O-49 Substance Use Among Men who Have Sex with Men In Region 4 Guyana and its Effects on Risky Sexual Behavior
Author(s):
N. Tamayo-Jimenez, D. Sharma
Year of Presentation:
2023
Objective: Question:How is the epidemiology of recreational non-prescription drug use and its association with
risky sexual behaviour manifested among Men who Have
Sex with Men (MSM) in Guyana. Goal: To understand substance use/abuse among MSM
in the context of the most populated region in Guyana
(Region 4), the reasons for such use and the underlying
causes for such reasons.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study whichdescribed the prevalence and factors relating to substance use among MSMs in Region 4 and seeks to measure the association principally between drug use and risky sexual behaviour. Participants were all 18 years or older at the time of the survey. The data was collected using questionnaires.
Results: From 117 respondents 52.2% were between the ages 18–25. 71% of all participants used marijuana, 22 % used ecstasy and another 72% used alcohol. 33% of the participants had sex with a partner known to be infected with HIV/ non-HIV STI, while under the influence of a drug. 76.2% of all the respondents who used marijuana were between the ages of 18–30, 40.5 % of this group were between 21–25 years old. 57.1 % identified as Afro-Guyanese. 61.9% of those who consumed marijuana also consumed alcohol and 25.6% consumed ecstasy. There was a significant association between marijuana use and the number of male partners over the last 12 months. Specifically, MSMs who used marijuana were 2.3 times more likely to have an annual number of 5 or more male partners (regular or casual). Also, there was an association between alcohol use and post-consumption unprotected sex (sex within 8 hours of consumption).
Conclusion: Therewas a need for specific interventions among MSM pertaining to drug use, risk perception and reduction efforts. Psychosocial support would also be beneficial.