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"Everything feels risky now": Perceived "risky" sexual behavior during COVID-19 pandemic.

Jessamyn BowlingErika A MontanaroJennifer GattusoDiana GioiaSarai Guerrero Ordonez
Published in: Journal of health psychology (2021)
Social distancing through the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted sexuality and relationships, which may also change risk perceptions beyond traditional definitions (e.g. sexually transmitted infections). This study examines risk perceptions related to sexuality during the pandemic. We present qualitative analyses of a survey of adults in the United States (N = 333) to identify impacts of COVID-19 on individuals' risk perceptions. Risky sexual behavior definitions included: (1) COVID-19-related, (2) STI/pregnancy, (3) relationship-related, (4) physical boundaries, (5) drug or alcohol, and (6) multiple risks. Conventional public health messaging may need to incorporate changing risk definitions to address sexual health during the pandemic.
Keyphrases
  • coronavirus disease
  • sars cov
  • healthcare
  • public health
  • mental health
  • primary care
  • systematic review
  • emergency department
  • respiratory syndrome coronavirus
  • drug induced