
Clifford Lisk
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Influenza Pandemic ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Psychological Support ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Liaison Psychiatry ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Support Unit

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been unsurpassed in clinical severity or infectivity since the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic and continues to impact the world. During the A/H1N1 influenza pandemic, healthcare workers presented frequent concerns regarding their ownand their families health, as well as high levels of psychological distress. Objectives: To assess hospital trainees concerns, perceived sufficiency of information, behaviour and reported psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic in the NHS Design: Cross-sectional 39-point questionnaire study conducted in May 2020 Setting: A large NHS foundation trust in London Participants: 204 hospital trainee doctors Outcome measures: Quantitative analysis of trainees worries and concerns while working during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed across 8 domains: trainee demographics; concerns and worries regarding COVID-19; perceived sufficiency of information about the COVID-19 pandemic; social distancing; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and training in PPE; COVID-19 acquisition and risk; reported psychological health; and medical education. Results: 91.7% looked after COVID-19 patients. 91.6% were worried about COVID-19; the most frequent concern was that of family and friends dying from COVID-19 (74.6%). 22.2% reported being infected with COVID-19. 6.8% of trainees were so concerned about COVID-19 infection that they would avoid going to work. Perceived sufficiency of information about COVID-19 was moderately high. 25.9% reported that they were able to socially distance at work compared to 94.4% able to socially distance outside work. 98.2% reported using PPE and 24.7% were confident the provided PPE protected them against infection with COVID-19. 41.9% reported that their psychological health had been affected by their work with the commonest being anxiety (56.6%), emotional distress (50.9%) and burnout (37.7%). 95.6% felt it is important to have a service that provides psychological support during this pandemic and 62.5% reported they would consider using this at work. Conclusions: A significant proportion of hospital trainees are worried about the COVID-19 pandemic with high levels of reported psychological distress. Given that almost a third would not use psychological support services at work, hospital leaders and liaison psychiatry need to explore the reasons for not wanting to use services at work and highlight the provision of psychological services provided outside work such that provided by the London deaneries professional support unit (PSU). Seeking solutions to support trainee wellbeing in addition to this, such as larger offices, adequate rest facilities and alternative methods of teaching, with their input would enable empowerment of trainees and improve their health and morale while working in a pandemic.

scholarly journals Mediating Effect of Chronic Illnesses in the Relationship Between Psychological Distress and COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance

2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110478
Author(s):  
Won Sun Chen ◽  
Ching Sin Siau ◽  
Suzanna Awang Bono ◽  
Wah Yun Low
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health is an emerging problem globally. This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of chronic illnesses in the relationship between psychological health and the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, prior to the national vaccine rollout in Malaysia. An online cross-sectional study was conducted in Malaysia between December 10, 2020, and February 9, 2021. In addition to the descriptive analyses, a mediation analysis was performed to examine the mediating effect of chronic illnesses in the relationship between psychological distress and the willingness to accept the vaccine. A total of 1738 participants completed the survey. The psychological distress levels were found to be significantly different across demographic factors such as age, gender, and social economic status. This study demonstrated a partial mediating effect of chronic illnesses in the relationship between psychological distress and vaccine acceptance.

scholarly journals The Potential Associations of Pornography Use with Sexual Dysfunctions: An Integrative Literature Review of Observational Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Diana Dwulit ◽  
Piotr Rzymski
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Dysfunctions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Delayed Ejaculation ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Existing Data

This paper reviews the associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunction based on evidence from observational studies. The existing data in this regard mostly derive from cross-sectional investigations and case reports. There is little if no evidence that pornography use may induce delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, although longitudinal studies that control for confounding variables are required for a full assessment. The associations between pornography use and sexual desire may differ between women and men although the existing data is contradictory and causal relationships cannot be established. The strongest evidence is available for the relation of pornography use with decreased sexual satisfaction, although the results of prospective studies are inconsistent. The paper outlines future research prospects beneficial in understanding the nature of associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunctions in men and women.

scholarly journals Associations of depression and anxiety symptoms with sexual behaviour in women and heterosexual men attending sexual health clinics: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 254-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Margaret Coyle ◽  
Fiona C Lampe ◽  
Ada Rose Miltz ◽  
Janey Sewell ◽  
Jane Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Heterosexual Men ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Condomless Sex

ObjectiveTo assess the association of symptoms of depression and anxiety with sexual risk behaviour and history, among women and heterosexual men attending genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.MethodsAttitudes to and Understanding of Risk of Acquisition of HIV (AURAH) was a cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire study recruited from 20 GUM clinics in England, 2013–2014. This analysis included women and heterosexual men. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was assessed. Modified Poisson regression was used to produce adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for the association of t demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with depression and anxiety, adjusted for gender, age, ethnicity, education level and study region. Among individuals reporting sex in the past 3 months, associations of depression and anxiety with sexual risk behaviour and history were assessed separately by gender, adjusted for age, ethnicity, study region, education and relationship status.ResultsQuestionnaires were completed by 676 women and 470 heterosexual men. Depression symptoms were reported by 100 (14.8%) women and 33 men (7.0%). Anxiety symptoms were reported by 79 women (11.7%) and 21 men (4.5%). Among women reporting recent sex, those with depression symptoms were more likely to report condomless sex with a non-regular partner, aPR 1.38 (1.07–1.77) and recent condomless sex with two or more partners, 1.80 (1.25–2.59). Women with anxiety symptoms more likely to report recent condomless sex with two or more partners, 1.68 (1.13–2.50), low self-efficacy for condom use, 1.54 (1.02–2.31) and STI diagnosis in the last year 1.51 (1.04–2.20). Among heterosexual men reporting recent sex, depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with low self-efficacy with condom use, 2.32 (1.29–4.19) for depression and 2.23 (1.26–3.94) for anxiety, but not with measures of condomless sex.DiscussionThe associations between psychological symptoms and sexual risk behaviours highlight the importance of holistic assessment of need by both general and sexual health clinicians. We highlight the challenge in delivering holistic care associated with fragmentation of sexual health services.

