Chemsex and Harm Reduction Practices Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Malaysia: Findings from a Qualitative Study
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Chemsex is a form of sexualized drug use commonly practiced among MSM with psychoactive substances, such as methamphetamine. While this phenomenon has gained global attention in the past two decades, there is a dearth of empirical data to inform culturally competent interventions. The current work investigates the socio-contextual factors related to chemsex and harm reduction practices among Malaysian MSM. Between February and August 2022, we conducted six online focus group sessions with Malaysian MSM who had engaged in chemsex during the previous 6 months (N = 22). We queried participants about perceived benefits and harms, harm reduction practices, and informational needs. Most participants’ first chemsex experience occurred in a casual sexual encounter, often facilitated by mobile technology. Participants reported engaging in harm reduction practices before (e.g. medication reminders), during (e.g. peer support), and after (e.g. rest) chemsex. These findings have implications for future efforts to develop and implement tailored interventions to address the specific and acute needs of Malaysian MSM engaging in chemsex.
Source: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
Institutions: University of Connecticut, Yale University, University of Malaya
Language: English
Topic: HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G1044130170, G1787133261, G3211175773, Integrated online-to-offline (O2O) model of care for HIV prevention and treatment among men who have sex with men, Development and Testing of a Mobile Application to Enhance HIV Prevention Cascade in Malaysian MSM, Yale Clinical and Translational Science Award
OpenAlex ID: W4386084488