scholarly journals Changes in recreational drug use, drug use associated with chemsex, and HIV-related behaviours, among HIV-negative men who have sex with men in London and Brighton, 2013–2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (7) ◽  
pp. 494-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janey Sewell ◽  
Valentina Cambiano ◽  
Ada Miltz ◽  
Andrew Speakman ◽  
Fiona C Lampe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Specific Drug ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Polydrug Use ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Negative

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of polydrug use, use of drugs associated with chemsex, specific drug use, and HIV-related behaviours, between two time periods, using two groups of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) attending the same sexual health clinics in London and Brighton, in two consecutive periods of time from 2013 to 2016.MethodsData from MSM in the cross-sectional Attitudes to and Understanding Risk of Acquisition of HIV (AURAH) study (June 2013 to September 2014) were compared with baseline data from different MSM in the prospective cohort study Attitudes to and Understanding Risk of Acquisition of HIV over Time (AURAH2) (November 2014 to April 2016). Prevalence of polydrug use, drug use associated with chemsex and specific drug use, and 10 measures of HIV-related behaviours including condomless sex, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, and HIV testing, were compared. Prevalence ratios (PRs) for the association of the study (time period) with drug use and HIV-related behaviour measures were estimated using modified Poisson regression analysis, unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographic factors.ResultsIn total, 991 MSM were included from AURAH and 1031 MSM from AURAH2. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, use of drugs associated with chemsex had increased (adjusted PR (aPR) 1.30, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.53) and there were prominent increases in specific drug use; in particular, mephedrone (aPR 1.32, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.57), γ-hydroxybutyric/γ-butryolactone (aPR 1.47, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.87) and methamphetamine (aPR 1.42, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.01). Use of ketamine had decreased (aPR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.78). Certain measures of HIV-related behaviours had also increased, most notably PEP use (aPR 1.50, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.88) and number of self-reported bacterial STI diagnoses (aPR 1.24, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.43).ConclusionsThere have been significant increases in drug use associated with chemsex and some measures of HIV-related behaviours among HIV-negative MSM in the last few years. Changing patterns of drug use and associated behaviours should be monitored to enable sexual health services to plan for the increasingly complex needs of some clients.

scholarly journals Knowledge of and willingness to take pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Israel

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mor Zohar ◽  
Shilo Guy ◽  
Levy Itzchak
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Academic Degree ◽  
Prior Use ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Negative

Abstract Background Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) has been found to reduce viral acquisition among HIV-negative MSM. This cross-sectional study was conducted before pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) licensure in Israel, and aimed to compare men who have sex with men (MSM) who had heard of PrEP with those who had not, as well as MSM willing to take PrEP with those who were hesitant or not willing to take PrEP. Methods HIV-negative MSM responded anonymously to questionnaires in 2017 regarding their knowledge of and willingness to take PrEP, prior use of PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and their sexual behaviors. Results Among 1705 participants, 1431 (83.9%) had heard about PrEP. They were older and more often reported being Jewish, having an academic degree, self-identifying as gay/bisexual, being tested for HIV in the last year, participating in group sex, using alcohol or drugs before or during sex, and having prior use of PrEP/PEP compared with MSM who had not heard about PrEP. A total of 760 (44.8%) participants indicated that they would consider taking PrEP, 567 (33.5%) maybe would consider taking PrEP, and 367 (21.7%) would not take PrEP. Those who were willing to take PrEP had a lower level of education, were involved in high-risk sexual behaviors, used alcohol or drugs before or during sex, and had previously used PrEP/PEP compared with participants who maybe would consider taking or would not take PrEP. When participants were asked to indicate if they were willing to take PrEP at different potential efficacies and costs, the willingness to using PrEP increased with the potential efficacy of the drug and adversely related to its cost. Conclusions PrEP awareness was high, and 44.8% indicated willingness to take PrEP, especially those who reported high-risk sexual behaviors. This supports the current policy in Israel to allow PrEP to MSM who are at high-risk. In order to maintain a high level of PrEP-adherence, physicians should consider structural barriers, such as negative stigma of being promiscuous, lack of perceived HIV-risk, difficulties in accessing clinics or paying for PrEP, inability to follow-up or low tolerability of the medication.

