The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on men having sex with men (MSM)

ABSTRACT

Social distancing including lockdowns are acceptable measures to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross sectional study, we surveyed the impact of these measurements on sexual behavior and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) use among MSM. A digital questionnaire was distributed via social media and geographically based meeting applications after the first lockdown (March–April 2020). 1194 MSM responded, 91.8% were HIV negative, 19.4% of them used PrEP regularly, and 8.2% were people living with HIV (PLWH). Median age was 34.5 years. 54.4% reported that they kept strictly social distancing guidelines. Low education, hazardous sexual behavior, moderate/severe, and depression predicted low compliance with social distancing guidelines. 66.7% reported a significant decrease in the number of casual sex partners. 55% of those who took PrEP reduced their PrEP intake. Many of the PLWH and PrEP users reduced their medical follow-up. In light of the continuous outbreak and the risk of further outbreaks in the future consideration should be given to provide continuing access to HIV and sexual health clinics.

KEYWORDS:

• MSM
• COVID-19
• HIV
• PrEP
• behavior

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical approval

This study was approved by the Sheba institutional review board SMC-7376-20.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by the LGBT medical society.