Relationship between perceptions of treatment goals and psychological distress in patients with advanced cancer.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 11621-11621
Author(s):  
Amanda L. Jankowski ◽  
Deborah Anne Forst ◽  
Joseph Greer ◽  
Ryan David Nipp ◽  
Lauren Waldman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cognitive Dissonance ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Treatment Goal ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
The Relationship

11621 Background: Several studies have demonstrated discordance between how patients perceive their goal of treatment versus how they perceive their oncologist’s goal. Studies evaluating the extent and risk factors of this discordance are lacking. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 559 patients with incurable lung, gastrointestinal, breast, and brain cancers. We used the Perception of Treatment and Prognosis Questionnaire to assess patients’ perceptions of both their treatment goal and their oncologist’s goal and categorized responses: 1) patients who reported that both their goal and their oncologist’s goal was concordant (either to cure or not to cure); and 2) patients who reported discordant perceptions of their goal versus their oncologist’s goal. We assessed patients’ psychological distress using the Hospital-Anxiety-and-Depression-Scale and used linear regression to assess the relationship between patients’ perceptions of their treatment goal and psychological outcomes. Results: 61.7% of patients reported that both their goal and their oncologist’s goal was non-curative; 19.3% reported that both their goal and their oncologist’s goal was to cure their cancer; and 19.0% reported discordance between their goal and their perception of the oncologist’s goal. Older age (OR = 0.98, P = 0.01), non-Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 0.31, P = 0.049), and higher education (OR = 0.62, P = 0.042) were associated with lower likelihood of reporting discordant goals. Patients with discordant perceptions of their goal and their oncologist’s goal reported higher anxiety (B = 1.56, P = 0.003) compared to those who reported that both their goal and their oncologist’s goal was curative. Patients who reported both their goal and the oncologist’s goal was non-curative had higher depression symptoms (B = 1.06, P = 0.013) compared to those who reported that both their goal and the oncologists’ goal was curative. Conclusions: One-fifth of patients with advanced cancer report discrepancies between their perceptions of their own and their oncologists’ treatment goal which is associated with psychological distress. Tools are needed to identify patients at risk of cognitive dissonance about their prognosis.

Radiotherapy- or Radical Surgery–Induced Female Sexual Morbidity in Stages IB and II Cervical Cancer

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 800-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuko Harding ◽  
Takuma Ooyama ◽  
Tomoko Nakamoto ◽  
Akihiko Wakayama ◽  
Wataru Kudaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Radical Surgery ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Female Sexual Function ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the sexual function in cervical cancer survivors after radiotherapy (RT) or radical surgery (RS).MethodsThis was an observational and cross-sectional study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 175 patients after RT (RT group) or RS (RS group) and 521 healthy women (control) between 2011 and 2012. Sexual functions were compared among these 3 groups.ResultsEligible 92 patients (46 in RT group, 46 in RS group) and 148 control subjects were included for analysis. There was a significant difference in median (range) FSFI total score of 5.5 (3.6–34.7) in the RT group, 18.9 (3.4–31.2) in the RS group, and 22.1 (2–34.2) in the control group (P < 0.001). The median FSFI total score in the RT group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Six sexual domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain) were all significantly affected in the RT group, and no significant differences, except pain, were observed in the RS group as compared with the control group.ConclusionsInterventions involving counseling and rehabilitation for female sexual function should be provided in cervical cancer survivors, especially after RT.

scholarly journals The Feasibility and Acceptability of Project POWER: A Cognitive-Behavioral Mindfulness-Infused Group-Based Mental and Sexual Health Intervention Among Young Pregnant Women in Liberia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamora A. Callands ◽  
Kandyce Hylick ◽  
Alethea Desrosiers ◽  
Shantesica M. Gilliam ◽  
Erica N. Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Catchment Areas

Abstract Background Following 14 years of civil war in Liberia, war-exposure, gender-based violence, and extreme poverty have been identified as key challenges to the mental and sexual health of young pregnant women, and the health of their unborn children. Despite ongoing efforts to rebuild the country’s healthcare infrastructure, empirical research and interventions focused on addressing the consequences of war on the mental and sexual health of young pregnant women in Liberia are severely limited. To address these concerns, we developed Project POWER (Progressing Our Well-being, Emotions, and Relationships) (POWER), a mindfulness-infused cognitive-behavioral intervention for young adult pregnant women. This study sought to: 1) assess the feasibility and acceptability of POWER; and (2) determine the preliminary efficacy of POWER for improving mental and sexual health outcomes among Liberian war-exposed pregnant young adult women. Methods Eighty-seven women ages 18-25 years were recruited from three catchment areas in Monrovia, Liberia. Participants participated in one of two ten-session programs delivered over 5-weeks: POWER or a control group (a health education program). Feasibility and acceptability of POWER were examined using program log (e.g., the number of participants screened and enrolled, facilitator satisfaction, etc.) data from an exit interview. Results Preliminary efficacy of POWER’s effects on mental and sexual health outcomes was assessed using a series of four one-way repeated measures ANOVA with time and group as predictors. Analyses provided preliminary support for the feasibility and acceptability of POWER. Preliminary efficacy of POWER showed significant reductions in depression symptoms, PTSD symptoms, prenatal distress, and transactional sex over time. Conclusions Findings suggest that POWER may be a feasible and acceptable intervention to promote mental and sexual health for young adult pregnant women in Liberia. Future research is needed to determine the efficacy of POWER on a larger scale in Liberia.

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