Exploration of Mental Health Elements in Chemsex Behavior: Interventions, Influencing Factors, and Attitudes Towards Risk and Harm Reduction in Spain

Overview

Journal Nurs Rep

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Nursing

Date 2024 Sep 23

PMID 39311180

Authors

Pablo Del Pozo-Herce

Alberto Tovar-Reinoso

Antonio Martinez-Sabater

Elena Chover-Sierra

Teresa Sufrate-Sorzano

Carlos Saus-Ortega

Javier Curto-Ramos

Jose Manuel Padilla-Brito

Carlos Gonzalez-Navajas

Enrique Baca-Garcia

Raul Juarez-Vela

Eva Garcia-Carpintero Blas

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in the community of Madrid, Spain to explore the depth of the chemsex phenomenon through a thematic analysis. Between April and June 2024, interviews were conducted with 15 MSM (gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men) who participate in these practices, using purposive and snowball sampling.

Results: three main themes were identified, namely, (T1) contextualization of the practice, (T2) factors associated with chemsex, and (T3) strategies and interventions for risk and harm reduction.

Conclusion: Chemsex is a phenomenon that combines sexual practices with substance use in complex social environments, presenting significant risks to physical, mental, and sexual health. It is necessary to implement public health interventions to mitigate these risks.

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