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

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110414
Author(s):  
Richard Kennedy ◽  
Jennifer Murira ◽  
Kirsty Foster ◽  
Ellen Heinsbroek ◽  
Frances Keane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Specialist Service ◽  
Waiting Room ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

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.

Prevalence of recreational drug use reported by men who have sex with men attending sexual health clinics in Manchester, UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 350-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Tomkins ◽  
S Ahmad ◽  
L Cannon ◽  
SP Higgins ◽  
M Kliner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Group Sex ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

Recreational drug use (RDU) has been reported to be disproportionately higher in men who have sex with men (MSM) when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. To identify RDU, links to risky sexual practices and infections for MSM attending three sexual health clinics across Manchester, United Kingdom, a retrospective case note review was conducted using a random powered sample of service users attending three sites during 2014. Three hundred and fifty-seven case notes were reviewed across three sites. Eighteen per cent of service users reported any type of RDU. Use of at least one of the three drugs associated with chemsex (crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone, gamma hydroxybutyrate/gamma butyrolactone) was reported by 3.6%. A statistically significant difference was identified between non-drug users and any-drug users reporting: group sex (odds ratio [OR] 5.88, p = 0.013), condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI) (OR 2.77, p = 0.003) and condomless oral intercourse (OR 2.52, p = 0.016). A statistically significant difference was identified between chemsex-related drug user and non-drug user groups reporting: group sex (OR 13.05, p = 0.023), CRAI (OR 3.69, p = 0.029) and condomless insertive anal intercourse (OR 1.27, p = 0.039). There was also a statistically higher incidence of gonorrhoea infection in chemsex-related drug use compared with those not using drugs (p = 0.002, OR 6.88). This study identifies that substance use is common in MSM attending sexual health clinics in Manchester. High-risk sexual practices and certain sexually transmitted infections are more common in MSM reporting RDU.

Problematic recreational drug use: is there a role for outpatient sexual health clinics in identifying those not already engaged with treatment services?

Sexual Health ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlyn Lovett ◽  
T. Yamamoto ◽  
Laura Hunter ◽  
John White ◽  
Paul I. Dargan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Problematic Use ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Problematic Drug ◽  
Recreational Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

Background There is an association between recreational drug use, high-risk sexual activity and sexually transmissible infections. Studies have shown a higher prevalence of drug use in those accessing sexual health services; however, there are minimal data on the proportion with problematic recreational drug use. We aimed to understand whether sexual health clinics could identify problematic drug and alcohol use as a novel referral pathway into treatment services. Methods: Males attending two sexual health clinics in London completed questionnaires. Data were collected on demographics; gender of sexual partner; use of alcohol and recreational drugs; if they felt they had problematic use of drugs, alcohol or both; and if they had sought help for their problematic use. Results: In total, 867 males completed the questionnaire; 387 (44.7%) were men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM had significantly higher lifetime use of any drug compared with non-MSM (80.6% vs. 62.5%; P < 0.0001). Thirty-five (4.7%) self-identified problematic drug or alcohol use, with no difference between MSM and non-MSM (6.3% vs. 3.5%; P = 0.08). Of those with problematic drug or alcohol use, 20 were currently or had been engaged with a treatment service and 15 had never engaged with treatment services. MSM were more likely to have ever sought help for drug or alcohol problems compared with non-MSM (P = 0.003). Conclusions: Some individuals attending sexual health clinics with problematic drug use have not engaged with treatment services. It is therefore appropriate to develop screening tools for sexual health clinics to identify these individuals and novel referral pathways to engage them in treatment services.

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 Sexualised drug use in people attending sexual health clinics in England

2016 ◽  
Vol 92 (6) ◽  
pp. 454-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamish Mohammed ◽  
John Were ◽  
Carina King ◽  
Martina Furegato ◽  
Anthony Nardone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

scholarly journals P138 Identifying the Prevalence of Recreational Drug Use in Men Who Have Sex With Men Attending Sexual Health Clinics in Greater Manchester

2016 ◽  
Vol 92 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A67.3-A68
Author(s):  
Andrew Tomkins ◽  
Sameena Ahmad ◽  
Luke Cannon ◽  
Stephen P Higgins ◽  
Merav Kilner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Recreational Drug Use ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

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 Improving the healthcare response to domestic violence and abuse in sexual health clinics: feasibility study of a training, support and referral intervention

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Hardip Sohal ◽  
Neha Pathak ◽  
Sarah Blake ◽  
Vanessa Apea ◽  
Judith Berry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Electronic Records ◽  
Identification Rate ◽  
Training Support ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Health Differences ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

