The drinking expectancy questionnaire for men who have sex with men (DEQ-MSM): a measure of substance-related beliefs

Introduction and Aims: Alcohol expectancies are associated with drinking behaviour and post-drinking use thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The expectancies held by specific cultural or sub-cultural groups have rarely been investigated. This research maps expectancies specific to gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and their relationship with substance use.This study describes the specific development of a measure of such beliefs for alcohol, the Drinking Expectancy Questionnaire for Men who have Sex with Men (DEQ-MSM). Design and Methods: Items selected through a focus group and interviews were piloted on 220 self-identified gay or other MSM via an online questionnaire. Results: Factor analysis revealed three distinct substance reinforcement domains (‘Cognitive impairment’, ‘Sexual activity’ and ‘Social and emotional facilitation’). These factors were associated with consumption patterns of alcohol, and in a crucial test of discriminant validity were not associated with the consumption of cannabis or stimulants. Similarities and differences with existing measures will also be discussed. Discussion and Conclusions: The DEQ-MSM represents a reliable and valid measure of outcome expectancies, related to alcohol use among MSM,and represents an important advance as no known existing alcohol expectancy measure, to date, has been developed and/or normed for use among this group. Future applications of the DEQ-MSM in health promotion, clinical settings and research may contribute to reducing harm associated with alcohol use among MSM, including the development of alcohol use among young gay men