scholarly journals Perceived need of, and interest in, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis amongst men who have sex with men attending three sexual health clinics in London, UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 435-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Bull ◽  
Pavle Dimitrijevic ◽  
Sophie Beverley ◽  
Alex Scarborough ◽  
Sundhiya Mandalia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Perceived Need ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Negative

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM), but has not yet been commissioned in the UK. The aim of this study was to investigate perceived need and benefit (or experience of) PrEP among HIV-negative MSM attending sexual health clinics. HIV-negative MSM attending three sexual health centres in London, UK were opportunistically invited to complete a questionnaire. Data collected comprised demographic data and sexual and drug use behaviours as well as questions regarding perceptions of risk and need for PrEP. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify variables predicting acceptability of, and intention to use, PrEP. In addition, data were gathered in respondents already taking PrEP. Eight hundred and thirty-nine questionnaires were analysed. The median age of respondents was 35 years (IQR 28–41, range 18–78), 650 (77%) were of white ethnicity and 649 (77%) had a university education. Four hundred and fifty-six (54%) reported at least one episode of condomless anal sex in the preceding three months, 437 (52%) reported recreational drug use in the preceding three months and 311 (37%) had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection within the preceding six months. Four hundred and sixty-three (64%) of 726 strongly agreed with the statement ‘I think I would benefit from PrEP’. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that having receptive anal intercourse (RAI) without condoms, having an awareness of the risk of unprotected RAI and having belief in the effectiveness of PrEP were independent predictors for someone thinking they would benefit from taking PrEP. Eight percent of respondents (59/724) had already taken or were currently taking PrEP. The results suggest that individuals at risk are likely to perceive themselves as benefiting from PrEP. The majority perceived their risk of acquiring HIV and benefit from PrEP accurately. Overall they appeared to have little concern over the use of PrEP and generally positive attitudes. Further investigation is warranted to understand why those at risk do not perceive benefit from PrEP.

scholarly journals PrEP users among Lisbon MSM Cohort participants – A first look after PrEP implementation in Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Fernandes ◽  
P Meireles ◽  
M Rocha ◽  
J Rojas ◽  
H Barros
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Country ◽  
Diverse Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Negative

Abstract Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir/emtricitabine has shown to be effective in preventing HIV among high-risk HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM). Portugal made PrEP available in February 2018, but few MSM reported PrEP use before. We aimed to compare the sociodemographic characteristics of MSM using PrEP and those knowing PrEP but not using and to compare MSM who started PrEP before and after its implementation in Portugal. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis, using Lisbon MSM Cohort data - an open prospective cohort of HIV-negative MSM testing at a community-based center in Lisbon - regarding the first time PrEP use was reported. Data from March 2015 to April 2019 was used. In this period 2142 MSM participated in the cohort and reported to know PrEP of whom 160 (7.5%) reported to use it. 83 PrEP-users answered a subset of questions about PrEP. Comparisons were performed using t-test, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. Results Comparing with non-users, PrEP users were significantly older (Mean: 35.7, SD 9.4 vs. 30.8, SD 9.2, p < 0.001), had more frequently a Master or PhD degree (37.2% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.017), and were more frequently born in a foreign country (42.2% vs. 31.8%, p < 0.001). Groups were similar in terms sexual orientation. Among the 83 PrEP users answering more questions about PrEP, 28 (33.7%) reported to have ordered their PrEP medication online, 24 (28.9%) obtained it in a medical appointment in Portugal, 15 (18.1%) in a foreign country, 4 in a clinical trial or demonstration project. Of all PrEP users, 30 (19.4%) started PrEP only after February 2018, and no sociodemographic differences were found comparing with those who started before. Conclusions MSM reporting PrEP use were more educated, older and more frequently born in a foreign country than non-PrEP users. MSM starting PrEP before and after February 2018 were similar, which may indicate that making PrEP available did not yet reach a more diverse group of MSM. Key messages MSM reporting PrEP use were more educated, older and more frequently born in a foreign country than non-PrEP users. MSM starting PrEP before and after February 2018 were similar, which may indicate that making PrEP available did not yet reach a more diverse group of MSM.

