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.