Sexual Behavior and Its Determinants During COVID-19 Restrictions Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Amsterdam

Objective: To investigate the impact of Dutch COVID-19 restrictions on sexual behavior and HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM) participating in the Amsterdam Cohort Studies (ACS) on HIV in Amsterdam.

Methods: ACS participants complete a questionnaire on sexual behavior and are tested for HIV/STI biannually. They may also be tested at the STI clinic in-between study visits. On May 29, 2020, ACS participants were invited to complete an online questionnaire on health, COVID-19 risk perceptions, and sexual behavior. Determinants of reporting casual sex partners (CSP) during COVID-19 restrictions were examined using logistic regression.

Results: Of 683 MSM, 353 (52%; median age, 47 years; interquartile range, 38-53 years) completed the questionnaire. Since COVID-19, 73% reported a reduction in the number of CSP. CSP during COVID-19 restrictions were reported by 133 MSM (38%) and, in multivariable analysis, was associated with not having a college/university degree, being single, lower perceived importance of avoiding COVID-19, number of CSP before COVID-19, and current preexposure prophylaxis use (P < 0.05 for all). During COVID-19 restrictions, no HIV infections were diagnosed, and the STI positivity rate was 8%.

Conclusion: Since COVID-19, the number of CSP decreased among MSM, and there may have been a temporary reduction in HIV/STI transmission. Some MSM were not fully compliant to social distancing regulations and reported CSP, which was related to prior sexual behavior and low perceived importance of avoiding COVID-19. For these men, it is important to maintain accessible HIV/STI-related testing and care during times of lockdown.