Abstract #164  -  Social and structural characteristics of sexual practice in sex on premises venues
Authors:   Presenting Author:   DR Jeffrey Grierson - La Trobe University
Additional Authors:  Prof Anthony Smith, Mr Henry von Doussa,
Aim: Sex on premises venues (SOPV) are a primary site for health promotion for gay men and MSM. Understanding the sexual practice of SOPV patrons requires consideration of the ways in which physical and social environments shape, constrain or co-vary with these practices.
Method / Issue: Detailed interviews with SOPV patrons detail the nature, duration, location and sequencing of the sexual interactions that occurred during the men’s most recent visit to an SOPV. The data allow us to describe trajectories of engagement with sexual possibilities during visit to an SOPV.
Results / Comments: 219 men completed telephone interviews within 48 hours of their visit. Interviews detailed the pattern of visits to SOPVs using time sequences that plotted their venue trajectory. Each sexual episode was further detailed in terms of partner characteristics, sexual practices and sequencing. 82% of men were HIV-negative. 88% of sexual partners were of unknown HIV status. Assumptions of HIV status were only made in 1% of cases. 68% of the men described themselves as single and 27% had a regular male partner. Most visits lasted between one and four hours. Sex-related sites (cruising areas, cubicles and wet areas) account for 70% of men’s time. 74% of men’s time does not involve a sexual interaction. Sexual encounters lasted an average of 26 minutes. Over half of the encounters took place in cubicles and these accounted for 84% of encounters involving anal intercourse (protected and unprotected). The partner’s age was more likely to be undetermined in cruising areas than in other sites. Partners’ ages were assessed as somewhat older in cruising and wet areas compared to cubicles.
Discussion: Detailed examination of trajectories of sexual practice in SOPVs provides useful contextual direction for effective targeting and delivery of health promotion interventions. Understanding SOPVs as a complex and dynamic social space will enhance outreach efficacy.
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