Grant: Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) program

Group sex-sexual activity with more than one sexual partner within the same sexual event-is an important health phenomenon, with an estimated one-in-ten people engaging in group sex at some point in their life. Group sex can be a source of pleasure and belonging but sometimes has increased potential for the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite its estimated prevalence, there has been little research on STI prevention and care among people who have group sex. Most group sex research has been done outside Canada and has focused only on men who have sex with men, excluding people of other sexualities and genders. In Canada over the past decade, there has been a dramatic rise in bacterial STIs, such as syphilis and chlamydia, which has contributed to stillbirths, the loss of reproductive capacities, and increased healthcare costs associated with underdiagnosed STIs. Countering this rise in bacterial STIs is a federal priority per the Public Health Agency of Canada's STI Strategy and Action Plan for 2024-2030. In response, my new research addresses underexamined issues like STI care and prevention among people who have group sex. My research focuses on 1) the prevalence of bacterial STIs across diverse group sex communities, 2) what STI prevention strategies people use during group sex and how impactful they are, and 3) the barriers that healthcare providers face in providing STI care to people having group sex. Based on my findings, I will work closely with group sex community members to develop educational materials and support resources to improve STI prevention and care. Ultimately, my work will reduce STIs and their negative impact on this diverse stigmatized population, and in doing so, improve health outcomes more broadly for people in Canada.