(056) Breaking the Silence: An Online Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Sex Toy Use Among Sri Lankan Women

Introduction Sex toys are objects used to enhance sexual pleasures in individual or partnered sex and are increasingly becoming a tool in management of sexual dysfunctions. It is important to understand the landscape of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions on sex toys in a culturally conservative country like Sri Lanka, with modern-day changes in sexual health services utilization. Objective This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of sex toy use among Sri Lankan women. It also sought to identify demographic factors associated with these variables to inform future sexual health education and policy. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire distributed via women-focused Facebook platforms and WhatsApp. The survey, targeted Sri Lankan women aged 18 years and above. The link was active for one month in 2025 and stratified convenience sampling was done based on age, education, and geographic location. Paid promotions helped increase participation from key demographic strata. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS to determine associations between demographic factors and knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions. Results Of the over 500 individuals who accessed the survey, 386 completed it in full. The median age of respondents was 35 years (SD ±7), with Millennials comprising nearly 75%. A majority accessed the English version of the survey (52%). Over 80% reported higher education levels, primarily through the local government school system. Most respondents were married (72%), employed (78%), Sinhalese (85%), and Buddhist (75%). The majority resided in the Western Province (68%), and 63% had traveled abroad, mainly to other Asian countries (44%). More than 85% had heard of sex toys, mainly through the internet (64.2%) followed by social media (57%), while only 11% mentioned healthcare providers as a source. Vibrators (79%) and dildos (60%) were the most commonly recognized types, while bondage equipment was not considered a sex toy by most (61.1%). Online stores (59%) were identified as the primary source of purchase. While over 75% associated sex toys with enhanced sexual pleasure, 54.8% were unaware of their medical applications. Most participants believed sex toys could be used by both partners (87.4%) and considered them safe (53%). Notably, 90% thought that information about sex toys should be included in sexual health curricula. Multivariate analysis revealed that being Sinhalese (p=0.006, OR=5.155) and being a Millennial (p=0.01, OR=2.499) were significantly associated with having heard of sex toys. Most respondents showed positive attitudes (78.5%) and positive perceptions (71.8%). Being Sinhalese significantly predicted positive attitudes (p=0.029, OR=2.99), while being a Millennial was linked to positive perceptions (p=0.013, OR=2.226). Conclusions Educated, urban Sri Lankan women, particularly Millennials show high level of awareness and generally positive attitudes toward sex toys. However, many remain unaware of the medical benefits and underutilize healthcare professionals for information. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive sexual health education that includes information on sex toys supporting safer and more informed choices in sexual well-being. Disclosure No