Demand for and availability of specialist chemsex services in the UK: A cross-sectional survey of sexual health clinics

Wiggins, H. V.; Ogaz, Dana; Mebrahtu, Helen; Sullivan, Ann; Bowden‐Jones, Owen; Field, Nigel; Hughes, Gwenda

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.12.016

Cited by 20 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Finally, the high engagement with SHCs among study respondents, particularly those reporting chemsex, has been seen elsewhere4 6 7 and is consistent with research demonstrating that chemsex-participating MSM are comfortable accessing SHCs14 and chemsex-related consultations in SHCs are common 8. However, we cannot know how much chemsex was addressed in the SHC visits reported by our study respondents.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

“…The generally high SHC use presents a viable opportunity to provide chemsex-related sexual health services, particularly in venues providing HIV care. Considering findings from other research that only a third of SHCs have chemsex care-pathways in place,8 there have likely been missed opportunities to address wider health needs such as mental health and other drug-related harms.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A survey across the UK (excluding England) and Ireland found that 64% of chemsex-participating MSM had had an HIV test in the past year 7. Additionally, a survey distributed to SHCs in the UK found that half of healthcare workers had a chemsex consultation at least monthly 8…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Characteristics and sexual health service use of MSM engaging in chemsex: results from a large online survey in England

et al. 2020

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BackgroundChemsex, the use of select psychoactive drugs to enhance sexual experience, typically among men who have sex with men (MSM), is associated with sexual behaviours with higher STI risk. Understanding patterns of chemsex among MSM as well as the characteristics and sexual health service engagement of chemsex participants is important for developing interventions.MethodsBetween 5/2016 to 5/2017, 3933 MSM completed an online survey, recruited in sexual health clinics (SHCs) in England (n=421) and via four social networking/dating apps (n=3512). We described patterns of chemsex in the past year and used multivariable logistic regression to investigate differences in demographics and sexual behaviours by chemsex history. We described history of SHC attendance and STI test in the past year among app-recruited chemsex participants.ResultsChemsex in the past year was reported by 10% of respondents; 19% of SHC-recruited and 9% of app-recruited. Among chemsex participants, 74% had used ≥2 chemsex drugs. In the multivariable model, MSM engaging in chemsex had a raised odds of being HIV-positive (adjusted OR (aOR): 3.6; 95% CI 2.1 to 6.1), aged 30–44 (aOR 1.5 vs <30 years; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1), being born outside the UK and having engaged in higher risk sexual behaviours in the past 3 months. Chemsex participants also had higher odds of condomless anal sex with partners of different or unknown HIV status, but only among HIV-negative/untested. In the past year, 66% of app-recruited chemsex participants had attended a SHC and 81% had had an STI test.ConclusionOne in 10 MSM recruited through community and clinical settings across England had engaged in chemsex in the past year. Those that did appear to be at greater STI risk but engaged more actively with sexual health services. This highlights the need and opportunity for chemsex-related services in SHCs and robust referral pathways to drug treatment services.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Characteristics and sexual health service use of MSM engaging in chemsex: results from a large online survey in England

et al. 2020

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“…Other studies also showed this demand for specialist chemsex services and more efficient referral between sexual health clinics and drug treatment facilities [2,[36][37][38]. These findings are in accordance with findings from a quantitative study (n = 150) aimed at exploring the demand for, and availability of, chemsex services in the UK [52]. This online survey was distributed among sexual health clinic healthcare workers, and reported a need for chemsex training (99%) and a local chemsex specific service (81%).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

Harm Reduction Practices and Needs in a Belgian Chemsex Context: Findings from a Qualitative Study

Herrijgers

Poels

Vandebosch

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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Chemsex is a growing public health concern, with little evidence-based care and support available. The aim of this study is to understand current risk reduction practices, and the information and care needs of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who engage in chemsex. Between January and March 2020, semi structured in-depth interviews with drug-using GBMSM (n = 20) were conducted. Data were analyzed thematically. The reported preparatory measures were: deliberately scheduling chemsex sessions, and discussing preferences regarding setting and attendees. During the event, a logbook is kept to monitor drugs taken by each participant. People try to take care of each other, but this is often counteracted. Respondents highlighted needs: reliable and easily-accessible information, anonymous medical and psychological healthcare, chemsex-specific care, and a value-neutral safe space to talk about chemsex experiences. Results imply two types of users: planned and impulsive users. Adherence to intended harm reduction practices are complicated by drug effects, peer pressure, and feelings of distrust among users.

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“… 2 However, a survey of sexual healthcare providers across the United Kingdom found that people reporting chemsex regularly attend SHCs throughout the United Kingdom including rural areas. 24 What also remains unclear is whether SDU is taking place near the individuals’ home address or whether people are travelling for SDU but accessing care more locally. This study aimed to better measure and understand the similarities and differences in chemsex and sexualized drug use in MSM in urban and rural Britain.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexualized drug use and specialist service experience among MSM attending urban and rural sexual health clinics in England and Scotland

Kennedy¹,

Murira

Foster

et al. 2021

Int J STD AIDS

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Background: To date, evidence on whether sexualized drug use (SDU) and chemsex occur less frequently in rural compared to urban areas in Britain has been conflicting. This study aimed to better measure and understand whether attending urban versus rural sexual health clinics in the United Kingdom was associated with a difference in men who have sex with men’s (MSM) experience of SDU or their access to SDU support. Methods: Men from 29 sexual health services across England and Scotland were recruited by self-completing a waiting room survey. Results: A total of 2655 men (864 MSM) took part. There was no statistically significant difference in recent SDU or chemsex identified in MSM attending rural compared to urban clinics. Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate/Gamma-Butyrolactone (GHB/GBL) was the most commonly reported chemsex drug used in a sexual setting, with equal prevalence of use in urban and rural MSM attendees. Distance travelled for SDU was not significantly different for rural compared to urban MSM. Rural MSM reported a higher rate of unmet need for SDU specific services, although this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Within this sample of MSM, there were no significant differences in sexualized drug use behaviours between those attending rural compared to urban sexual health settings.

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Demand for and availability of specialist chemsex services in the UK: A cross-sectional survey of sexual health clinics

Abstract: Patients reporting chemsex regularly present to SHCs throughout the UK including rural areas. Given the potential negative health outcomes associated with chemsex, there is a need for local, high quality, appropriate services and training to minimise harm.

Cited by 20 publications

References 5 publications

Characteristics and sexual health service use of MSM engaging in chemsex: results from a large online survey in England

Characteristics and sexual health service use of MSM engaging in chemsex: results from a large online survey in England

Harm Reduction Practices and Needs in a Belgian Chemsex Context: Findings from a Qualitative Study

Sexualized drug use and specialist service experience among MSM attending urban and rural sexual health clinics in England and Scotland

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