scholarly journals Patterns of sexualised recreational drug use and its association with risk behaviours and sexual health outcomes in men who have sex with men in London, UK: a comparison of cross-sectional studies conducted in 2013 and 2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyrone J Curtis ◽  
Alison J Rodger ◽  
Fiona Burns ◽  
Anthony Nardone ◽  
Andrew Copas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Unknown Status ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Negative ◽  
Hiv Positive Men

ObjectiveLondon has one of the highest identified prevalence of chemsex (sexualised recreational drug use) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. We examine MSM’s patterns of chemsex and its association with HIV/STI risk behaviours, STI diagnoses and sexual healthcare-seeking behaviours, including if HIV testing behaviour met UK national guidelines (three monthly if engaging in chemsex).MethodsCross-sectional survey data from 2013 (n=905) and 2016 (n=739) were collected using anonymous, self-administered questionnaires from MSM recruited in commercial gay venues in London, UK. Descriptive and multivariable analyses, stratified by self-reported HIV status, were conducted. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% CIs were calculated.ResultsComparing the 2013 and 2016 surveys, chemsex prevalence in the past year remained stable, in both HIV-negative/unknown-status MSM (20.9% in 2013 vs 18.7% in 2016, p=0.301) and HIV-positive MSM (41.6% in 2013 vs 41.7% in 2016, p=0.992). Combined 2013–2016 data showed that compared with other MSM, those reporting chemsex were more likely to report HIV/STI risk behaviours, including condomless anal intercourse with serodifferent HIV-status partners (HIV-negative/unknown-status men: aPR 2.36, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.30; HIV-positive men: aPR 4.19, 95% CI 1.85 to 9.50), and STI diagnoses in the past year (HIV-negative/unknown-status men: aPR 2.10, 95% CI 1.64 to 2.69; HIV-positive men: aPR 2.56, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.20). 68.6% of HIV-negative/unknown-status men reporting chemsex attended sexual health clinics and 47.6% had tested for HIV more than once in the past year.ConclusionsChemsex in London MSM remained stable but high, particularly among HIV-positive men. Irrespective of HIV status, chemsex was associated with engagement in HIV/STI risk behaviours. Frequency of HIV testing in the past year among HIV-negative/unknown-status men was below national recommendations. Promoting combination prevention strategies, including three monthly HIV/STI testing, access to pre-exposure prophylaxis/antiretroviral treatment and behavioural interventions among MSM reporting chemsex, remains vital to address sexual health inequalities in MSM.

scholarly journals Chemsex and the city: sexualised substance use in gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men attending sexual health clinics

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 362-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Hegazi ◽  
MJ Lee ◽  
W Whittaker ◽  
S Green ◽  
R Simms ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Clinical Pathways ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Incidence ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

The objective of this study was to analyse associations between sexualised substance use (chemsex), STI diagnoses and sexual behaviour among gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men accessing sexual health clinics to better inform clinical pathways. A retrospective case notes review was undertaken following the introduction of more detailed and holistic profomas for all gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men attending two London sexual health clinics between 1 June 2014 and 31 January 2015. Chemsex status was documented for 655/818. Overall, 30% disclosed recreational drug use of whom 113 (57%) disclosed chemsex and 27 (13.5%) injecting drugs. HIV-positive gay bisexual and other men who have sex with men were more likely to disclose chemsex (AOR 6.68; 95% CI 3.91–11.42; p < 0.001). Those disclosing chemsex had a higher incidence of acute bacterial STIs (AOR 2.83 CI 1.79–4.47; p < 0.001), rectal STIs (AOR 3.10 CI 1.81–5.32; p < 0.001) or hepatitis C (AOR 15.41 CI 1.50–158.17; p = 0.021). HIV incidence in the study period was 1.8% (chemsex) vs. 0.9% (no chemsex) (p = 0.61). Chemsex was associated with having more sexual partners, transactional sex, group sex, fisting, sharing sex toys, injecting drug use, higher alcohol consumption and the use of ‘bareback’ sexual networking applications (p < 0.004). Chemsex participants were also more likely to have accessed post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in the study period and report sex with a discordant HIV or hepatitis C-infected partner (p < 0.001). Chemsex disclosure is associated with higher risk-taking behaviours, acute bacterial STIs, rectal STIs and hepatitis C incidence. HIV incidence was higher but not significantly so in the study period. Chemsex disclosure in sexual health clinics should prompt an opportunity for prevention, health promotion and wellbeing interventions.

