What is it about?
Chemsex is the intentional use of psychoactive drugs before or during sex to enhance pleasure, increase intimacy, or prolong sexual activity. It has become an important public health issue among men who have sex with men (MSM) because it is associated with behaviors that increase the risk of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mental health problems, and drug-related harms. Although chemsex has been studied in several countries, no research had previously examined its prevalence or associated factors in Myanmar. This study was conducted to address that knowledge gap and provide evidence to inform HIV prevention and harm reduction strategies. We conducted an anonymous online survey of 415 MSM living in Yangon between December 2024 and January 2025. Participants were recruited through social media platforms and dating applications. The study examined the prevalence of chemsex, the drugs used, sexual practices during chemsex, attitudes toward chemsex, and factors associated with chemsex. The findings showed that one in four participants had engaged in chemsex, while one in five had done so within the previous six months. Methamphetamine was the most commonly used substance, and many participants reported inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, and group sex during chemsex sessions. Participants also reported adverse physical and psychological effects, including anxiety and panic attacks. Gay identity, smoking, group sex, and having multiple sexual partners were independently associated with chemsex. As the first study of its kind in Myanmar, this research provides important evidence that chemsex is an emerging public health concern among MSM in Yangon. The findings support the need for integrated interventions that combine HIV prevention, STI screening, harm reduction, mental health support, and community-based sexual health services. They also provide policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations with locally relevant evidence to develop targeted programs that improve the health and well-being of MSM in Myanmar.
Featured Image
Photo by Sushil Nash on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This study addresses an important evidence gap by providing the first data on chemsex among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Myanmar. Without local evidence, it has been difficult for healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers to design effective HIV prevention and sexual health programs that reflect the needs of this population. The findings offer a better understanding of an emerging public health issue in a setting where stigma, criminalization, and disruptions to healthcare continue to limit access to services. By generating locally relevant evidence, this research provides a foundation for developing targeted harm reduction strategies, improving access to HIV and STI prevention services, and informing future research and health policies. It also highlights the importance of delivering non-judgmental, community-centered care that addresses both sexual health and substance use, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for MSM in Myanmar.
Perspectives
As a physician working with underserved populations in Myanmar, I have witnessed the ongoing challenges faced by men who have sex with men (MSM) in accessing sexual health information and services. Chemsex is an important but often overlooked issue, particularly in Myanmar, where stigma, criminalization, and disruptions to healthcare following the 2021 military coup have created additional barriers to HIV prevention and care. These experiences motivated me to undertake this study. Publishing the first research on chemsex among MSM in Myanmar is a meaningful milestone for me. I hope this work raises awareness that chemsex is not only about drug use but also about the broader social and health challenges affecting a vulnerable community. More importantly, I hope the findings encourage healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to develop evidence-based, non-judgmental, and culturally appropriate interventions. I also hope this publication inspires further research on the health needs of sexual minorities in Myanmar and contributes to improving HIV prevention, harm reduction, and equitable access to healthcare.
Naung Latt Htun
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Chemsex among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Yangon, Myanmar: Prevalence, practices, and associated risk factors, PLOS One, July 2026, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0353993.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
