Page 42 - IJPS-10-4

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

challenges faced by individuals engaging in chemsex, such as Europe, Africa, and South America. Third, this
thereby enhancing care delivery and addressing the review did not incorporate grey literature, which could
complex health-care needs in these unprecedented times. have enriched the findings.
Furthermore, the pandemic has significantly intensified 4. Conclusion
mental health challenges among MSM, primarily due
to heightened stress and isolation. Roux et al. (2022) The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced
advocated for specialized virtual counseling services, chemsex practices among MSM, revealing complex
such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, tailored to these interplays between social isolation, health-care
pandemic-associated challenges to foster healthier coping accessibility, and mental health. The pandemic’s restrictions
mechanisms. Addressing psychological distress and have not only persisted but also evolved chemsex
substance abuse, health-care providers offer individual activities, exacerbating health risks and highlighting
and group therapy sessions through online platforms. the need for individualized health-care approaches. It
Simultaneously, the creation of supportive online is crucial to recognize that no one-size-fits-all solution
environments through virtual support groups, community exists; interventions must be tailored to address the
forums, and social media platforms is emphasized. diverse needs within the MSM community. This review
This initiative enables MSM to share experiences and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive behavioral
receive peer support, significantly reducing isolation and health and health-care strategies, including digital health
enhancing well-being among those engaging in chemsex technologies, to provide inclusive and accessible services.
during the pandemic. Future research should focus on understanding the
pandemic’s long-term effects on MSM’s sexual behaviors
Promoting safe sex practices is crucial in mitigating and health, considering varying demographics and
the risk of STIs and HIV, especially during the pandemic geographical contexts. Collaborative efforts among health-
(Sanchez et al., 2020; Sousa et al., 2020; Shilo & Mor, 2020). care providers, policymakers, behavioral scientists, public
Despite the lockdown restrictions, many MSM continue to health specialists, and the MSM community are essential
engage in sexual activities, including chemsex, potentially to develop effective, culturally sensitive interventions that
compromising adherence to safe sex practices. Health- address both physical and mental health needs, ensure
care providers are thus encouraged to creatively adapt equitable health-care access, and reduce stigma.
by leveraging online platforms or virtual counseling to
overcome lockdown measures, ensuring continued access Acknowledgments
to STI testing while observing social distancing protocols,
and facilitating the distribution of condoms and lubricants. None.

In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted Funding
the urgent need for health-care interventions designed None.
to manage chemsex practices among MSM. Health-care
professionals who have received cultural competency and Conflict of interest
sensitivity training are crucial in addressing the heightened
mental health challenges and risks associated with chemsex. The authors declare they have no competing interests.
Using virtual platforms for counseling, support groups, and Author contributions
the promotion of safe sex practices, they provide a holistic
approach to care. These measures are critical in mitigating Conceptualization: Chawapon Sarnkhaowkhom, Kobkul
the pandemic’s effects and demonstrate the importance Madican
of adaptability and comprehensive care in safeguarding Investigation: Chawapon Sarnkhaowkhom, Kobkul
health and safety. Madican, Athichai Pankam
Methodology: Chawapon Sarnkhaowkhom, Kobkul
3.8. Limitations Madican
This review has potential limitations. First, this review is Formal analysis: All authors
limited by the languages of the articles included, which Writing – original draft: All authors
were restricted to English and Thai. Publications in other Writing – review & editing: Chawapon Sarnkhaowkhom,
languages were not included. Second, the articles finalized Kobkul Madican, Athichai Pankam
for inclusion in this review primarily focused on Asia, Ethics approval and consent to participate
Oceania, and North America. Further reviews should aim
to cover geographic regions not covered in this review, Not applicable.

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 36 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2599