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Abstract
Substance use among gay men in Israel: an internet based study
Z. Mor1, U. Davidovich2, G. Feldshtein3, D. Chemtob1
Background: The annual number of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS infections among men have sex with men (MSM) in Israel has increased since 1999. Substance use during sex is a known risk factor. We therefore examined, for the first time in Israel, the use of "recreational" substances among MSM and its association with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI).
Methods: An internet questionnaire was developed with a gay community organization to identify sexual practices and substance use in the gay population. Men were requited using banners in gay oriented sites, venues promotions and press releases. Univariate and multivariate cross-sectional analyses were performed.
Results: Between March and May 2005, 2,873 participants fully completed the anonymous questionnaire. Of those, 23% (669/2,873) were involved in UAI, and 46% (1,319/2,873) were using substance during sex. Alcohol was most commonly used (47%, 622/1,319), followed by marijuana (28%, 372/1,319), nitrites inhalant (27%, 354/1,319), sildenafil-citrate (11%, 139/1,319) and MDMA (9%, 113/1,319). In univariate analysis, UAI was practiced among amphetamine, nitrites, sildenafil-citrate and alcohol users OR=2.3, (95% CI 1.1-4.8), 2.2 (95% CI 1.7-2.8), 1.9 (95% CI 1.3-2.8) and 1.5 (95% CI 1.2-1.9), respectively
Involvement in both substance use and UAI during the last 6 months was reported by 366 (13% of all participants). In comparison with all other participants, HIV/AIDS infection rate was higher (1.5% Vs. 0.5%), more sexual encounters were reported (11.6 Vs. 8.2) and they preferred searching for sexual encounters using the internet and gay venues, rather than friends or phone-lines.
In multivariate analyses, urban residency, lower-medium income, being "out" (sexual orientation discloser) found to be predictive of this dual risky behavior.
Conclusions: Significant association was identified between substance use and UAI.
Engagement in both substance use and UAI involves additional patterns of risk behavior, and poses public health concerns.
Secondary harm-reduction intervention is currently offered to Israeli MSM via the internet and gay venues.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
THPE0715
Suggested Citation
"Z.Mor, et al.
Substance use among gay men in Israel: an internet based study.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
THPE0715"
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