Journal article 219 views
Non-consensual condom removal among adults: prevalence, correlates, and outcomes in quantitative studies – A systematic review
Mamta Behera,
Vasiliki Kravvariti 
F1000Research, Volume: 15, Start page: 584
Swansea University Authors:
Mamta Behera, Vasiliki Kravvariti
Full text not available from this repository: check for access using links below.
DOI (Published version): 10.12688/f1000research.178745.1
Abstract
Background: Non-consensual condom removal (NCCR), generally referred to as “stealthing,” is an increasing trend among young people yet under-recognised as a form of sexual violence and may increase risk of STI/HIV transmission, unintended pregnancy, and psychological or psychosexual harm. Despite gr...
| Published in: | F1000Research |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2046-1402 |
| Published: |
F1000 Research Ltd
2026
|
| Online Access: |
Check full text
|
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71609 |
| Abstract: |
Background: Non-consensual condom removal (NCCR), generally referred to as “stealthing,” is an increasing trend among young people yet under-recognised as a form of sexual violence and may increase risk of STI/HIV transmission, unintended pregnancy, and psychological or psychosexual harm. Despite growing attention on social media platforms over the past few years, the epidemiology of NCCR remains unclear, and legal responses are inconsistent. This review asked: What is the prevalence of NCCR among adults (≥18 years), and how does it vary across populations and settings? The objectives were to synthesise quantitative prevalence estimates, describe demographic variation where data permit, and summarise reported outcomes. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, we searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and APA PsycINFO, supplemented by screening 200 Google Scholar records and backward/forward citation chasing. Eligible studies were English-language, peer-reviewed quantitative studies reporting NCCR prevalence (victimisation and/or perpetration) among adults. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts, with disagreements resolved through discussion. EndNote was used for reference management and de-duplication. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Due to heterogeneity in populations, recall periods, and measurement approaches, findings were synthesised narratively. Results: Eleven studies were included from the United States (n = 6), Australia (n = 1), Australia/New Zealand (n = 1), Canada (n = 1), Brazil (n = 1), and India (n = 1). Most were cross-sectional surveys conducted among university students (n = 5), local community (n = 4), local community and college students (n = 1), Amazon MTurk sample (n = 1) and in sexual health clinic settings (n = 1). Sample sizes varied across the included studies, ranging from 96 to 2,550 participants. Women’s victimisation prevalence ranged from 9.3% to 32%, and MSM victimisation reached 35%. Men’s perpetration prevalence ranged from 1.3% to 19.8%. However, the reasons behind it remain unclear. Common correlates included substance use, minority status (where assessed), relationship or sexual history factors, and prior victimisation. Outcomes were inconsistently measured, but studies that assessed these domains included sexual health and psychological impacts. Conclusions: NCCR is reported internationally with substantial prevalence in women and MSM, although estimates vary by setting and measurement. Standardised definitions, validated measures, and consistent reporting of outcomes are needed to strengthen surveillance and inform clinical screening, prevention, and legal responses. Unlike broad scoping syntheses, this review provides an objective-led, quality-appraised synthesis of quantitative prevalence estimates and measured impacts. |
|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Stealthing, Non-Consensual Condom Removal, Young Adults, Sexual Coercion, Sexual Violence |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
Swansea University |
| Start Page: |
584 |