Integrating Sexual Pleasure Into Harm Reduction Services for Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Persons Who Engage in Chemsex or Substance Use in Thailand

Integrating Sexual Pleasure Into Harm Reduction Services for Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Persons Who Engage in Chemsex or Substance Use in Thailand

The study evaluates the integration of a sexual pleasure-based approach into harm reduction services for MSM and transgender persons engaging in chemsex or substance use in Thailand, using the "Pleasuremeter" tool to improve sexual health and related outcomes.

This is a sequential exploratory mixed-methods implementation study conducted at IHRI clinics in Bangkok. The study includes a pre-implementation phase (qualitative interviews) and an implementation phase where the adapted "Pleasuremeter" is integrated into harm reduction services.

Approximately 300 participants will be enrolled and followed at baseline, month 3, and month 6. Outcomes include sexual pleasure, behavioral risk, substance use, HIV/STI testing, mental health, and socio-legal factors. The study also evaluates acceptability, satisfaction, and feasibility of integrating a pleasure-based approach into existing services.

Inclusion Criteria:

• MSM, transgender women, transgender men, or non-binary persons
• Age ≥18 years
• Engaged in chemsex or substance use within past 12 months
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to communicate in Thai sufficiently to complete study procedures