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Associations between Drug Use and Sexual Risk Behaviours among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Japan: Results from the Cross-Sectional LASH Study

Author

Listed:
  • Takeshi Miwa

    (Positive Living and Community Empowerment Tokyo (PLACE TOKYO), 4-11-5-403 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075, Japan)

  • Masazumi Yamaguchi

    (Hakujikai Choju Rehabilitation Hospital, 5-13-7 Shikahama, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 123-0864, Japan)

  • Tomoko Ohtsuki

    (Positive Living and Community Empowerment Tokyo (PLACE TOKYO), 4-11-5-403 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075, Japan)

  • Gaku Oshima

    (School of Information and Communication, Meiji University, 1-1 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8301, Japan)

  • Chihiro Wakabayashi

    (School of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University, 820 Sannomiya, Koshigaya-shi, Saitama 343-8540, Japan)

  • Sachiko Nosaka

    (Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, 1-2 Yamadaoka, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan)

  • Kanna Hayashi

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada)

  • Yuzuru Ikushima

    (Positive Living and Community Empowerment Tokyo (PLACE TOKYO), 4-11-5-403 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075, Japan)

  • Masayoshi Tarui

    (Positive Living and Community Empowerment Tokyo (PLACE TOKYO), 4-11-5-403 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075, Japan)

Abstract

This study assessed drug use patterns among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Japan, and evaluated their potential associations with sexual risk behaviours. Between September and October 2016, study subjects were recruited through a cross-sectional survey (LASH: Love Life and Sexual Health) using a geosocial networking application for MSM. Of the participants, 25.4% (1756/6921) reported ever having used drugs, and 11.3% (780/6921) reported having done so in the past six months. Those who used drugs were more likely to have greater knowledge of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Drug use in the past six months was independently associated with each of the following sexual risk behaviours in the same period: (i) six or more sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.30–3.17); (ii) condomless anal intercourse (aOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 2.43–3.42); (iii) group sex (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 2.22–3.05); and (iv) sex work (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.67–3.16). These results suggest that MSM in Japan who use drugs are more likely to report sexual risk behaviours, while also having greater knowledge of HIV/STIs. Supporting MSM to minimise the harm from drug use may be helpful in reducing HIV transmission among this priority population.

Suggested Citation

  • Takeshi Miwa & Masazumi Yamaguchi & Tomoko Ohtsuki & Gaku Oshima & Chihiro Wakabayashi & Sachiko Nosaka & Kanna Hayashi & Yuzuru Ikushima & Masayoshi Tarui, 2023. "Associations between Drug Use and Sexual Risk Behaviours among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Japan: Results from the Cross-Sectional LASH Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:13:p:6275-:d:1185225
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Adam O Hill & Benjamin R Bavinton & Gregory Armstrong, 2018. "Prevalence and Factors Associated with Inconsistent Condom Use among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Who Use Mobile Geo-Social Networking Applications in Greater Tokyo," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Hirshfield, S. & Schrimshaw, E.W. & Stall, R.D. & Margolis, A.D. & Downing, M.J. & Chiasson, M.A., 2015. "Drug use, sexual risk, and syndemic production among men who have sex with men who engage in group sexual encounters," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(9), pages 1849-1858.
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