Sexuality: still a new area of research
Trites, P.
Idrc Reports 19(1): 20-21
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-9981 PMID: 12284486 Document Number: 318439
It is suggested that sex research is difficult and slighted because people are reluctant to discuss sex. In the context of AIDS research a workshop was conducted in June 1989 in Ottawa, Canada on Research on Sexual Behavior. The topics of discussion of a diverse group of professionals are presented in terms of factor influencing sexual research and future research needs. The purpose of the workshop was to explore the status of sexuality research and to identify cultural differences in sexual attitudes and practices pertaining to AIDS. The success of sexual research is based on sensitivity to and respect for the target population regardless of the type of research, and the personal attributes, and social taboos, norms, and pressures. Involvement of the community or related groups in the research process was also considered important. Qualitative as well quantitative methodologies are appropriate because, for example, determining the extent of condom use is important as well as knowing the reasons why people do not use condoms. The role of religion in the society and its impact on individual behavior is another important factor. Politics, as a 4th factor, can be an asset or detriment. How sex is negotiated and the subtleties of female sexual cues play a complex role in information exchange about safe sex. Conflicting opinions were expressed about the term safe sex and questions were raised about how to make condom use more attractive. Cultural norms can radically alter the approaches, for instance, to the use of condoms in cultures that believe that semen must be deposited in the vagina for sexual intercourse to take place. The use of specific vocabulary, such as prostitute, may present difficulties in cultures where a man or woman has sexual intimacies with friends who provide gifts of food, shelter, or clothing. The active male sexual partner may not see himself as a homosexual in a male liaison, and bisexuality poses similar problems of terminology. Future research needs include determinants of sexuality and female sexuality, risk reduction behaviors, and the acceptability of condom use. Cross-cultural similarities and differences were an important priority, as were exchanges of information.