Abstract
Introduction: Sex addiction is the inability to control sexual impulses resulting in continued sex related behaviors despite the negative consequences. This is the first study conducted on PSA among MSMs in Sri Lanka. Objective: To describe the prevalence of PSA and its associating factors among MSMs who attend STD clinic, Kalubowila.
Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 240 MSM clinic attendees for a period of 1 year, using the PATHOS screening tool via an interviewer administered questionnaire. PATHOS consists of six items found in both the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) and its revision, and the cut off value is 3. Data was analyzed by SPSS.
Result: The mean age of participants was 29.38 years (SD 9.7). Majority were unmarried, had male partners only and had 1 or more partners in last 3 months. A quarter was diagnosed with a new STD and among them, 3 were diagnosed with HIV. Eighty-two MSMs had PATHOS cut off value, giving 34% a prevalence of PSA. Approximately 75% felt that their life was controlled by sexual desire, and 40% felt depressed following sex. Presence of PSA was not significantly associated with the presence of a STD (p=0.224623), sex of partners(p=0.289935) or number of partners. However, PSA was significantly associated with behaviors such as insertive and receptive anal sex (p=0.041046 & p=0.037916) and feeling depressed following a sexual act (p <0.00001).
Conclusion: PSA is high among MSMs who attended this STD clinic which needs further psychosexual assessment.
Keywords: Potential sexual addiction , MSM , PATHOS screening tool
How to Cite: Perera, P.A.D.M.P., Abeygunasekera, N., Gunewardhana, C.U., Kumarasinghe, N.H. and Mohedeen, S.B., 2018. Potential sexual addiction (PSA) among Men who have sex with men (MSM) who attended STD clinic, Kalubowila: a descriptive cross-sectional study. Sri Lanka Journal of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine, 4, pp.6–10. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/joshhm.v4i0.75
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