Chemsex and Harm Reduction Practices Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Malaysia: Findings from a Qualitative Study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2024
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.
Keywords
Chemsex, sexualized drug use, chemfun, harm reduction, crystal meth, men who have sex with men, Malaysia
Divisions
fac_med,medicinedept
Funders
United States Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (K01 DA051346),United States Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA NIH Fogarty International Center (FIC) (R21 TW011665)
Publication Title
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
Volume
56
Issue
4
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publisher Location
2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND