Comments: First, the data was from 2006, and only for adults. However, study found greater incidence of poorer quality of life, depression, and mental & physical problems.
J Sex Med. 2011 Mar;8(3):764-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02030.x. Epub 2010 Oct 4.
Weaver JB 3rd, Weaver SS, Mays D, Hopkins GL, Kannenberg W, McBride D.
Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. [email protected]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Converging evidence from culturally diverse contexts indicates that sexually explicit media use behavior (SEMB; i.e., pornography consumption) is associated with risky sexual health perceptions and behaviors, many that involve high risks of HIV/STD transmission.
AIM:
Essentially unexplored, and the focus here, are potential relationships between SEMB and nonsexual mental- and physical-health indicators.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
Variability in six continuously measured health indicators (depressive symptoms, mental- and physical-health diminished days, health status, quality of life, and body mass index) was examined across two levels (users, nonusers) of SEMB.
METHODS:
A sample of 559 Seattle-Tacoma Internet-using adults was surveyed in 2006. Multivariate general linear models parameterized in a SEMB by respondent gender (2 × 2) factorial design were computed incorporating adjustments for several demographics.
RESULTS:
SEMB was reported by 36.7% (n = 205) of the sample. Most SEMB users (78%) were men. After adjusting for demographics, SEMB users, compared to nonusers, reported greater depressive symptoms, poorer quality of life, more mental- and physical-health diminished days, and lower health status.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings show that mental- and physical-health indicators vary significantly across SEMB, suggesting the value of incorporating these factors in future research and programmatic endeavors. In particular, the findings suggest that evidence-based sexual health promotion strategies simultaneously addressing individuals’ SEMB and their mental health needs might be a useful approach to improve mental health and address preventable sexual health outcomes associated with SEMB.
© 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.
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