Rapid online surveys of risk behaviours, health outcomes, and sexual health service (SHS) need and access among men who have sex with men (MSM) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic response

The effect of social distancing measures and their cessation on STI/blood-borne viruses (BBV) transmission and MSM’s need for SHS is unknown. We described changes in sexual and recreational drug use behaviours in MSM during and after social distancing, to assess the impact on SHS need, access and use in these men, and to describe the impact of the shift to online service provision on testing/ vaccination coverage and BBV/STI diagnosis, treatment uptake and inequalities in access.

The research will support UKHSA’s work with local government, NHSE/I and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) at DHSC to better plan SHS capacity/configurations during and after the COVID-19 response, and to identify and address inequalities.