title: Exploring sexual networks: a pilot study of swingers' sexual behaviour and health-care-seeking practices.
abstract: Very little scientific research exists about swingers. For sexual health nurses, this dearth of information may be problematic, particularly as the rates of many STIs are increasing across Canada. A pilot study was undertaken to explore the subculture of men and women who visit swingers' clubs. Data were collected through a survey distributed at 1 swingers' club on 2 separate occasions and through direct observation of the clubs on the same 2 occasions. The researchers engaged in 8 hours of direct observation and 72 individuals (32 men and 40 women) completed the survey. The respondents reported engaging in unprotected sex, whether oral (80.3%), vaginal (15.5%), or anal (30.8%), and rarely accessing STI health services (< 40.8%). The authors conclude that further research is needed to investigate the possible design and implementation of STI health services for swingers.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: O'Byrne
authors.forename: Jessica A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Watts
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003152:Community Health Nursing; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*