Specialised training on Chemsex for sexual health and alcohol and other drugs workers : a pilot

A pilot study investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of a four-week course in equipping sexual health/HIV (SHHIV) and alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers’ to provide care to men who have sex with men (MSM) engaging in chemsex (a subculture of sexualised drug use involving methamphetamine among MSM). The course was in an asynchronous, online format, hosted on a platform called Moodle Cloud.
Changes in workers’ confidence were measured using a pre- and post-course survey, and feasibility of the course format was measured using participant log-in data and post-course feedback survey. A base level of knowledge was assessed via a quiz, discussion forums and a final assignment. 13 AOD and 22 SHHIV workers initially enrolled in the course (total n= 35), of which 20 finished the course. Of the 20 who finished the course, 10 AOD and 7 SHHIV workers (total n = 17) completed both pre- and post-course surveys.
Paired t-tests were used to measure changes in confidence on surveys, 2x2 ANOVA used to explore relationship between differences in confidence scores according to worker type (AOD vs SHHIV). Scores on the quiz, assignments and qualitative data from forums used to measure participant knowledge, and log-in data and post-course feedback survey used to measure feasibility of online learning platform.
Significant differences in confidence were found as well as large effect sizes post course (p= .004 - <.001, Cohen’s d= 0.823 - 1.953). Good levels of participant satisfaction with course format and changes in knowledge were seen. An in-depth, asynchronous online course is an effective way to ensure adequate knowledge of chemsex and increase the confidence of SHHIV and AOD workers in providing care to MSM engaging in chemsex. Suggestions for future research are offered.