Page 38 - IJPS-10-4

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

struggles, and employment losses faced by MSM with sexual well-being among MSM engaging in chemsex: 43%
chemsex practices during the COVID-19 pandemic with experienced diminished sexual gratification, correlating
an increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental with exacerbated mental health conditions, whereas
health challenges. This observation was reinforced by 38% reported stable gratification levels, and 22% noted
Charest (2021), who highlighted the elevated prevalence of enhanced satisfaction, indicating that these disparate
depression and anxiety among MSM during this period. outcomes illustrate adaptive responses to pandemic
Moreover, studies by Hyndman et al. (2021) and Torres constraints (Mugglin et al., 2023).
et al. (2021) echoed these findings, reporting pervasive Investigating the pandemic’s mental health
feelings of unease, loneliness, and isolation during the repercussions is vital, and understanding how these
isolation period. Adding a comparative dimension, Dai impacts vary internationally is equally crucial. In Asia,
et al. (2023) accentuated the exacerbated symptoms of MSM engaging in chemsex reported significantly higher
depression among MSM, noting its higher prevalence in rates of depression and anxiety, exacerbated by societal
comparison to the general population and levels before the stigmatization. The pandemic further strained mental
pandemic. health services, intensifying the challenges faced by
The reduction in social interactions during the this group due to societal stigma, leading to heightened
pandemic had a magnified impact on MSM. As stress and isolation. Dai et al. (2023) noted an increased
intrinsically social beings, humans rely on interpersonal prevalence of depression symptoms among MSM in Asia
connections, and the pandemic created a void of solitude compared to the general population, underscoring the
and seclusion for many. Dai et al. (2023) also accentuated severe impact of stigmatization on their psychological
the detrimental mental health implications of enforced well-being. In addition, Sanchez et al. (2020) highlighted
social isolation among MSM. Substance use became a that restricted access to health care and public health
coping mechanism for many to navigate the emotional services hampers the implementation of effective coping
turmoil induced by the pandemic, especially among those strategies for MSM engaging in chemsex, illustrating the
who had already used substances before the pandemic, compounded difficulties stemming from societal attitudes
such as MSM previously engaged in chemsex. Building and health-care barriers.
on this, Roux et al. (2022) unveiled that MSM engaging In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened
in chemsex demonstrated a propensity to increase their mental health issues for MSM in chemsex, increasing stress,
usage of psychotropic medications and other substances anxiety, and loneliness amid social and economic upheaval.
during lockdowns, with a notable 33% resorting to stress- Studies highlight the rise in psychological distress and
alleviating drugs. substance use, exacerbated by societal stigma and health-
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound care gaps, especially in Asia. While the pandemic affected
ramifications on the mental health and sexual behaviors sexual satisfaction diversely, it underlines the urgent need
of MSM engaged in chemsex. These ramifications are for targeted mental health support and region-specific
closely tied to fears and perceptions related to COVID-19 interventions to address these challenges among MSM
and the ensuing changes in their ability to achieve sexual engaging in chemsex, during and after the pandemic.
satisfaction. One of the most pervasive concerns among
this group was the fear of contracting COVID-19, which 3.4. Challenges and obstacles to health-care
not only intensified existing mental health challenges service accessibility for men who had sex with men
but also shaped sexual behaviors. As many as 34% engaging in chemsex practices during the pandemic
of participants voiced concerns about contracting In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSM engaging
COVID-19, highlighting a tangible anxiety over viral in chemsex faced significant health-care challenges,
transmission. In addition, there was considerable concern exacerbated by disparities in access to health-care services.
about potentially infecting sexual partners; nearly half, Card et al. (2021) reported barriers within Canada,
or 46%, of those surveyed, were more concerned about where urban areas were better equipped than rural ones
transmitting the virus to their partners than acquiring to address the health-care needs of MSM engaging in
it themselves. Pandemic-related restrictions also led to chemsex, highlighting the need for more equitable health-
another layer of stress caused by the fear of facing legal care provision. In Brazil, socioeconomic and cultural
consequences. About 17% of participants felt uneasy factors further complicate access to essential medications
about the possibility of breaking COVID-19 guidelines, such as PrEP and antiretroviral therapy (ART) for MSM, as
suggesting that these regulations also acted as a stressor noted by Reyniers (2021). The pandemic strained Brazil’s
(Mugglin et al., 2023). The pandemic differentially affected health infrastructure, leading to reduced services and the

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 32 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2599