Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39893472›Full record

ArticleHarm reduction journal2025

Barriers to uptake of harm reduction techniques for GBMSM who use drugs in night-clubs and sex-on-premises venues in London and the Southeast: a mixed-methods, qualitative study.

Stephen Naulls, K Oniti, J Eccles, J M Stone

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Harm reduction journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Stephen NaullsDepartment of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK. Stephen.naulls5@nhs.net.
K OnitiInstitute of Global Health Innovation, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK.
J EcclesDepartment of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
J M StoneDepartment of Clinical Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDrug-related harm is a significant public health concern in the UK, particularly among underserved groups such as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study explores the role of night-time venues (for example night clubs or sex-on-premises venues) in promoting harm reduction strategies for GBMSM who use drugs, highlighting unique challenges within these spaces.

methodsThe study used a mixed-methods approach, including an online survey (n = 53) and semi-structured interviews (n = 8). Participants included GBMSM with lived experience of substance use in night-time venues, as well as those providing support to this population. Data was collected through a Likert-scale survey and thematic analysis of qualitative responses.

resultsFindings reveal dissatisfaction among survey respondents about the level of support for harm reduction provided by night-time venues, which are perceived as inconsistent in their approach towards substance use. The study also identifies economic and legal barriers faced by venues that prevent the endorsement of harm reduction techniques.

conclusionsAddressing these barriers could transform night-time venues into effective sites for harm reduction, particularly by targeting "afters" culture (the phenomenon where club-goers will return to a residential setting and continue substance use for prolonged periods 'after' the night-time venue closes or the event ends) and promoting safer practices. This research suggests that coordinated efforts with local government and policy reform are crucial to fostering safer environments for GBMSM.

Indexed as

Harm ReductionHomosexuality, MaleSexual and Gender MinoritiesSubstance-Related DisordersAdultFemaleHumansLondonMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchSurveys and QuestionnairesYoung AdultAddictionCHEMSEXGBMSMHarm reductionLGBTQIA+People who use drugsSexualised drug use

Identifiers

PMID39893472
PMCPMC11786357

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.