ObjectivesSexual health and gynaecological problems are the most consistent and largest physical health differences between abused and non-abused female populations. Sexual health services are well placed to identify and support patients experiencing domestic violence and abuse (DVA). Most sexual health professionals have had minimal DVA training despite English National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations. We sought to determine the feasibility of an evidence-based complex DVA training intervention in female sexual health walk-in services (IRIS ADViSE: Identification and Referral to Improve Safety whilst Assessing Domestic Violence in Sexual Health Environments).MethodsAn adaptive mixed method pilot study in the female walk-in service of two sexual health clinics. Following implementation and evaluation at site 1, the intervention was refined before implementation at site 2. The intervention comprised electronic prompts, multidisciplinary training sessions, clinic materials and simple referral pathways to IRIS ADViSE advocate-educators (AEs). The pilot lasted 7 weeks at site 1 and 12 weeks at site 2. Feasibility outcomes were to assign a supportive DVA clinical lead, an IRIS ADViSE AE employed by a local DVA service provider, adapt electronic records, develop local referral pathways, assess whether enquiry, identification and referral rates were measurable.ResultsBoth sites achieved all feasibility outcomes: appointing a supportive DVA clinical lead and IRIS ADViSE AE, establishing links with a local DVA provider, adapting electronic records, developing local referral pathways and rates of enquiry, identification and referral were found to be measurable. Site 1: 10% enquiry rate (n=267), 4% identification rate (n=16) and eight AE referrals. Site 2: 61% enquiry rate (n=1090), a 7% identification rate (n=79) and eight AE referrals.ConclusionsIRIS ADViSE can be successfully developed and implemented in sexual health clinics. It fulfils the unmet need for DVA training. Longer-term evaluation is recommended.

scholarly journals Trends in HIV incidence between 2013–2019 and association of baseline factors with subsequent incident HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men attending sexual health clinics in England: A prospective cohort study

PLoS Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. e1003677
Author(s):  
Nadia Hanum ◽  
Valentina Cambiano ◽  
Janey Sewell ◽  
Alison J. Rodger ◽  
Nneka Nwokolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Injection Drug ◽  
Hiv Incidence ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Baseline Factors ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

Background Prospective cohort studies of incident HIV and associated factors among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the United Kingdom are lacking. We report time trends in and factors associated with HIV incidence between 2013 and 2019 among a cohort of GBMSM: the AURAH2 prospective study. Methods and findings Participants were recruited through 1 of 3 sexual health clinics in London and Brighton (July 2013 to April 2016) and self-completed a baseline paper questionnaire and subsequent 4-monthly and annual online questionnaires (March 2015 to March 2018), including information on sociodemographics, lifestyle, health and well-being, HIV status, sexual/HIV-related behaviours, and preexposure prophylaxis and postexposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP). Incident HIV was ascertained by linkage with national HIV surveillance data from Public Health England (PHE). We investigated the associations of HIV incidence with (1) baseline factors using mixed-effects Weibull proportional hazard models, unadjusted and adjusted for age, country of birth and ethnicity, sexuality, and education level; and (2) time-updated factors, using mixed-effects Poisson regression models. In total, 1,162 men (mean age 34 years, 82% white, 94% gay, 74% university-educated) were enrolled in the study. Thirty-three HIV seroconversions occurred over 4,618.9 person-years (PY) of follow-up: an overall HIV incidence rate (IR) of 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51 to 1.00) per 100 PY. Incidence declined from 1.47 (95% CI 0.48 to 4.57) per 100 PY in 2013/2014 to 0.25 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.78) per 100 PY in 2018/2019; average annual decline was 0.85-fold (p < 0.001). Baseline factors associated with HIV acquisition included the following: injection drug use (6/38 men who reported injection drug-acquired HIV; unadjusted conditional hazard ratio (HR) 27.96, 95% CI 6.99 to 111.85, p < 0.001), noninjection chemsex-related drug use (13/321; HR 6.45, 95% CI 1.84 to 22.64, p < 0.001), condomless anal sex (CLS) (26/741; HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.31 to 10·74, p = 0.014); higher number of CLS partners (HRs >10 partners [7/57]; 5 to 10 partners [5/60]; and 2 to 4 partners [11/293]: 14.04, 95% CI 4.11 to 47.98; 9.60, 95% CI 2.58 to 35.76; and 4.05, 95% CI 1.29 to 12.72, respectively, p < 0.001); CLS with HIV–positive partners (14/147; HR 6.45, 95% CI 3.15 to 13.22, p < 0.001), versatile CLS role (21/362; HR 6.35, 95% CI 2.18 to 18.51, p < 0.001), group sex (64/500; HR 8.81, 95% CI 3.07 to 25.24, p < 0.001), sex for drugs/money (4/55, HR 3.27, 95% CI 1.14 to 9.38, p = 0.027) (all in previous 3 months); previous 12-month report of a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses (21/440; HR 3.95, 95% CI 1.81 to 8.63, p < 0.001), and more than 10 new sexual partners (21/471, HRs 11 to 49, 50 to 99, and >100 new partners: 3.17, 95% CI 1.39 to 7.26; 4.40, 95% CI 1.35 to 14.29; and 4.84, 95% CI 1.05 to 22.4, respectively, p < 0.001). Results were broadly consistent for time-updated analysis (n = 622 men). The study’s main limitation is that men may not be representative of the broader GBMSM population in England. Conclusions We observed a substantial decline in HIV incidence from 2013 to 2019 among GBMSM attending sexual health clinics. Injection drug use, chemsex use, and measures of high-risk sexual behaviour were strongly associated with incident HIV. Progress towards zero new infections could be achieved if combination HIV prevention including Test and Treat strategies and routine commissioning of a PrEP programme continues across the UK and reaches all at-risk populations.

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