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ChemsexPH: The association between chemsex, HIV status and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among men who have sex with men in the Philippines.
- Source :
-
Journal of the International AIDS Society [J Int AIDS Soc] 2024 Jul; Vol. 27 (7), pp. e26323. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Chemsex, the use of psychotropic drugs before or during sexual intercourse, is associated with various HIV risk factors, including condomless sex and reduced adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis or antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the Philippines, there are still limited studies exploring the associations between chemsex, HIV status and ART adherence. This study aims to compare recent and lifetime chemsex engagement in association with self-reported HIV status among Filipino men who have sex with men (MSM). We further explored the association between chemsex and ART adherence among people living with HIV engaged in chemsex.<br />Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of 479 Filipino MSM was conducted from 3 August to 1 December 2019. Demographic profiles, sexual behaviours, drug use, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), chemsex engagement and HIV status were collected and analysed. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed to assess the association between self-reported HIV status and chemsex engagement.<br />Results: Among the 479 respondents, Filipino MSM engaged in drug use and chemsex were generally older compared to those not engaged in drug use and chemsex (average age 31-33 vs. 29 years old; p<0.05). Methamphetamine was the most common drug for people who reported using drugs. An HIV-positive status was associated with recent chemsex engagement (aOR = 5.18, p<0.05) and a history of STIs (aOR = 2.09, p<0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that 79% (166/200) of persons living with HIV were adherent to ART. There was no significant association found between chemsex and ART adherence in the logistic regression analyses.<br />Conclusions: Chemsex behaviour, particularly recent chemsex engagement, is significantly associated with self-reported HIV status. The emerging data on MSM engaged in chemsex require integration of a more person-centred, comprehensive and robust harm reduction programmes into the existing combination prevention strategies in the country. Health education for Filipino MSM engaged in chemsex should prioritize raising awareness about methamphetamine effects and overdose risks, alongside proper medical management.<br /> (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the International AIDS Society published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International AIDS Society.)
- Subjects :
- Humans
Male
Philippines epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Adult
Young Adult
Middle Aged
Adolescent
Sexual Behavior statistics & numerical data
Surveys and Questionnaires
Anti-Retroviral Agents therapeutic use
Risk Factors
HIV Infections drug therapy
HIV Infections psychology
HIV Infections epidemiology
Homosexuality, Male statistics & numerical data
Homosexuality, Male psychology
Medication Adherence statistics & numerical data
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1758-2652
- Volume :
- 27
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of the International AIDS Society
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38982574
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.26323