(821) Healthcare Professionals and Chemsex: A Cross-Sectional Study in Primary Health Care

Introduction Chemsex, defined as the intentional use of psychoactive substances to enhance sexual experiences, is associated with increased risks of sexually transmitted infections, problematic drug use, and mental health issues. Despite its clinical and social relevance, many health professionals do not feel adequately prepared to address this phenomenon, limiting prevention and follow-up within Primary Health Care (PHC) settings. Objective To assess the knowledge, attitudes, perceived preparedness, and training needs of PHC professionals regarding chemsex. Methods A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians and nurses working in three Family Health Units in Portugal. Participants were invited to voluntarily and anonymously complete an online questionnaire developed based on the literature. Categorical variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies, and continuous variables were summarized using measures of central tendency. Results Most professionals reported limited or no knowledge of the chemsex phenomenon. Among those familiar with the topic, 42.9% felt little or no preparedness to address it during consultations, although most considered it relevant to discuss. Only a small proportion felt comfortable raising the issue, revealing a gap between awareness and practical competence. Half of the respondents did not feel able to identify chemsex cases, and 90% had never identified a patient with this behavior. The lack of training and standardized clinical tools emerged as key barriers to early detection. Most participants expressed interest in receiving specific training, identifying lack of knowledge, time constraints, stigma, and fear of patient reaction as main challenges. Conclusions Chemsex remains largely invisible within Portuguese PHC. This study highlights a generalized lack of knowledge and limited clinical experience among health professionals. There is an urgent need for structured training programs and clinical protocols that promote multidisciplinary, prevention–oriented, and non-stigmatizing approaches to improve early identification and patient support. Disclosure No