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THE IMPACT OF FIRST UK-WIDE LOCKDOWN (MARCHJUNE 2020) ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS IN MEN AND GENDER DIVERSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A CROSSSECTIONAL SURVEY
Sexually Transmitted Infections ; 98:A62, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1956933
ABSTRACT
Introduction Men and gender diverse people who have sex with men (MGDSM) are at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions at the beginning of the pandemic might have altered their sexual behaviours and thus their susceptibility to STIs. We examined the impact of the first UK-wide lockdown on sexual behaviours and explored factors related to casual sexual activity at the time when it was discouraged by official guidelines. Methods In April-May 2020, we conducted an online 40-item survey, promoted on social media and Grindr, which assessed engagement in various sexual activities, anxiety about COVID- 19 and relevant demographic factors. We performed regression analyses to identify changes in sexual behaviour during the lockdown and characteristics of those who engaged in casual sex. Results Out of 1429 respondents (mean age=36, 84% White), 76% reported not having any casual sex, 12% engaged in casual sex with only one person and 5% with four or more sexual partners during lockdown. Reporting casual sex during lockdown was associated with lower level of education OR=2.37[95%CI1.40-4.01];identifying as a member of an ethnic minority OR=2.27[1.40-3.53];more frequent (daily) usage of sexual networking apps OR=2.24[1.54-3.25];being less anxious about contracting COVID-19 through sex OR=1.66[1.12-2.44];using PrEP before lockdown OR=1.75 [1.20-2.56];continuing to use PrEP OR=2.79[1.76-4.57];and testing for STIs during lockdown OR=2.65[1.76-3.99]. Discussion Three-quarters of respondents ceased sexually activity with casual sex partners and those sexually active were also more likely to use PrEP and utilise sexual health screening, which may partially explain the temporary decline in STIs.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study Language: English Journal: Sexually Transmitted Infections Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study Language: English Journal: Sexually Transmitted Infections Year: 2022 Document Type: Article