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International Journal of
Population Studies Chemsex among MSM during the COVID-19 pandemic
Health‑ care interventions or measures N/A The research underscores the importance of mental health programs and services aimed at reducing harm to address these difficulties and ensure the health and wellness of this group during the COVID-19 crisis. (Cont’d...)
Digital health technologies N/A N/A
Health disparities N/A Indicated a surge in health risks among MSM engaging in chemsex, with a significant increase in substance use, psychological distress, and unsafe sexual behaviors. The study suggests that financial strains and feelings of isolation due to the pandemic could have compounded these health issues.
Accessibility of health‑ care services N/A During lockdown, those engaging in chemsex showed a higher tendency toward mental distress and usage of psychotropic medication.
Mental health issues Participants increased stimulant use during isolation to manage their emotions and loneliness. Stimulants helped users avoid negative feelings and re- live positive experiences, while solitude amplified usage. During lockdown, chemsexers, a subgroup of MSM, had more casual partners and fewer stable ones. There was a notable rise in their use of substances like tobacco, alcohol, and mind- alterin
Sexual behaviors and drug usage Amid the quarantine period, MSM who were managing their HIV status and were users of stimulants observed shifts in their sexual behavior, their stimulant usage, and their commitment to their ART. These shifts were ascribed to health- related anxieties and issues stemming from the disruption of daily routines. MSM involved in chemsex were prone to heightened consumption of mind- al
Trends Both (increased and decreased) Increased
Samples 12 MSM aged 25 or older 7,195 MSM aged 27 – 44 years
Design Qualitative study Cross- sectional study
Table 2. (Continued) Country Sources USA Petrova et al. (2022) France Roux et al. (2022)
Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 27 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2599
