Sexual HIV risk among gay and bisexual male methamphetamine abusers

J Subst Abuse Treat. 1996 Nov-Dec;13(6):483-6. doi: 10.1016/s0740-5472(96)00098-0.

Abstract

The current report examined HIV-related high risk sexual behaviors among a small sample of gay and bisexual male methamphetamine abusers in Los Angeles. Participants were 16 methamphetamine-abusing or -dependent gay or bisexual males who participated in a treatment demonstration project between 1989 and 1993. All participants completed the NIDA/WAVE survey, a detailed inventory of HIV-related risk behaviors. Findings indicate a strong connection between methamphetamine abuse and high-risk sexual behavior. For the 12 months prior to treatment 62.5% of participants reported having anal insertive sex without a condom, and 56.3% reported having sex with someone who had HIV. Drug use before or during sex, measured on a 5-point Likert scale, was frequent (M = 4.27, SD = 0.7). Implications for treatment of gay and bisexual male methamphetamine abusers and prevention of HIV among this population are discussed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy
  • Bisexuality / statistics & numerical data*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Desipramine / therapeutic use
  • Double-Blind Method
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Los Angeles / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine*
  • Risk
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / rehabilitation
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Methamphetamine
  • Desipramine