Health interventions for men who have sex with men and women (MSMW): insights from a scoping review

Abstract Aim Men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) experience distinct sexual health risks but remain underserved by existing interventions. This study aimed to identify gaps in intervention research and inform the development of more accessible and responsive sexual health programmes. Subject and methods A scoping review was conducted to map the sexual, social, and health-related experiences of MSMW, using academic and grey literature sources. Studies published from 2013 onwards that addressed the intersection between sexual identity, sexual behaviour, and sexual attraction; stigma and discrimination; health-seeking behaviours; sexually transmitted infection (STI) and blood-borne virus (BBV) risk and protective behaviours; disclosure; sexual behaviours; and health interventions relating to MSMW were included. Data were synthesised thematically. Results Fourteen studies addressed sexual health interventions. Only two evaluated interventions specifically designed for MSMW were included, both demonstrating positive behavioural and psychosocial outcomes but with limited generalisability. Most studies were descriptive or conceptual, highlighting limited engagement of men who do not identify with sexual minority labels, reliance on identity-based intervention models, and structural barriers within health services. Evidence on health professional perspectives was limited, with gaps identified in training and behaviour-focused engagement strategies. Conclusion Current sexual health interventions may fail to engage MSMW due to reliance on identity-based models and assumptions about disclosure. Public health responses would benefit from behaviour-focused, discreet, and inclusive intervention designs, alongside greater attention to implementation within routine sexual health and primary care systems. Translating existing recommendations into implemented and rigorously evaluated programmes should be an urgent priority.