Factors determining risk sex practices in the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men

a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Cases of Sexually Transmitted Diseases are increasing at present, especially in men who have sex with men. The main objective of this study was to analyze factors that are related to risky sexual behaviors in the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases in the population of men who have sex with men.

Methodology: A systematic review was carried out by searching the Pubmed, CINAHL, Cuiden, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. The mixed methods assessment tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the articles.

Results: A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria and were therefore included in this systematic review. The identified factors were grouped into 12 aspects: child sexual abuse, alcohol consumption, cruising, stigma, chemsex, age, country of origin, means of explicit sex, programs for the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, psychosocial problems, type of partner and sexual role.

Conclusions: Young men who have sex with men participate in a greater number of sexual risk behaviors due to a series of factors that make them more vulnerable. The improper use of the internet when it comes to acquiring risky sexual behaviors and the saturation with respect to current educational interventions in prevention are the main associated factors.