Chemsex, a Contemporary Challenge for Public Health

Mylene Bolmont; Olivier Nawej Tshikung; Laurence Toutous Trellu

doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.616

Chemsex, a Contemporary Challenge for Public Health

J Sex Med. 2022 Aug;19(8):1210-1213. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.616. Epub 2022 Apr 29.

Authors

Mylene Bolmont¹, Olivier Nawej Tshikung², Laurence Toutous Trellu³

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Geneva University Hospitals, Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland. Electronic address: mylene.bolmont@unige.ch.
² Geneva University Hospitals, Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland.
³ Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Geneva University Hospitals, Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.

PMID: 35501254
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.616

Abstract

Chemsex, a specific form of sexualized drug use (SDU), has rapidly increased in the last decade. This phenomenon could result in a complex public health issue because of the heterogeneity amongst socio-psychological profiles of the practitioners, leading to the difficulty to target specific populations. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of this practice and its related risks to provide care adapted to the individual who consults. Here, we suggest that better knowledge of this field can help to improve prevention measures and provide information with a non-judgmental and respectful approach to those who practice chemsex. Bolmont M, Tshikung ON, Trellu LT. Chemsex, a Contemporary Challenge for Public Health. J Sex Med 2022;19:1210-1213.

Keywords: Chemsex; LGBTQIA+; Public Health; Risky Sexual Behavior.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Homosexuality, Male / psychology
Humans
Male
Public Health
Sexual Behavior
Sexual and Gender Minorities*
Substance-Related Disorders*