Consumo de drogas recreativas y practicas de chemsex en varones seronegativos: Datos desde un screening VIH comunitario

Abstract

Introduction The use of recreational drugs in a sexual context has been associated with new HIV infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and to reinfection by hepatitis C virus (HCV).Despite the increasing information available in the medical literature on recreational drug use and the practice of Chemsex in the group of men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, limited data are available in non-HIV infected men in Spain. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of use of recreational drugs and drugs related to Chemsex in HIV-uninfected men, their consumption patterns, high-risk sexual behaviors, adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS)and self-perception of the consequences associated with consumption. Methods Coinciding with the 2016 Gay Pride week in Madrid and the screening of HIV infection with rapid test in a mobile unit located at the foot of the street, we conducted an anonymous, voluntary and confidential survey to all men who gave their consent, with information related to sexual behaviors and recreational drugs use. The Redcap ™ application was used as an electronic CRD for data collection and the SPSS 20R statistical program for analysis. Results Of the 666 men surveyed, the majority of responders (60%) identified as gay men, 30% as heterosexual men (HTX) and 10% as bisexual men (BSX). The 57% had used drugs in the past year. Cannabis (55.6%), poppers (37%) and cocaine (31%) were the most frequently used drugs. Chemsex -related drugs (mephedrone, GHB and methamphetamine) were more frequently used in gay men (11.5%) compared to HTX (7%) and BSX (7.5%) men; p 0.008. Polydrug, sexual risk behaviors, previous STI diagnoses, unprotected sex and negative consequences on the CNS were more frequent in who consume Chemsex -related drugs. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of recreational drugs use in the men surveyed. Their consumption is not primarily sexual in HTX males and BSX; however, in gay men it has a connotation and sexual purpose in its clear majority. The consumption of Chemsex -related drugs was more frequent in gay men and was associated with sexual risk behaviors and practices that facilitated the transmission of HIV. Sexual and mental health harm reduction interventions in this population group are paramount.