[Awareness of chemsex, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and sexual behavior in primary health care in Spain]

Abstract

Objective: To describe the degree of knowledge of primary care professionals about the practice of chemsex, its potential side effects and pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV (PrEP).

Material and methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study using an online survey aimed at primary care professionals. The survey consisted of 25 questions on: (i)sociodemographic data; (ii)performance of sexual interview in the consultation; (iii) level of knowledge about the use of chemsex and its complications; (iv)degree of knowledge about PrEP, and (v)training needs of professionals. The survey was designed in ArgisSurvey123 and distributed through SEMERGEN via distribution list and corporate mail.

Results: One hundred and fifty-seven responses were obtained during the survey distribution period (February-March 2022). The majority of respondents were women (71.8%). The percentage of sexual interviewing in routine clinical practice was low. Most respondents (73%) had heard of chemsex, but were not comfortable with their knowledge of the pharmacokinetic properties of the main drugs used in this practice. 52.3% of respondents claimed to have no knowledge of PrEP.

Conclusions: Updating and responding to the training needs of professionals regarding chemsex and PrEP is essential to ensure the care and quality of care for our patients.

Keywords: Chemsex; HIV; PrEP; Pre-exposure prophylaxis; Primary health care; Profilaxis pre-exposición profilaxis; Sexual behavior interview; VIH entrevista sexual y Atención Primaria.