Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #22  -  Methamphetamine use and HIV risk behaviors among HIV-negative young gay/bisexual men: Qualitative and quantitative insights.
Session:
  6.26: Posters A (Poster) on Monday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr Jeffrey Parsons - Hunter College - CUNY, United States
 
  Additional Authors:   
Aim:
Methamphetamine has recently become a major focus of research and prevention work, related to HIV among gay and bisexual men. Many studies have linked methamphetamine use to HIV infection and sexual risk practices, although many of these studies have been conducted with older samples and those reporting methamphetamine abuse or dependence. The current study was designed to examine methamphetamine use among young gay and bisexual men, and the relationship between use and risky sexual practices.
 
Method / Issue:
A sample of 100 ethnically diverse gay and bisexual young men (ages 18-29) who reported the use of club drugs (e.g., methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, GHB, Ketamine) were recruited at dance clubs in New York City via time-space sampling and subsequently completed qualitative and quantitative interviews. Quantitative measures were completed on ACASI, and qualitative interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for analyses.
 
Results / Comments:
The majority (58%) indicated previous methamphetamine use and 28% reported having used methamphetamine only once. A total of 41% reported recent use (past 4 months). These young men used methamphetamine an average of twice a month (8.5 days in the past 4 months) and in a variety of locations, including a home/apt (67%), club (64%), bar (33%), and a sex club (9%). Nearly two-thirds (64%) reported using methamphetamine in combination with other club drugs. Although much of the previous research links methamphetamine to more promiscuous or risky sexual behavior amongst gay and bisexual men, our findings do not replicate these results. Of those young men who indicated lifetime methamphetamine use, 39% reported engaging in sex under the influence of methamphetamine. Of those men, only 4% reported unprotected or risky sexual behaviors while under the influence of methamphetamine. Qualitative findings suggest that the stigma surrounding methamphetamine use has had an effect on the perceptions of methamphetamine use and of users among these young gay and bisexual men. These young men attributed the HIV-methamphetamine connection to HIV-seropositive and older gay/bisexual men, and did not feel personally vulnerable, as they often used the drug without having sex, or were committed to safer sex practices. In addition, qualitative and quantitative results suggest that cocaine use has become more common, with use of this drug often justified on the ground of Well, at least Im not using meth!
 
Discussion:
We failed to find a strong sexual connection or association between methamphetamine use and HIV sexual risk practices often reported in other studies of gay and bisexual men. The potential for cocaine to become more problematic among young gay and bisexual men clearly exists, exacerbated by perceptions that cocaine is a safer drug than methamphetamine.
 
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