Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Understanding sexual health service access for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis: Findings from the EMERGE survey. |
| Authors: |
Shanley, Adam, O'Donnell, Kate, Weatherburn, Peter, Gilmore, John, Witzel, T. Charles |
| Source: |
PLoS ONE; 7/1/2024, Vol. 19 Issue 7, p1-13, 13p |
| Subject Terms: |
HIV testing kits, COVID-19 pandemic, BISEXUAL men, SEXUAL health, MEDICAL care, DIAGNOSIS of HIV infections |
| Geographic Terms: |
IRELAND |
| Abstract: |
Background: In the Republic of Ireland, the COVID-19 crisis led to sexual health service closures while clinical staff were redeployed to the pandemic response. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) face pre-existing sexual health inequalities which may have been exacerbated. The aim of this study is to understand sexual health service accessibility for gbMSM in Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis. Methods: EMERGE recruited 980 gbMSM in Ireland (June-July 2021) to an anonymous online survey investigating well-being and service access through geo-location sexual networking apps (Grindr/Growlr), social media (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter) and collaborators. We fit multiple regression models reporting odds ratios (ORs) to understand how demographic and behavioural characteristics (age, sexual orientation, HIV testing history/status, region of residence, region of birth and education) were associated with ability to access services. Results: Of the respondents, 410 gbMSM accessed sexual health services with some or no difficulty and 176 attempted but were unable to access services during the COVID-19 crisis. A further 382 gbMSM did not attempt to access services and were excluded from this sample and analysis. Baseline: mean age 35.4 years, 88% gay, 83% previously tested for HIV, 69% Dublin-based, 71% born in Ireland and 74% with high level of education. In multiple regression, gbMSM aged 56+ years (aOR = 0.38, 95%CI:0.16, 0.88), not previously tested for HIV (aOR = 0.46, 95%CI:0.23, 0.93) and with medium and low education (aOR = 0.55 95%CI:0.35, 0.85) had lowest odds of successfully accessing services. GbMSM with HIV were most likely to be able to access services successfully (aOR = 2.68 95%CI:1.83, 6.08). Most disrupted services were: STI testing, HIV testing and PrEP. Conclusions: Service access difficulties were found to largely map onto pre-existing sexual health inequalities for gbMSM. Future service development efforts should prioritise (re)engaging older gbMSM, those who have not previously tested for HIV and those without high levels of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |
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