ESMN Delphi study published in Sexuality Research and Social Policy

Recently, Joke Dupont and coworkers published a study on sexual health priorities within the countries affiliated with the European Sexual Medicine Network

Introduction
The definition of sexual health evolves over time. As sexual health definitions and priorities are also context-dependent, there is a need to identify a diversity of sexual health challenges and priorities from a pan-European perspective.
Methods
We examined what a group of diverse experts in this area identifies as interdisciplinary, transnational priorities on sexual health using a Delphi method. In 2020, 93 participants from 29 countries took part in an online Delphi study. First, based on a three-round Delphi study, a hierarchy of priority topics was developed, comparing consensus rates across the items. Second, a qualitative content analysis of the participants’ responses to existing gaps and possible improvements in sexual health was administered.
Results
An inventory of priority items was created. The panelists identified 37 priority topics, divided into 10 overarching themes. Consensus was reached based on quantitative measurements regarding the importance of the suggested priority topics relevant to sexual health, resulting in 23 implemented items in the list of priorities. Qualitative data from the experts informed us about possible
sexual health challenges and blind spots.

Dupont, J., Chollier, M., Meštrović, T., Quayle, E., Skrenes, A., & Dewaele, A. (2022). Towards a Transnational Sexual Health Research and Policy Agenda: the European Sexual Medicine Network Delphi Study. Sexuality Research and Social Policy (E-pub).

To see a preprint version, please click here: Dupont et al. Delphi study