Page 37 - IJPS-10-4

International Journal of
Population Studies Chemsex among MSM during the COVID-19 pandemic

number of intimate partners and the frequency of sexual measures led to a reduction in casual sex partners, group
activities during the mandated seclusion. This decrease sex meetings, and chemsex activities. While there was an
was primarily attributed to social distancing measures and overall decline in these activities, the study also noted a shift
diminished opportunities for in-person sexual encounters. toward online platforms for sexual interactions, suggesting
This observation is supported by multiple international a change in how these encounters were facilitated rather
studies, including those conducted in Canada (Card et than an increase in chemsex itself.
al., 2021; Charest et al., 2021), Brazil (Sousa et al., 2020), Further research highlights the complex relationships
Portugal (Xavier Hall et al., 2022), USA (Xavier Hall et al., between chemsex, group sex, and difficulties in adhering
2021), and China (Lyu et al., 2022). Nevertheless, uniform to social distancing measures among MSM. These
adherence to social restrictions was not observed among studies reveal that MSM engaging in chemsex, often
all MSM. Research by Hyndman et al. (2021) showed that with casual partners, were less likely to follow social
in the United Kingdom, more than 50% of respondents isolation guidelines, leading to higher risks of group sex
maintained sexual relations with partners not living in and unprotected sex. In addition, methamphetamine use
their homes during the lockdown period. Furthermore, the was associated with an increase in sexual partners and
nature of sexual interactions also changed. For example, intimate partner violence, complicating the adoption
Card et al. (2021) reported a rise in virtual or online of protective measures. These findings underscore
sexual activity in Canada due to the restrictions. However, multifaceted challenges in maintaining health safety
not everyone chose this path; some continued to engage during the pandemic, pointing to the need for tailored
in in-person sex despite the infection risks, as found by public health strategies and interventions (Sousa et al.,
Hyndman et al. (2021). 2020; Chone et al., 2021; Xavier Hall et al., 2022).

In parallel with sexual behavior changes, the effects In summary, the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting
of social restrictions on substance use among MSM have social restrictions have undeniably influenced the sexual
also been complex and varied. For instance, Sanchez behaviors and substance use patterns among MSM. Several
et al. (2020) and Torres et al. (2021) indicated a rise in the changes were observed, such as decreases in the number of
consumption of recreational substances such as alcohol, sexual partners and encounters, varied effects on substance
marijuana, and cocaine during times of societal seclusion. use, and a surge in virtual sexual activity and chemsex.
In addition, research carried out in France by Roux et
al. (2022) noted that during the initial lockdown, MSM 3.3. Mental and psychological health issues among
reported a decrease in sexual activity with stable partners men who had sex with men engaging in chemsex
but an increase in involvement with casual partners during during the COVID-19 pandemic
mid and end of lockdown. This group also reported a The COVID-19 pandemic, with its resulting lockdowns and
notable escalation in the use of nicotine, alcoholic drinks, social restrictions, has had pronounced negative effects on
and various psychotropic substances. Moreover, they the psychological well-being of MSM engaging in chemsex
experienced more psychological distress and were more (Shilo & Mor, 2020). These individuals experienced
likely to use stress-relieving medication, suggesting that heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness,
the pandemic might have intensified substance use and and other mental health disorders due to the impact of the
mental health issues among MSM chemsexers. pandemic. Coupled with these pervasive impacts, MSM has
However, the effects varied based on geographical faced amplified mental health challenges. Multiple studies
context and personal circumstances. Investigations support this claim, highlighting increased stress levels,
conducted by Starks et al. (2020) and Xavier Hall et al. anxiety, depression, feelings of loneliness, and potential
(2022) in the USA and Card et al. (2021) in Canada revealed escalation of substance use. Moreover, the pandemic’s
mixed outcomes. While some MSM reported increased social and economic fallout has also played a part in
substance use due to stress or boredom, others indicated a exacerbating underlying mental health vulnerabilities
decrease due to limited access to drugs or harm-reduction among the MSM community.
services. Group sex and chemsex practices, specifically Multiple studies have delved into this phenomenon of
sexual behaviors among MSM, were also affected in the the pandemic negatively affecting the mental well-being
midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sousa et al. (2020) in of MSM participating in chemsex, revealing consistent
Brazil and Portugal noted an increased tendency for MSM themes. Shilo & Mor (2020) reported heightened stress
to participate in group sex while engaging in chemsex among MSM engaging in drug-enhanced sex, exacerbated
during the social distancing period. Contrarily, Chow by pandemic-related limitations on casual encounters.
et al. (2021) in Australia found that social distancing Sousa et al. (2020) associated isolation, economic

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 31 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2599