scholarly journals Sexually transmitted infection diagnoses, sexualised drug use and associations with pre-exposure prophylaxis use among men who have sex with men in the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-263
Author(s):  
Matthew P Hibbert ◽  
Caroline E Brett ◽  
Lorna A Porcellato ◽  
Vivian D Hope
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infection ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Previous research has focused on acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, but few community-based studies have been conducted regarding actual use, and PrEP use in the context of sexualised drug use remains understudied. A national online cross-sectional study recruited men who have sex with men (MSM) via social media (April–June 2018). Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with PrEP use. Bivariate analyses compared engaging in condomless anal intercourse (CAI) under the influence of specific drugs and recent sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses (past 12 months) between MSM taking PrEP and those not. Overall, 6% (99/1581) MSM reported current PrEP use. Factors associated with PrEP use were increasing age, recent genitourinary medicine (GUM) attendance (95% versus 45%, aOR = 6.25, 95%CI 2.05, 19.03), an HIV test in the past three months (89% versus 23%, aOR = 14.22, 95%CI 6.76, 29.90), and recent engagement in chemsex (21% versus 4%, aOR = 3.56, 95%CI 1.78, 7.11). MSM taking PrEP were more likely to have had an STI diagnosis (42% versus 8%), most commonly chlamydia (26% versus 3%) and gonorrhoea (25% versus 4%). Considering the elevated levels of self-reported STI diagnoses among those on PrEP, there was a high level of engagement with sexual health services, which may help reduce onward STI transmission.

scholarly journals Pre-exposure prophylaxis use among men who have sex with men who have experienced problematic chemsex

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 474-480
Author(s):  
Steven Maxwell ◽  
Mitzy Gafos ◽  
Monty Moncrieff ◽  
Maryam Shahmanesh ◽  
Oliver Stirrup
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Crystal Methamphetamine ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Negative

Men who have sex with men (MSM) who experience problematic chemsex are at high risk of acquiring HIV due to combined drug use and sexual behaviours. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could substantially reduce the risk of HIV transmission in this group of men. The aim of this study was to examine the biopsychosocial characteristics associated with PrEP use among HIV-negative MSM who have experienced problematic chemsex. This was a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data collected during client assessments at a specialist alcohol and drug service based within the United Kingdom. We compared the socio-demographics, substance use, sexual behaviours and mental health of MSM who reported ever using PrEP to those who reported never using PrEP. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann–Whitney U-test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Between August 2016 and July 2018, 165 HIV-negative MSM who engaged in chemsex had an assessment completed. Thirty-four per cent (n = 50/145) had ever used PrEP. The median age was 36 years (IQR: 30–42), 92% identified as gay (n = 152/165) and 79% were of white ethnicity (n = 130/164). The use of crystal methamphetamine was associated with higher levels of men ever using PrEP (40% versus 21%) (p= 0.047). Men who had ever used PrEP had a higher median number of sexual partners in the previous three months (20 versus 10) (p= 0.004) and had lower level of condom use in their sex lives (median reported 5% versus 50%) (p= 0.010) in comparison to men who had never used PrEP. It is encouraging that men having higher-risk sex had been accessing PrEP. However, further research is required to explore PrEP uptake, retention and adherence in this high-risk group.

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