key: cord-0864130-rriuiofu authors: Li, Weiran; Li, Guanjian; Xin, Cong; Wang, Yaochi; Yang, Sen title: Changes in sexual behaviors of young women and men during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak: a convenience sample from the epidemic area date: 2020-04-29 journal: J Sex Med DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.380 sha: c6451426340d210682f4fe5bb9c8536111ceecf5 doc_id: 864130 cord_uid: rriuiofu Abstract Background In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. Currently, data on changes in sexual behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak are limited. Aim The present study aimed to obtain a preliminary understanding of the changes in people’s sexual behavior, as a result of the pandemic and explore the context in which they manifest. Methods A convenience sample of 270 men and 189 women who completed an online survey consisting of 12 items plus an additional question were included in the study. Outcomes The study outcomes were obtained using a study-specific questionnaire to assess the changes in people’s sexual behavior. Results While there was a wide range of individual responses, our results showed that 44% of participants reported a decrease in the number of sexual partners and about 37% of participants reported a decrease in sexual frequency. Multiple regression analysis showed that age, partner relationship and sexual desire were closely related to sexual frequency. In addition, we found that most individuals with risky sexual experiences had a rapid reduction in risky sexual behavior. Clinical Implications The current findings contribute to identifying another potential health implication associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and report preliminary evidence of the need to provide potential interventions for the population. Strength & Limitations This study is the first to perform a preliminary exploration of sexual behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak. The generalizability of the results is limited, given that only a small convenience sample was used. Conclusion During the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, overall sexual activity, frequency, and risky behaviors declined significantly among young men and women in China. Outcomes: The study outcomes were obtained using a study-specific questionnaire to 17 assess the changes in people's sexual behavior. analysis showed that age, partner relationship and sexual desire were closely related to sexual frequency. In addition, we found that most individuals with risky sexual 23 experiences had a rapid reduction in risky sexual behavior. Clinical Implications: The current findings contribute to identifying another 25 potential health implication associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and report 26 preliminary evidence of the need to provide potential interventions for the population. This study is the first to perform a preliminary exploration 28 of sexual behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak. The generalizability of the results 29 is limited, given that only a small convenience sample was used. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has already been declared a global 38 pandemic, having infected more than 200000 people in over 100 countries 1 . activities, which is in agreement with previous studies 6 . 120 In addition, we found that most individuals with a history of risky sexual COVID-19: towards controlling of a pandemic Psychological interventions for people affected by the COVID-19 epidemic Influence Factors of Sexual Activity for Internal Migrants in China The Relationship between Marijuana Use 160 Prior to Sex and Sexual Function in Women Association Between Alcohol Use and Female Sexual Dysfunction 162 From the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality (DREAMS) Reasons Couples Do Not Engage in Sex 165 and Their Impact on Satisfaction and Desire Number of Sexual Partners and Relationship 167 Status Are Associated With Unprotected Sex Across Emerging Adulthood Prevalence and evaluation of sexual health problems--HSDD in Europe Unmarried 2. What is your education level? A. college or below B. bachelor C. master or above 3. What is the kind of your profession? A. Government and party agency and social organizations B. Scientific research and technical services C. Medical and health care services D. Education/culture and radio, film and television E. Transportation F. Finance and insurance G. IT industry H. Real estate industry I What's your current financial situation during the COVID-19 outbreak? A. Improved B. Unchanged C. Deteriorate 5. Do you have a history of sexual life? A. Yes B. No 6. What's the kind of your sexual orientation? Are you in the following state (multiple choice question A. Serious systemic diseases (Respiratory system, digestive system, circulatory system, nervous system, motor system, urogenital system, endocrine system, immune system, cancer, etc) Mental disorders C. Sexually transmitted disease (Syphilis, AIDS, condyloma, neisseria gonorrhoeae, chlamydial trachomatis genital infection What's the change about your sexual desire during the COVID-19 outbreak? What's the change about your sexual satisfaction during the COVID-19 outbreak? What's the change about your risky sexual behaviors (defined as inconsistent condom use, "casual" or multiple sexual partnerships) during the COVID-19 We would like to thank all participants.