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

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,... Mehr ...

Verfasser: Corinne Herrijgers
Karolien Poels
Heidi Vandebosch
Tom Platteau
Jacques van Lankveld
Eric Florence
Dokumenttyp: Artikel
Erscheinungsdatum: 2020
Reihe/Periodikum: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 17, Iss 9081, p 9081 (2020)
Verlag/Hrsg.: MDPI AG
Schlagwörter: chemsex / GBMSM / harm reduction / needs / mobile health intervention / high-risk behavior / Medicine / R
Sprache: Englisch
Permalink: https://search.fid-benelux.de/Record/base-26511443
Datenquelle: BASE; Originalkatalog
Powered By: BASE
Link(s) : https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239081

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.