Page 132 - Ebook-Book JCMS 2025

Chemsex Among Young Men who Have Sex with Men in Thailand:
Qualitative Findings Exploring Self-perceived Pleasures and
Harms
Abhishet Varama1*, Akarin Hiransuthikul2,3, Chaninthorn Phongsinghwithaya2, Jarunee Siriphan4
,
Thanyapat Chayaananchot2, Arunrat Tangmunkongvorakul5, Thitipun Sripitathanasakul2
, Pornpit Khomshuk2
,
Piranun Hongchookiat2, Siriporn Nonenoy2, Jakkrapatara Boonruang2
,
Nittaya Phanuphak2
1 Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
2 Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI)
3 Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
4 Foundation for Action on Inclusion Rights (FAIR)
5 Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University
*Corresponding Author E-mail: abhishet.varama@docchula.com
Background: Abstract
Drug use to enhance sexual activity (chemsex) is associated with multifaceted impacts
on young men who have sex with men (MSM). A comprehensive understanding of these
impacts is pivotal for appropriate harm reduction interventions; however, little is known
about the self-perceived effects of chemsex. This cross-sectional analysis under the
Comprehensive Assessment in a Longitudinal Study on Young Men who have sex with men
Attracted to ChemseX (CLYMAX), aims to assess self-perceived effects of chemsex to better
tailor healthcare services.
Methods: Results: Forty MSM engaged in chemsex, aged 16-35, were recruited from the Institute of HIV
Research and Innovation (IHRI), Thailand via purposive sampling. Participants underwent
semi-structured, in-depth interviews (IDIs) in Thai, which were recorded, transcribed
verbatim, and thematically analyzed using Dedoose software.
Four key impacts of chemsex were identified: physical health, psychological health,
socio-economic factors, and legal issues. Physical harms included chemical effects (e.g.
injection site inflammation, respiratory tract irritation) and risks from sexual activities,
such as non-consensual sex and increased STI risk. Psychologically, while some remained
stable, others faced anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Socio-economically,
chemsex disrupted work, relationships, and financial stability. Legally, fear of arrest and
distrust of law enforcement led to paranoia and reluctance to seek medical care. Despite
these risks, participants reported self-perceived benefits of chemsex such as heightened
sexual pleasure, increased social engagement, and a sense of community belonging.
130 Joint Conference in Medical Sciences 2025