Historique
Thèse, mémoire
Treatement seeking among gay men currently or previously taking part in chemsex
Auteur(s) :
RICHARD, B.
Année
2014
Page(s) :
113 p.
Langue(s) :
Anglais
Domaine :
Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs
Discipline :
EPI (Epidémiologie / Epidemiology)
Thésaurus géographique
ROYAUME-UNI
Thésaurus mots-clés
CHEMSEX
;
HSH
;
TRAITEMENT
;
DEMANDE
;
ENQUETE
;
SEXE MASCULIN
;
DROGUES DE SYNTHESE
;
MEPHEDRONE
;
GHB
;
COCAINE
;
METHAMPHETAMINE
;
CONDUITE A RISQUE
;
ACTIVITE SEXUELLE
;
VIH
;
ETUDE TRANSVERSALE
Note générale :
Thesis submitted as a requirement for MSC in Addiction Studies, Addiction Department, Kings College London
Résumé :
Background: The use of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs amongst Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) during sex (chemsex) is a growing problem in the United Kingdom. Chemsex often leads to sexually acquired infections, including HIV, and physical and mental health problems.
Aims: This study investigates risk and consequences amongst MSM involved in chemsex. It considers the use of support and treatment by MSM involved in chemsex, and what additional services could be developed to help MSM change their sexual risk and drug use behaviours.
Method: An online survey, with the survey link hosted by websites targeting MSM and distributed via Facebook, was used to collect information from a total of 354 MSM involved in chemsex. The quantitative data collected was analysed using SPSS. Content analysis was used to summarise the responses to the open-ended questions.
Results: The most commonly used drugs during chemsex were mephedrone (63.7%), followed by GHB/GBL (51.8%), cocaine (37.6%) and methamphetamine (36.0%) - the answers were not mutually exclusive. Men reported their sexual behaviour changed when using drugs during sex. 69.5% reported having condomless anal sex when using drugs compared to 57.2% reported not using a condom for anal sex when not using drugs. Similar results for other practices that could cause anal trauma were reported when engaging in chemsex. 45.6% of respondents were HIV positive, compared to 6.6% of the UK gay male population. When asked about changing their chemsex behaviour, 59.2% wished to stop or reduce drug use. 19.2% had sought support or treatment, and of these, 23.5% said they had experienced barriers to obtaining support, including available services being inappropriate for MSM with chemsex problems. Analysis showed that methamphetamine users experienced more negative consequences compared to users of other drugs such as cocaine. When asked what further services should be developed, the most common themes identified were the need for counselling support, followed by MSM-friendly services specialising in the treatment of chemsex problems.
Conclusion: Respondents reported engaging in risky sexual behaviours that may put them at increased risk of acquiring infections, including HIV. Indeed, a large proportion believed they had acquired HIV as a result of chemsex. Specific services need to be developed to address the problems created by chemsex among MSM, and to ensure service staff have the skills required to engage with this group.
Aims: This study investigates risk and consequences amongst MSM involved in chemsex. It considers the use of support and treatment by MSM involved in chemsex, and what additional services could be developed to help MSM change their sexual risk and drug use behaviours.
Method: An online survey, with the survey link hosted by websites targeting MSM and distributed via Facebook, was used to collect information from a total of 354 MSM involved in chemsex. The quantitative data collected was analysed using SPSS. Content analysis was used to summarise the responses to the open-ended questions.
Results: The most commonly used drugs during chemsex were mephedrone (63.7%), followed by GHB/GBL (51.8%), cocaine (37.6%) and methamphetamine (36.0%) - the answers were not mutually exclusive. Men reported their sexual behaviour changed when using drugs during sex. 69.5% reported having condomless anal sex when using drugs compared to 57.2% reported not using a condom for anal sex when not using drugs. Similar results for other practices that could cause anal trauma were reported when engaging in chemsex. 45.6% of respondents were HIV positive, compared to 6.6% of the UK gay male population. When asked about changing their chemsex behaviour, 59.2% wished to stop or reduce drug use. 19.2% had sought support or treatment, and of these, 23.5% said they had experienced barriers to obtaining support, including available services being inappropriate for MSM with chemsex problems. Analysis showed that methamphetamine users experienced more negative consequences compared to users of other drugs such as cocaine. When asked what further services should be developed, the most common themes identified were the need for counselling support, followed by MSM-friendly services specialising in the treatment of chemsex problems.
Conclusion: Respondents reported engaging in risky sexual behaviours that may put them at increased risk of acquiring infections, including HIV. Indeed, a large proportion believed they had acquired HIV as a result of chemsex. Specific services need to be developed to address the problems created by chemsex among MSM, and to ensure service staff have the skills required to engage with this group.
Affiliation :
UK