Sexual practices and the risk of Hepatitis A in men who have sex with men in Spain

Aim To determine the frequency of and identify risk factors associated with sexual practices leading to hepatitis A infection in the population of men who have sex with men in Spain. Background The increased incidence of hepatitis A as a result of sexual contact among this population is a public health concern and a challenge in controlling sexually transmitted infections. Methods This cross-sectional, online survey-based study included 881 men who have sex with men. Unprotected oro-anal and insertive-anal sex are considered to be unsafe sexual practices associated with hepatitis A infection. Results Of all respondents, 83.4% engaged in insertive-anal sex and 71.3% in unprotected oro-anal sex during the previous 12 months. An association was found with sociodemographic factors [living alone (OR = 2; 95%CI = 1.13-3.35)] and contextual factors of sexual behaviour [previous diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection(s) (OR = 1.74; 95%CI = 1.15-2.61) and participating in 'chemsex' (OR = 5.15; 95%CI = 1.05-25.15)]. Conclusion The frequency of unsafe sexual practices associated with hepatitis A among men who have sex with men in Spain is high. Interventions based on sociodemographic and contextual factors of sexual behaviour should be implemented. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse managers should update and incorporate the support needs of men who have sex with men and take advantage of the opportunity to implement harm reduction strategies.

Automated summary

The study aimed to determine the frequency of sexual practices leading to hepatitis A infection in the population of men who have sex with men in Spain. High rates of unsafe sexual practices associated with hepatitis A were found, with sociodemographic and contextual factors of sexual behavior playing a significant role.