Abstract
BackgroundAlcohol consumption is a major public health concern in Ireland. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). However, little is known about the prevalence of AUD in this group in Ireland specifically, and the characteristics of MSM who may struggle with this. MethodsThe European MSM Internet Survey 2017 was an online, self-completed, anonymous questionnaire among MSM in Ireland. Standardised questions were used to explore a variety of topics. The validated CAGE-4 questionnaire was used to screen for potential AUD, defined as a CAGE-4 score of ≥2 out of 4. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with potential AUD. ResultsIn total, 1793 MSM met inclusion criteria. 31 % screened positive for AUD. We observed higher odds of possible AUD among MSM who were bisexual (vs. gay/homosexual) (aOR 1.48 95 %CI 1.01–2.18), native to Ireland (vs. non-native) (aOR 1.49 95 %CI 1.12–1.96), unemployed (vs. employed) (aOR 1.80 95 %CI 1.02–3.16), had used illicit drugs in the previous year (vs. none) (cannabis only, aOR 1.74 95 %CI 1.14–2.63) (other illicit drugs, aOR 2.28 95 %CI 1.67–3.09), reported anxiety/depression (vs. none) (aOR 1.73 95 %CI 1.12–2.66), and MSM who experienced homophobic abuse (vs. never) (aOR 1.55 95 %CI 1.09–2.22). Student MSM were less likely to screen positive for AUD (vs. employed) (aOR 0.65 95 %CI 0.46−0.93). ConclusionsThe prevalence of AUD appears to be higher in the MSM population compared to the general male population in Ireland. Targeted interventions may be warranted to reduce the burden of AUD among MSM.
Highlights
alcohol consumption. The Public Health (Alcohol) use disorder (AUD), which encompasses both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), is a pervasive public health problem that brings with it a myriad of physical, economic, and psychosocial ramifications (Medina-Mora et al, 2016)
1793 participants (86.1 % of overall sample) that were aged 18 years or older, were not previously diagnosed with human immu nodeficiency virus (HIV), had consumed alcohol in the previous 12 months, and who had complete CAGE-4 data recorded were included in the sample
555 (31 %) out of all men who have sex with men (MSM) who consumed alcohol within the previous year met the criteria for possible Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Summary
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), which encompasses both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), is a pervasive public health problem that brings with it a myriad of physical, economic, and psychosocial ramifications (Medina-Mora et al, 2016). Previous research proposes that AUD may disproportionately impact men who have sex with men (MSM) (Hsiang et al, 2018; Irwin and Morgenstern, 2005). This is a cause for concern since MSM already face substantial health inequalities (Barrett et al, 2019). MSM struggle with a higher prevalence of both anxiety and depression in comparison to the general population (King et al, 2008) They are disproportionately impacted by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immu nodeficiency virus (HIV) (Folch et al, 2010; Li and McDaid, 2014; Sander et al, 2013). Targeted interventions may be warranted to reduce the burden of AUD among MSM
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
