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Abstract
The intersection of sex and substance use among MSM: a prevention opportunity
J. Weaver, S. Kurtz, J. Inciardi
Issues: HIV infection rates have risen in the US among men who have sex with men (MSM), and drug and alcohol use are consistently associated with increased sexual risk behaviors. Efforts to reduce HIV transmission among MSM need to address the reasons for substance use and the connection between substance use and sexual risk taking. This connection is not well understood.
Description: Recruitment into a novel HIV risk reduction intervention trial in Miami, Florida included 112 ethnically diverse, substance-using MSM ages 18 to 55 (median age 37). After completing a three-session small group discussion program, 101 participants were interviewed regarding their most recent sexual encounter with a casual partner while high on alcohol or drugs. Analyses of the brief semi-structured interviews included 90 men who reported such an occasion in the past three months.
Lessons learned: Substance use was related to sexual activity through one of three observed mechanisms:
1) For about 44% of respondents, substances were used to relax, to get high, or to relieve negative feelings, and sex was an unintended, although not necessarily unwanted, happenstance; alcohol, and to a lesser extent crack and marijuana were mainly implicated.
2) For almost a third of the sample, drugs and alcohol were used to heighten the sexual experience. Most such men equated sex with drugs; methamphetamine, crack, and marijuana were used most often.
3) Almost 18% reported using drugs and alcohol to reduce inhibitions or increase confidence while pursuing sex. Alcohol was by far the most common substance used in these situations. Unprotected anal intercourse during the encounter was reported by 37% of respondents; among them, the most cited reason for substance use was to heighten the sexual experience.
Next steps: Prevention programs for MSM need to address the several roles that substance use plays during the course of sexual decision making.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDD0320
Suggested Citation
"J.Weaver, et al.
The intersection of sex and substance use among MSM: a prevention opportunity.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDD0320"
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