How can those engaging in chemsex best be supported? An online survey to gain intelligence in Greater Manchester

Abstract

Reports of sexualised drug taking (chemsex) have increased significantly in recent years. There is currently limited intelligence on chemsex outside of London. An anonymous survey was promoted via several sources including voluntary services and a sexual health clinic in order to establish the risks associated with chemsex, and how support services can best be tailored to meet the needs of those in Greater Manchester, UK. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected on demographics, drug use, sexual practices and barriers and facilitators to accessing support. Fifty-two men who have sex with men completed the online survey. Thirty-nine (75%) were HIV-positive and 11 (21%) were hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive, all of whom were HIV/HCV co-infected. The most commonly used drugs were mephedrone (81%) and gamma hydroxybutyrate/gamma butyrolactone (79%). Nineteen (37%) reported ever injecting drugs. High-risk sexual practices were reported by respondents. Barriers to accessing support included a fear of being recognised. Findings demonstrate those engaging in chemsex are participating in a number of high-risk sexual practices, taking substances with significant risks and administering these substances in potentially high-risk ways. Results demonstrate the need for promotion of existing services, with key areas to target where chemsex sessions are most commonly arranged. Results may be useful in other metropolitan cities, both for commissioning and tailoring of chemsex support services.

Is on-Demand HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis a Suitable Tool for Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Practice Chemsex? Results From a Substudy of the ANRS-IPERGAY Trial

“…This result corroborates those of a recent online survey conducted in Australia among MSM showing that willingness to use PrEP was associated with reporting higher risk practices 31 and those of a study showing that PrEP adherence was higher among MSM and transgender women who reported more risk behaviors. 32 As already seen in other studies, 18,33 we found that chemsex was associated with high-risk HIV exposure and hardcore sexual practices. However, it was also associated with higher HIV-risk perception.…”

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

“…It is therefore necessary to guarantee a safe environment in which assistance is provided in a non-judgmental manner, and where it is possible to maintain anonymity. These needs for a safe and value-neutral space are in line with previous studies in other countries [14,15,39].…”

“…Another finding from this literature review suggested the need for a non-judgmental approach by healthcare workers, especially because not all GBMSM disclosing their chemsex use have a problem that needs further support or referral. A qualitative study in Singapore [14] and an online survey in Great Manchester [39] also showed this need for a safe space and non-judgmental attitude. Especially because underlying factors such as shame, stigma, and the punitive nature of local drug laws act as a barrier to seeking professional help, or adhering to certain harm reduction strategies [14,15].…”

Attitude and beliefs about the social environment associated with chemsex among MSM visiting STI clinics in the Netherlands: An observational study

“…Drug use during sex, or ‘chemsex’, is a well-documented behaviour among men who have sex with men (MSM) [ 1 , 2 ]. The main type of drugs described in chemsex are drugs that stimulate sexual desire, such as crystal methamphetamine, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GBH)/gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), mephedrone, ecstasy (XTC) and ketamine [ 3 , 4 ].…”