[Psychoactive substances use in men who have sex with men in China: an internet based survey]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of psychoactive substances use in men who have sex with men (MSM) and its related risk factors. Methods: From July to December 2019, MSM in 6 provinces were recruited from social MSM organizations in communities. The inclusion criteria were male, age ≥18 years, having had sex with men or male homosexuality, voluntary participation and informed consent. Data collected through an anonymous self-filled online questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior and psychoactive substance use. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine factors correlated with psychoactive substances use. Results: A total of 2 616 MSM were included in the study. Overall, 32.2% (841/2 616) of MSM had ever used at least one psychoactive substances, of whom 92.4% (777/841) were Rush users and 14.4% (121/841) were multi drug users. Rush and tryptamine were used the most (79.7%,98/121). After adjusting the influence of province, factors associated with psychoactive substances use included age <35 years (<25: OR=1.28, 95%CI: 1.02-1.61; 25-34: OR= 1.34, 95%CI: 1.08-1.67) , active sexual role preference (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.22-1.77), having non-regular partners in last sex (OR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.01-1.45) and use of tobacco products in the past 6 months (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.06-1.56). Conclusions: Psychoactive substances like Rush are popular among MSM, especially in the younger ones. MSM who played active sexual role, had non-regular sex partners and used tobacco also reported higher level of psychoactive substance use. Our findings suggest the urgent need for precise and comprehensive interventions to control the use of psychoactive substances and related hazards in young MSM.