H Wiggins1, D Ogaz2, H Mebrahtu3, A Sullivan4, O Bowden-Jones3, N Field5, G Hughes6. 1. Hertfordshire Sexual Health, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom. 2. HIV & STI Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (CIDSC), Public Health England, London, United Kingdom. 3. CNWL, Imperial College London, United Kingdom. 4. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom. 5. Centre for Molecular Epidemiology and Translational Research, Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom. 6. Department of HIV and STIs, National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Gwenda.Hughes@phe.gov.uk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ INTRODUCTION: Chemsex amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) is well documented in major cities within the United Kingdom (UK), but few data from less urban areas exist. We undertook a survey of sexual health clinic (SHC) healthcare workers (HCWs) to explore demand for and availability of chemsex services to understand training needs and inform service planning. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to HCWs in all SHCs across the UK. For English clinics, we explored associations between responses and geo-demographic region using national surveillance data and population statistics. RESULTS: Responses were received from 56% (150/270) of SHC's in the UK (89% (133/150) from English clinics). 80% (103/129) of UK clinics reported chemsex consultations and in 50% (65/129) these occurred at least monthly, with no significant difference found when analysed by the geo-demographic characteristics of England (p=0.38). Respondents from most clinics (99% (117/118)) wanted chemsex training, 81 %(103/129) felt there was a local clinical need for a chemsex service and 33% (14/43) had chemsex care-pathways for referrals in place. DISCUSSION/ CONCLUSION: Patients reporting chemsex regularly present to SHCs throughout the UK including rural areas. Given the potential negative health outcomes associated with chemsex, there is a need for local, high quality, appropriate services and training to minimise harm.
BACKGROUND/ INTRODUCTION: Chemsex amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) is well documented in major cities within the United Kingdom (UK), but few data from less urban areas exist. We undertook a survey of sexual health clinic (SHC) healthcare workers (HCWs) to explore demand for and availability of chemsex services to understand training needs and inform service planning. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to HCWs in all SHCs across the UK. For English clinics, we explored associations between responses and geo-demographic region using national surveillance data and population statistics. RESULTS: Responses were received from 56% (150/270) of SHC's in the UK (89% (133/150) from English clinics). 80% (103/129) of UK clinics reported chemsex consultations and in 50% (65/129) these occurred at least monthly, with no significant difference found when analysed by the geo-demographic characteristics of England (p=0.38). Respondents from most clinics (99% (117/118)) wanted chemsex training, 81 %(103/129) felt there was a local clinical need for a chemsex service and 33% (14/43) had chemsex care-pathways for referrals in place. DISCUSSION/ CONCLUSION:Patients reporting chemsex regularly present to SHCs throughout the UK including rural areas. Given the potential negative health outcomes associated with chemsex, there is a need for local, high quality, appropriate services and training to minimise harm.
Authors: Corinne Herrijgers; Karolien Poels; Heidi Vandebosch; Tom Platteau; Jacques van Lankveld; Eric Florence Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-12-04 Impact factor: 3.390