Chemsex Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: a Sexualized Drug Use Survey Among Clients of the Sexually Transmitted Infection Outpatient Clinic and Users of a Gay Dating App in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Susanne DrücklerHenry J C de Vries

Abstract

Chemsex (i.e., drug use during sex) is practiced by some men who have sex with men (MSM) and is associated with high-risk behavior. In a cross-sectional study at the sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic of Amsterdam, we explored chemsex practices, risk behavior, and STI prevalence. A survey on chemsex (γ-hydroxybutyrate, crystal methamphetamine, and/or mephedrone) was offered to clinic clients during routine STI screening and to Amsterdam users of a gay online dating app. Associations were assed using χ test and multivariable regression. Chemsex in the past 6 months was practiced by 866 (17.6%) of 4925 MSM clients and by 159 (1.5%) of 10857 non-MSM clients. Among gay dating app users, the proportion that reported chemsex engagement was higher than among MSM visiting the STI clinic (29.3% [537/1832] vs. 17.6%; P < 0.001). Chemsex was a significant risk factor for bacterial STI in HIV-negative MSM visiting the STI clinic (adjusted odd ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8), but not in HIV-positive MSM. A majority practiced chemsex once a month or less, and 87.0% reported sex without drug use in the past month. In Amsterdam, chemsex is frequently practiced and significantly associated with bacterial STI in HIV-negati...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

Mar 19, 2020·Sexually Transmitted Diseases·Charlotte M M PetersChristian J P A Hoebe
May 31, 2018·Perspectives in Public Health·Andrew TomkinsMerav Kliner
May 16, 2020·Sexually Transmitted Diseases·Charlotte M M PetersChristian J P A Hoebe
Dec 10, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Corinne HerrijgersEric Florence
Jun 1, 2021·Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV·H J C de VriesJ Ross
Jun 11, 2021·Journal of Homosexuality·Val WongsomboonGregory D Webster
Jan 15, 2022·Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine·Cheríe S BlairPamina M Gorbach

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