Chemsex Professional Training Program in Catalonia

Chemsex refers to a specific type of sexualized substance use linked mostly to gay sexual culture. It has been defined as the intentional use of drugs for sexual purposes over an extended period of time. Chemsex is considered a public health issue due to its intensive and prolonged nature, which can have serious implications for sexual and mental health, potentially leading to addiction and compromising the well-being of those involved.

In Catalonia, a collaborative work between community-based organizations, addiction care services, HIV and STI centres led in 2021 in a consensus document that defines the preventive and assistance actions to take to approach this phenomenon. As a result, a training program was designed in order to target professionals working on services with a crucial role in addressing the health needs of chemsex users. 

Training contents included basic concepts on chemsex, substances mostly used, cultural competencies in LGBTQ+ and chemsex, integrated approach, intervention and coodinarion of different services; and sexual and substance use risk reduction. 

The aim of this study is to evaluate the coverage and impact of the training in different health and social services.

Two questionnaires were conducted before and after the training to collect sociodemographic data, profession, workplace, previous training and satisfaction. Descriptive analysis was carried on the information gathered from the respondents.

Between 2022 and 2023, 10 online courses were conducted, ranging from 2 to 9 hours depending on the course. Of the 2,328 people enrolled, 64% passed the training, 74% were women, 28% were men, and 14% preferred not to specify. 34% had had received previous training on the subject, with differences observed between addiction professionals and those in community organizations, both showing a higher percentage of prior training. 

44% of participants in the courses were nurses, 20% were from the medical field, and 17% were psychologists. There was also a smaller representation of professionals in social work, education, and other social sciences, showing differences depending on the service targeted for training.

Regarding the services where participants work, a total of 20 different services were identified. Primary care had the highest number of professionals, accounting for 55%, followed by emergency medical services and outpatient addiction treatment centres, both with 8%.

Participants gave a global score of 8.33 out of 10, highlighting as positive aspects: the structure of the courses, the approach, and the clarity of the content; the extensive knowledge of the trainers; the newness of the subject; the applicability to their workplace; the interdisciplinary approach.

Continuous training for professionals on chemsex is a key element to improve health and social assistance to chemsex users, reduce the associated stigma and better detect health problems related to this practice.