Hobbs, L. J., Mitchell, K. R. , Graham, C. A., Trifonova, V., Bailey, J., Murray, E., Prah, P. and Mercer, C. H. (2019) Help-seeking for sexual difficulties and the potential role of interactive digital interventions: findings from the third British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles. Journal of Sex Research, 56(7), pp. 937-946. (doi: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1586820) (PMID:30907691) (PMCID:PMC6816537)
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Abstract
Sexual difficulties are common and can negatively impact health and well-being. A wide range of support is available, but there are multiple barriers to accessing help. Interactive digital interventions (IDIs) for sexual difficulties have the potential to provide a convenient, wide-reaching, and cost-effective source of support, but little is known about who might use them. We explored the potential reach of IDIs by assessing the prevalence of help-seeking among people with distressing sexual difficulties, including who seeks which sources of help. Data came from sexually active men and women, ages 16 to 74, participating in Britain’s third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3) (N = 11,637). Help/advice was sought by less than half of those with distressing sexual difficulties, and help-seeking was associated with younger age in women but not men. The most popular sources of support were family doctor (47.5% to 54.8%), Internet (22.0% to 25.6%), and family/friend (20.7% to 41.8%), with older participants (≥ 35), particularly men, preferring to seek help from a family doctor, and younger participants (<35) preferring to seek help from the Internet or family/friend. Despite a paucity of good digital support sites for sexual function, the Internet is a common source of help. As Internet access continues to increase, so too does the potential for well-designed IDIs to support those with sexual difficulties.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Mitchell, Professor Kirstin |
Authors: | Hobbs, L. J., Mitchell, K. R., Graham, C. A., Trifonova, V., Bailey, J., Murray, E., Prah, P., and Mercer, C. H. |
College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
Journal Name: | Journal of Sex Research |
Publisher: | Taylor and Francis |
ISSN: | 0022-4499 |
ISSN (Online): | 1559-8519 |
Published Online: | 25 March 2019 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2019 The Authors |
First Published: | First published in Journal of Sex Research 56(7): 937-946 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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