Pablo Santoro1, Rafael Rodríguez2, Paola Morales2, Aitana Morano3, Mónica Morán4. 1. Departamento de Sociología: Metodología y Teoría, Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: psantoro@ucm.es. 2. CIMOP, C/ Covarrubias, 22, 4° Izq, 28010, Madrid, Spain. 3. Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain. 4. Subdirección General de Promoción, Prevención y Educación para la Salud, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, c/ San Martín de Porres, 6, 28035, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Understanding 'chemsex' has become one of the key issues in LGBT health and HIV prevention in high-income countries, since it has been shown that this form of sexualised drug use correlates with higher risks to the physical and mental health of gay and other men who have sex with men (GMSM) who participate in chemsex sessions. Numerous studies have analysed sociodemographic characteristics, drug-use patterns or consequences of chemsex, but less research has been carried out to describe possible variations in the ways chemsex is practised. In the context of a broader qualitative study about chemsex in Madrid (Spain), we sought to explore differences among types of chemsex sessions. METHODS: 11 in-depth interviews and two triangular focus groups (N = 7) were conducted with self-identifying GMSM between the ages of 22-46 who lived in Madrid and claimed to have engaged in chemsex during the last two years. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis and sociological discourse analysis. RESULTS: We identified four different types of chemsex sessions - "anonymous sessions", "chill-sex", "semi-closed parties among networks of friends" and "chemsex in saunas or other sex on premise venues (SPVs)" - which present differences in how they are arranged, in the way they develop and in the meanings their participants ascribe to them. They also involve different degrees and forms of exposure to risk, as well as other peculiarities that, in some cases, may even function as factors of protection. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to elaborate a more detailed description of chemsex, since not all forms of practicing chemsex are equivalent or involve equal forms of risk. Risk reduction strategies and other HIV prevention activities would benefit from considering internal variations among forms of chemsex practice.
BACKGROUND: Understanding 'chemsex' has become one of the key issues in LGBT health and HIV prevention in high-income countries, since it has been shown that this form of sexualised drug use correlates with higher risks to the physical and mental health of gay and other men who have sex with men (GMSM) who participate in chemsex sessions. Numerous studies have analysed sociodemographic characteristics, drug-use patterns or consequences of chemsex, but less research has been carried out to describe possible variations in the ways chemsex is practised. In the context of a broader qualitative study about chemsex in Madrid (Spain), we sought to explore differences among types of chemsex sessions. METHODS: 11 in-depth interviews and two triangular focus groups (N = 7) were conducted with self-identifying GMSM between the ages of 22-46 who lived in Madrid and claimed to have engaged in chemsex during the last two years. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis and sociological discourse analysis. RESULTS: We identified four different types of chemsex sessions - "anonymous sessions", "chill-sex", "semi-closed parties among networks of friends" and "chemsex in saunas or other sex on premise venues (SPVs)" - which present differences in how they are arranged, in the way they develop and in the meanings their participants ascribe to them. They also involve different degrees and forms of exposure to risk, as well as other peculiarities that, in some cases, may even function as factors of protection. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to elaborate a more detailed description of chemsex, since not all forms of practicing chemsex are equivalent or involve equal forms of risk. Risk reduction strategies and other HIV prevention activities would benefit from considering internal variations among forms of chemsex practice.
Authors: Liza Coyer; Anders Boyd; Udi Davidovich; Ward P H van Bilsen; Maria Prins; Amy Matser Journal: Addiction Date: 2021-09-22 Impact factor: 7.256
Authors: Daniel Íncera-Fernández; Manuel Gámez-Guadix; Santiago Moreno-Guillén Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-17 Impact factor: 3.390