For much of the last century, sexual health was construed as freedom from sexual disease. Sexual health is now seen as multi-dimensional, the product of complex interplay between biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors.
In this book, academics, researchers, and practitioners from a range of disciplines provide a comprehensive, stimulating, and authoritative perspective on sexual health.
The book opens with a snapshot of the sexual health of Australia today, and chapters on the history of sexual health in Australia, how the sexual health of a population is measured, and the findings of the first large-scale Australian study of sexual behaviour. The biological, psychological, and socio-cultural foundations for sexual health are described, with two key life transitions – adolescence and old age – used to illustrate how these factors impact on sexual wellbeing. Threats to sexual health - sexually transmissible infections and sexual dysfunctions - are outlined. Sexual health inequalities are examined, with chapters on Indigenous Australians, sex workers, prisoners, homeless young people, and people who live with illness or disability. Sexual health promotion is then the theme, with chapters on sex education, the medical consultation, health services, government policy, and the role of law and regulation. The book concludes with strategies for future action.
For tertiary-level students of nursing, medicine, public health, and health promotion, this book will prove an ideal textbook. For practitioners working in sexual health, community workers, counsellors and policy-makers, it will be an invaluable first reference. |
