Article Text
Abstract
Background/introduction Recent increases in reported recreational-drug use in MSM are associated with high-risk sexual behaviour and poor (sexual) health outcomes. There is little comparative research in non-MSM. Brighton Station Health Centre offers both walk-in general and sexual-health services.
Aim(s)/objectives To compare reported drug use between patients attending the sexual health and general walk-in services.
Methods A Self-completed service-evaluation recording details of drug use in the previous 6-months was offered to all patients attending during a week in October-2014.
Results 125/633(19%) completed the survey; 75/125(60%) were attending sexual-health; 33/125 identified as male and 1 as trans*. 8/33(24%) men identified as MSM. The median age was 30-years. 12/50(24%) patients attending general-health and 18(24%) sexual-health reported drug use; most respondents using >1 drug: MDMA (n = 21) and Cocaine (n = 18) most popular. Ketamine was reported by 7/125–all heterosexual; Mephedrone, GBL and Crystal almost exclusively by MSM. 1/125 (MSM) reported Intravenous-Drug use (Crystal-Meth). Most were infrequent drug-users with 21/125(70%) using <1/month. 2/125(6%) reported using drugs >1/week. 22/30(73%) did not feel that drugs were having a negative effect on their life; 19/30 63% said that their risk behaviour and likelihood of having unprotected sex was not increased using drugs. Only 3 patients wanted advice on drug-use. Most (46%) would prefer advice about drugs from specialist drug services.
Discussion/conclusion In this small study there was no difference in reported drug use between MSM and non MSM, however the pattern of drug-use differs. As most felt that their drug-use was not problematic they are unlikely to seek advice and so general walk-in services offer opportunities for early intervention.