Sexual behaviour and HIV prevention needs of men attending a suburban Sex on Premises Venue

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-20-2015

Abstract

Background: Sexual behaviour and HIV prevention needs of men who have sex with men (MSM) attending suburban Sex on Premises Venues (SOPVs) are understudied. Methods: A cross-sectional survey examining sexual activity, health services utilisation, sexual health services needs and STI knowledge was conducted among MSM over 18 years old attending a SOPV in Western Sydney between June and July 2013. Results: A total of 213 MSM were sampled; approximately half of the respondents (51%) reported that they only had sex with other men, and 46% had sex with both men and women. Condom use varied considerably, with ~50% of responders not using condoms consistently during anal sex. Consistent condom usage was not associated with having regular, casual or a mix of regular and casual partners during anal sex (P = 0.09). The majority (59.5%) obtained sexual health screening services from general practitioners; only 15.0% sought services from a local sexual health clinic. Over half of respondents (57.7%) believed that SOPVs should offer on-site and free testing services. Those with the highest level of previous STI diagnoses were gay men (41%), those who only had casual partners (38%) and those who did not complete high school (65%). Conclusions: Sexual health services and non-government organisations should consider targeting bisexual men with rapid HIV testing and condom usage campaigns. Low cost or free on-site HIV and STI testing at SOPVs and stronger partnerships between general practitioners and sexual health services are needed.

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Publication Title

Sexual Health

Published Citation

Santella Anthony J., Schlub Timothy E., Ooi Catriona, Varma Rick, Holt Martin, Prestage Garrett, Hillman Richard J. (2015) Sexual behaviour and HIV prevention needs of men attending a suburban Sex on Premises Venue. Sexual Health 12, 383-389. https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14227

DOI

10.1071/SH14227

Peer Reviewed

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