Sexual behaviour and HIV prevention needs of men attending a suburban Sex on Premises Venue
Anthony J. Santella A B G , Timothy E. Schlub C , Catriona Ooi B D , Rick Varma B , Martin Holt E , Garrett Prestage F and Richard J. Hillman B DA Hofstra University, Department of Health Professions, 201 Hofstra University, New York, NY 11549, USA.
B Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, University of Sydney, 162 Marsden Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia.
C Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Fisher Road, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia.
D Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
E Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, High Street, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
F The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, High Street, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
G Corresponding author. Email: Anthony.Santella@hofstra.edu
Sexual Health 12(5) 383-389 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14227
Submitted: 27 November 2014 Accepted: 21 May 2015 Published: 20 July 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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