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Lisa Jakobsberg
Ljakobsberg@healthsolutions.org
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Research findings bear out a high willingness among men and women to view safer sex messages in sexually explicit media

[NEW YORK, NY – December 1, 2017] Today, Public Health Solutions (PHS), the largest public health nonprofit serving New York City, announced research findings that show men and women are willing to view safer sex messages in online sexually explicit media. This study provides new information to the existing body of research showing an association between risk behavior and viewing condomless sex in sexually explicit media (SEM). The pornographic industry regards its product as for entertainment purposes, not necessarily a platform for safe sex messaging, including condom use and PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis). Furthermore, the industry believes that customers prefer viewing condomless sex.

“Our findings challenge widely held beliefs by pornography industry stakeholders that consumers demand condomless videos or reject the use of condoms in sexually explicit media,” says Martin Downing, Ph.D., lead researcher at Public Health Solutions.  “We believe that the inclusion of safer sex messages in pornography has the potential to not only positively affect the sexual health behaviors of its viewers, but to better inform them of safer sex practices and available HIV prevention strategies.”

With World AIDS Day on Friday, December 1, the news of these findings hold special significance, as safer sex education and awareness has been key to the all-time low in new HIV diagnoses in New York City. The study shows that viewers’ sexual health and awareness can co-exist with its entertainment purposes, rather than hampering or canceling them.

The study bears out that willingness to view safer sex messaging in pornography does not necessarily have to disrupt the entertainment and pleasure of SEM.  “The disconnect between industry and consumers represents an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue that addresses health concerns of performers, producer and performer free speech, and the role of SEM in consumer health,” adds Dr. Downing.

Few studies have looked at viewer willingness to watch sexually explicit media (SEM) containing HIV/STI prevention messages.  Public Health Solutions’ research team analyzed data from a racially diverse sample of 859 men and women to examine willingness to watch SEM with safer sex messaging. Analyses were conducted separately for three groups: heterosexual men and other men who only report sex with women; heterosexual women and other women who only report sex with men, and gay, bisexual; and other men who have sex with men. All three groups expressed some willingness to view safer sex messages in SEM and a majority viewed the SEM industry as having some responsibility to provide this type of messaging. These findings point to potential for partnership between health researchers and the porn industry to design and implement safer sex messaging in SEM.

Access full study here

About Public Health Solutions

Public Health Solutions (PHS) is the largest public health nonprofit serving New York City. For over 60 years, PHS has improved health outcomes and helped families thrive by providing services directly to the city’s most vulnerable populations, publishing groundbreaking research that moves public health policy and practice forward, and supporting over 200 community-based organizations through our long-standing government partnerships. We are a leader in addressing crucial public health issues, including food and nutrition, health insurance access, maternal and child health, reproductive health, tobacco control, and HIV/AIDS prevention. PHS has a strong focus on health equity to ensure NYC families have the basics for a healthier life.

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