DIFFICULTY ACCESSING CONDOMS BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC REPORTED BY MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM) IN THE UK IN A LARGE, COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY ('RIISHCOVID')

ABSTRACT

Introduction COVID-19 restrictions severely impacted in-person sexual health services, an important access point for condoms. We examine whether MSM in the UK had difficulty accessing condoms because of COVID-19 restrictions and associated factors. Methods Data on difficulty accessing condoms since the start of the pandemic (23rd March 2020) were collected as part of a short, online cross-sectional survey of MSM in November/ December 2021, recruited via social media and Grindr. Eligible participants were UK-resident MSM (cis/trans/non-binary person assigned male at birth - AMAB), aged ≥16 years who were sexually active (reported sex with men in the last year). Multivariable logistic regression to adjust for age and numbers of new sex partners was used to examine if and how reporting this outcome varied by key sociodemographic factors. Results Of all participants (N=1039), over 1 in 7 (13.3%;n=138) reported ever having difficulty accessing condoms, of whom, over half (55.8%;n=77) reported difficulty due to the pandemic (7.4% of all participants). Reporting difficulty accessing condoms was significantly higher among Younger MSM (aged 16-29 years vs. ≥45;12.8% vs. 4.9%;aOR=2.78);trans/non-binary AMAB participants (vs. cisgender males;24.4% vs. 6.6%;aOR=4.86);bisexually-identifying MSM (vs. gay-identifying;11.1% vs. 6.5%;aOR=1.78);and MSM without degree level education (vs. having a degree;9.8% vs. 5.6%;aOR=2.01). Discussion A minority of sexually active MSM reported difficulty accessing condoms because of the pandemic, however, this was more common among those who already experience a disproportionate burden of poor sexual health. Interventions are needed to address these inequalities in accessing this important primary STI/HIV prevention measure. (Table Presented).