Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40077121›Full record

ReviewHealthcare (Basel, Switzerland)2025

The Multifaceted Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Sexual Health, Function, and Behaviors: Implications for Public Health: A Scoping Review.

Gonzalo R Quintana

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Impact of the pandemic on sexual function: A comparative study between women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women.International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics · 2026
    Observational
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

1 author.

Gonzalo R QuintanaDepartamento de Psicología y Filosofía, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000007, Arica y Parinacota, Chile.ORCID 0000-0002-3298-6877

Funding

Programa de Fortalecimiento de Grupos de Investigación UTA 2023 3789-23
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a significant impact on sexual health and human behavior, revealing a widespread decline in sexual function and behaviors.

objectiveTo summarize these findings and highlight their importance for public health, this article discusses the changes observed in sexual function and behavior during the pandemic, as well as potential explanations for these trends.

methodsThis study followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, using the keyword search commands: "sexual function" AND ("SARS-CoV-2" OR "COVID-19" OR coronavirus) and "sexual behavior*" AND ("SARS-CoV-2" OR "COVID-19" OR coronavirus) in the Scopus and PubMed databases. The search was conducted on 10 March 2024, including articles published from January 2019 to March 2024. Inclusion criteria required studies focusing on sexual health/function during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, excluding non-English articles and non-adult populations. Studies were screened based on relevance, methodological rigor, and sample size, with data extraction focusing on sexual behavior/function metrics. Results were synthesized to identify trends and propose explanatory models.

resultsWhile some individuals experienced reductions in sexual desire and activities, others reported increases, indicating varied individual responses to stressors such as a pandemic. Two hypotheses are presented to explain these changes: terror management theory and the dual control model of sexual response. The critical role of public health in addressing sexual health and well-being needs during a health crisis is discussed, emphasizing the importance of providing clear information, ensuring access to remote sexual health services, and reducing stigma. The need to integrate sexual health into the global response to future health crises is highlighted to ensure a comprehensive approach to human well-being.

conclusionsThis review shows the multifaceted impact of the pandemic and social distancing in people's sexual function and behaviors, underscoring the importance of considering sexual health as an integral part of the emergency health planning and response, to promote the physical and mental well-being of the population during crises such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Indexed as

COVID-19public healthSARS-CoV-2sexual behaviorsexual dysfunctionsexual healthsexual well-being

Identifiers

PMID40077121
PMCPMC11899024

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.