First global analysis of sexual behaviour

A groundbreaking study, which provides the first ever comprehensive analysis of sexual behaviour around the world, was published recently in the Lancet, as part of a major series on sexual and reproductive health. The paper analyses data from 59 countries worldwide to answer questions such as when people start to have sex, how many sexual partners they have and whether they practise safer sex. Given the diversity of sexual behaviour revealed by the study, the authors call for a range of preventive strategies to be adopted to protect sexual health. “The greatest challenge to sexual health promotion in almost all countries comes from opposition from conservative forces to harm reduction strategies,” said a researcher.

It’s all about bonding

Tiny terror

Babies as young as two months are being balanced on the psychiatrist’s couch as anxious parents seek early answers to relationship “issues” with their new-born children. The infants are being subjected to as many as six weekly sessions in clinics to tackle problems which include constant crying or difficulty in sleeping. The idea that babies might benefit from analysis sessions with psychiatrists is gaining ground among both doctors and parents who believe that a variety of childhood problems could be averted by early diagnosis and treatment. Much of the work being done by the psychiatrists is to improve bonding between parent and child.

You have got spam

According to a new University of Georgia study, most people find spam more intrusive and irritating than direct mail. The study, published in the Journal of Interactive Advertising, says people find spam annoying because it makes it harder to get to legitimate and wanted messages. Also, since spam is inexpensive to send as compared to direct mail, consumers tend to view spammers as being less reputable.