Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative study
Abstract Background Drug-related harm is a significant public health concern in the UK, particularly among underserved groups such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study explores the role of night-time venues (for example night clubs or sex-on-premises venues) in p...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Harm Reduction Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01159-2 |
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| author | Stephen Naulls K. Oniti J. Eccles J. M. Stone |
| author_facet | Stephen Naulls K. Oniti J. Eccles J. M. Stone |
| author_sort | Stephen Naulls |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Drug-related harm is a significant public health concern in the UK, particularly among underserved groups such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study explores the role of night-time venues (for example night clubs or sex-on-premises venues) in promoting harm reduction strategies for GBMSM who use drugs, highlighting unique challenges within these spaces. Methods The study used a mixed-methods approach, including an online survey (n = 53) and semi-structured interviews (n = 8). Participants included GBMSM with lived experience of substance use in night-time venues, as well as those providing support to this population. Data was collected through a Likert-scale survey and thematic analysis of qualitative responses. Results Findings reveal dissatisfaction among survey respondents about the level of support for harm reduction provided by night-time venues, which are perceived as inconsistent in their approach towards substance use. The study also identifies economic and legal barriers faced by venues that prevent the endorsement of harm reduction techniques. Conclusions Addressing these barriers could transform night-time venues into effective sites for harm reduction, particularly by targeting “afters” culture (the phenomenon where club-goers will return to a residential setting and continue substance use for prolonged periods ‘after’ the night-time venue closes or the event ends) and promoting safer practices. This research suggests that coordinated efforts with local government and policy reform are crucial to fostering safer environments for GBMSM. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-76a43049c3ec43a585621d28f5e5383b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1477-7517 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Harm Reduction Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-76a43049c3ec43a585621d28f5e5383b2025-02-02T12:14:39ZengBMCHarm Reduction Journal1477-75172025-02-0122111010.1186/s12954-025-01159-2Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative studyStephen Naulls0K. Oniti1J. Eccles2J. M. Stone3Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical SchoolInstitute of Global Health Innovation, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College School of MedicineDepartment of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical SchoolDepartment of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical SchoolAbstract Background Drug-related harm is a significant public health concern in the UK, particularly among underserved groups such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study explores the role of night-time venues (for example night clubs or sex-on-premises venues) in promoting harm reduction strategies for GBMSM who use drugs, highlighting unique challenges within these spaces. Methods The study used a mixed-methods approach, including an online survey (n = 53) and semi-structured interviews (n = 8). Participants included GBMSM with lived experience of substance use in night-time venues, as well as those providing support to this population. Data was collected through a Likert-scale survey and thematic analysis of qualitative responses. Results Findings reveal dissatisfaction among survey respondents about the level of support for harm reduction provided by night-time venues, which are perceived as inconsistent in their approach towards substance use. The study also identifies economic and legal barriers faced by venues that prevent the endorsement of harm reduction techniques. Conclusions Addressing these barriers could transform night-time venues into effective sites for harm reduction, particularly by targeting “afters” culture (the phenomenon where club-goers will return to a residential setting and continue substance use for prolonged periods ‘after’ the night-time venue closes or the event ends) and promoting safer practices. This research suggests that coordinated efforts with local government and policy reform are crucial to fostering safer environments for GBMSM.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01159-2LGBTQIA+GBMSMCHEMSEXSexualised drug usePeople who use drugsHarm reduction |
| spellingShingle | Stephen Naulls K. Oniti J. Eccles J. M. Stone Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative study Harm Reduction Journal LGBTQIA+ GBMSM CHEMSEX Sexualised drug use People who use drugs Harm reduction |
| title | Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative study |
| title_full | Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative study |
| title_short | Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative study |
| title_sort | barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for gbmsm who use drugs in night clubs and sex on premises venues in london and the southeast a mixed methods qualitative study |
| topic | LGBTQIA+ GBMSM CHEMSEX Sexualised drug use People who use drugs Harm reduction |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01159-2 |
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