Chemsex-Related Risk Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Profiling and Mapping Psychological Vulnerability Over Time

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Chemsex, the intentional use of psychoactive substances in sexual contexts among men who have sex with men, is associated with significant mental and sexual health risks.
• Understanding the psychological factors contributing to chemsex engagement and associated risks is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map psychological vulnerability to chemsex and related risks over 12 months using latent profile analysis.
• To identify distinct psychological profiles among chemsex users based on personality traits, identity resilience, and homonegativity.
• To examine transitions between these profiles and their associations with mental and sexual health outcomes over time.

Main Methods:

• Latent profile analysis was employed in Study 1 (N=503) to identify psychological profiles.
• McNemar-Bowker's test was used in Study 2 to examine 12-month profile transitions.
• Associations between profiles, transitions, and mental/sexual health risks were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Four distinct profiles were identified: Impulsive, Insecure, Self-Centered, and Withdrawn.
• Profile membership was largely stable, with notable transitions from the Insecure and Withdrawn profiles to others.
• Transitions, particularly from Withdrawn to Self-Centered, were associated with improved sleep quality.

Conclusions:

• The findings enhance understanding of who engages in chemsex, when vulnerability is highest, and why certain users experience poorer outcomes.
• Distinct psychological profiles necessitate person-centered harm reduction strategies for chemsex users.
• Longitudinal analysis reveals dynamic shifts in vulnerability and well-being within chemsex populations.