Sexual Activity in Adolescents and Young Adults through COVID-19 Pandemic

Androniki Stavridou; Chrysa Samiakou; Anastasia Kourti; Stauroula Tsiorou; Eleni Panagouli; Athanasios Thirios; Theodora Psaltopoulou; Theodoros N. Sergentanis; Artemis Tsitsika

doi:10.3390/children8070577

Children (Jul 2021)

Sexual Activity in Adolescents and Young Adults through COVID-19 Pandemic

Androniki Stavridou,
Chrysa Samiakou,
Anastasia Kourti,
Stauroula Tsiorou,
Eleni Panagouli,
Athanasios Thirios,
Theodora Psaltopoulou,
Theodoros N. Sergentanis,
Artemis Tsitsika

Affiliations

Androniki Stavridou: 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Chrysa Samiakou: 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Anastasia Kourti: 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Stauroula Tsiorou: 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Eleni Panagouli: 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Athanasios Thirios: 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Theodora Psaltopoulou: Department of Clinical Therapeutics, “Alexandra” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Theodoros N. Sergentanis: 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Artemis Tsitsika: 2nd Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children8070577
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 8, no. 7
p. 577

Abstract

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been postulated that the sexual life of adolescent and young adults has been impacted in various aspects, potentially affecting their well-being. Our aim is to investigate the potential changes in the sexual activity and relationships of adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. In general, a decrease in sexual desire was reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, in both genders. Fewer sexual intercourses and bonding behaviors between partners were associated with loneliness and depressive symptoms. On the contrary, an increase in sexual desire was expressed in a few people, with masturbation to be the most preferable means of satisfaction. The present paper highlights the multifaceted impact of COVID-19 upon the sexual life of adolescents and young adults during the ongoing pandemic. The changes observed in their sexual activity and relationships, could provide the basis of future preventive and educational programs.

Published in Children

ISSN: 2227-9067 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Pediatrics
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/children

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