1. Student's full name:Vo Quang Huy
2. Gender:Male
3. Date of birth: 24/09/1998
4. Place of birth:Nghe An
5. Decision to recognize student number:3732/QD-XHNV dated December 9, 2022 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in the training process:Are not
7. Thesis topic: Applying group social work in supporting substance harm reduction with homosexual men who use substances during sex (chemsex)
8. Major: Social WorkCode: 8760101.01
9. Scientific instructor:Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hoi Loan, works at the Department of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
10. Summary of thesis results:
Chemsex behavior is increasing among young men who have sex with men (MSM), mainly to prolong intercourse and increase pleasure. However, this behavior leads to a high risk of HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and mental health decline, seriously affecting individual and community health. In this context, the group social work model (CTXH TG) is deployed to minimize the harm caused by this behavior.
The study results showed that the group social work model was clearly effective. 100% of participants reduced their frequency of substance use during sex by at least half, adhered to HIV prevention treatment (PrEP), and committed to condom use. The model also raised members’ awareness of the harmful effects of chemsex, helped them change their behavior positively, improved their mental health by reducing feelings of isolation, and increased their self-confidence. The group’s safe space facilitated members to share, learn, and build responsibility for themselves and the community.
However, the major challenge remains maintaining long-term engagement and reducing social stigma. The study results open up potential directions for applying group social work, and at the same time recommend developing more sustainable support models to protect the comprehensive health of young MSM.
11. Practical application:
The study confirms that the group social work model is an effective solution in supporting young MSM to reduce harm from chemsex behavior. The model is easy to implement in the community, helping to raise awareness, change behavior, and improve physical and mental health. The results provide a scientific and practical basis for building similar intervention programs, and expanding application to other vulnerable groups, contributing to reducing the risk of HIV infection and protecting public health.
12. Further research directions:Are not
13. Published works related to the thesis:Are not
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS
1. Full Name of the Student:Vo Quang Huy
2. Gender:Male
3. Date of Birth:September 24, 1998
4. Place of Birth:Nghe An
5. Decision on the Recognition of Student Status:No. 3732/QD-XHNV, dated December 9, 2022, issued by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes During the Training Process:None
7. Thesis Title: Application of Group Social Work in Harm Reduction for Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Engaging in Substance Use during Sexual Activity (Chemsex)
8. Discipline:Social Work Code: 8760101.01
9. Academic Supervisor:Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoi Loan, Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
10. Summary of Thesis Findings:
Chemsex behavior is increasingly prevalent among young men who have sex with men (MSM), primarily aimed at prolonging sexual intercourse and enhancing sexual pleasure. However, this behavior significantly increases the risk of HIV transmission, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and mental health deterioration, posing severe consequences for both individual and public health. In response, the group social work (GSW) model has been implemented to mitigate the harms associated with this behavior.
The findings of the study demonstrate the significant effectiveness of the GSW model. 100% of the participants reduced their frequency of substance use during sexual activities by at least 50%, adhered to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and committed to consistent condom use. The model also contributed to raising participants' awareness of the detrimental effects of chemsex, facilitating positive behavioral change, and improving mental health by reducing feelings of isolation and fostering greater self-confidence. The group environment provides a safe space for participants to engage in sharing, learning, and developing both individual and collective responsibility.
However, a key challenge remains in ensuring long-term engagement and addressing social stigma. The results of this study suggest the promising potential of the GSW model and recommend the development of more sustainable intervention frameworks to comprehensively protect the health of young MSM.
11. Practical Implications:
This study affirms that the GSW model is an effective approach to supporting young MSM in mitigating the harms of chemsex. The model is easily implementable within the community, aiding in raising awareness, changing behaviors, and improving both physical and mental health. The findings provide a solid scientific and practical foundation for the development of similar intervention programs, as well as the potential for scaling such models to other vulnerable populations, thereby contributing to the reduction of HIV transmission and safeguarding public health.
12. Future Research Directions:None
13. Related Publications:None
