Information-seeking behaviours in Australian sexual minority men engaged in chemsex

Daniel Demant; Julie-Anne Carroll; Bernard Saliba; Adam Bourne

Addictive Behaviors Reports (Dec 2022)

Information-seeking behaviours in Australian sexual minority men engaged in chemsex

Daniel Demant,
Julie-Anne Carroll,
Bernard Saliba,
Adam Bourne

Affiliations

Daniel Demant: School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Corresponding author at: School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 235-253 Jones Street, Ultimo, New South Wales 2007, Australia.
Julie-Anne Carroll: School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Bernard Saliba: School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia; The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Adam Bourne: Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 16
p. 100399

Abstract

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Introduction: Chemsex refers to using illicit substances to facilitate sexual experiences in men who have sex with men. Chemsex has been linked to significant negative impacts on psychological, social, and physical wellbeing. Little is known about information-seeking behaviours in this population. This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of seeking and engaging with health information. Methods: Self-identified Australian sexual minority men who engage in chemsex (N = 184) participated in an anonymous cross-sectional survey. Variables included chemsex engagement, knowledge, perception and use of harm-reduction information, and associated health and support services. Pearson correlation and ANOVAs were conducted. Wilcoxon-Signed-Rank and Friedman tests were applied to analyse the perceived trustworthiness of information sources. Results: Chemsex represented a meaningful part of sexual events. Most participants knew where to access professional help and harm-reduction information but worried about being judged. Most did not feel comfortable discussing chemsex with health professionals except with sexual health doctors/counsellors. Few users discussed health risks with a professional. Information on chemsex was received through multiple sources with significant differences in perceived relevance and trustworthiness, with sexual health doctors/nurses ranked the most trustworthy information. Interest in non-traditional sources of information was low except for formal peer networks and anonymous personal expert advice. Conclusion: Engagement with health professionals and harm-reduction information is limited in this population, despite high risk and potentially significant adverse health outcomes. Results suggest that new and combined approaches are necessary to reach this population, including peer support networks, anonymous personal advice and changing community attitudes towards chemsex.

Published in Addictive Behaviors Reports

ISSN: 2352-8532 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology; Social Sciences: Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/addictive-behaviors-reports

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