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Published on: March 30, 2014
Attitudes toward methamphetamine use and HIV risk behavior in men who have sex with men
Eric G Benotsch1, Shannon Perschbacher Lance, Christopher D Nettles
1Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. ebenotsch@vcu.edu
Background And Objectives:
Methamphetamine use has been strongly associated with high-risk sexual behaviors, and its use has been increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although the behavioral implications of methamphetamine use and sexual risk have been broadly examined, fewer studies have examined attitudes about methamphetamine use.
Methods:
This study investigates the relationship between personal beliefs regarding methamphetamine use, patterns of use, and sexual risk behaviors within a sample of MSM attending a gay pride event (N= 342).
Results:
A minority of MSM reported lifetime (27%) or recent (7%) methamphetamine use. Only a minority of MSM who had used methamphetamine believed that it enhanced sexual pleasure (32%) or incorporated methamphetamine use into their sexual activity (31%). Individuals who used methamphetamine during sexual activity were more likely to be recent users of the drug and more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors. A significant minority of participants endorsed items assessing the disinhibiting effects of methamphetamine including being less likely to use a condom (35%) and less selective in their choice of partners (26%).
Conclusions And Scientific Significance:
Results suggest that prevention efforts may benefit from targeting the minority of methamphetamine users who perceive methamphetamine as enhancing sexual activity and use it for this purpose.
Insights
A minority of men who have sex with men (MSM) use methamphetamine, but a significant portion engage in risky sexual behaviors when they do. Prevention efforts should target those who use meth to enhance sexual activity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sexual Health
- Substance Use Research
Background:
- Methamphetamine use is linked to high-risk sexual behaviors, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).
- Research has extensively studied the behavioral impacts of methamphetamine and sexual risk, but less is known about user attitudes.
- Understanding beliefs surrounding methamphetamine use is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between personal beliefs about methamphetamine, usage patterns, and sexual risk behaviors.
- To investigate attitudes towards methamphetamine use among men who have sex with men (MSM).
- To identify specific user groups and their associated risk behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 342 men who have sex with men (MSM) at a gay pride event.
- Assessed personal beliefs regarding methamphetamine's effects on sexual pleasure and activity.
- Collected data on methamphetamine use patterns and engagement in high-risk sexual behaviors.
Main Results:
- A minority of MSM reported lifetime (27%) or recent (7%) methamphetamine use.
- Only 32% believed methamphetamine enhanced sexual pleasure, and 31% incorporated it into sexual activity.
- Methamphetamine users engaging in sexual activity were more likely to be recent users and exhibit high-risk behaviors, including condom non-use (35%) and partner selectivity (26%).
Conclusions:
- A small but significant group of MSM use methamphetamine specifically to enhance sexual activity.
- Prevention strategies should focus on this subgroup, addressing their perceptions and behaviors.
- Targeted interventions are needed to mitigate the risks associated with methamphetamine use during sex among MSM.
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