The Impact of First UK-Wide Lockdown (March–June 2020) on Sexual Behaviors in Men and Gender Diverse People Who Have Sex with Men During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in strict social distancing measures restricting close physical contact. Men (cis and trans) and other gender diverse people who have sex with men (MGDSM) are at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and may have experienced changes in sexual behavior during government restrictions on social and sexual contact. We aimed to examine self-reported sexual behavior of MGDSM during the first UK-wide lockdown to identify the characteristics of the individuals who might most require sexual health promotion and clinical support. In April–May 2020, we conducted an online survey of MGDSM, promoted on social media and Grindr. Our exploratory approach used descriptive analysis to identify self-reported changes in sexual behavior and performed regression analyses to identify correlates of casual sex during the lockdown. A total of 1429 respondents completed the survey: mean age 36 years, 84% White, 97% male or trans male, 98% assigned male sex at birth, 2% female or non-binary, 65% degree educated or higher. During the lockdown, 76% reported not having any casual sex partners. While the majority reported reduced casual sex, 3% reported an increase in casual sex with one person and 2% with three or more people (group sex). About 12% of the sample engaged in casual sex with only one person and 5% with four or more sexual partners during the lockdown. Reporting casual sex during lockdown was associated with: lower level of education OR = 2.37 [95% CI 1.40–4.01]; identifying as a member of an ethnic minority OR = 2.27[1.40–3.53]; daily usage of sexual networking apps OR = 2.24[1.54–3.25]; being less anxious about contracting SARS-CoV-2 through sex OR = 1.66[1.12–2.44]; using PrEP before lockdown OR = 1.75[1.20–2.56]; continuing to use PrEP OR = 2.79[1.76–4.57]; and testing for STIs during lockdown OR = 2.65[1.76–3.99]. A quarter of respondents remained sexually active with casual partners, indicating a need to provide STI screening services and health promotion targeted to groups most likely to have need over this period. Future research is required to better understand how to support sexual and gender minorities to manage sexual risk in the context of pandemic public health initiatives.