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Abstract #151307

Perry N. Halkitis, PhD, Director, Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), New York University, 82 Washington Square East, Pless Building 553, New York, NY 10003, 2129985373, perry.halkitis@nyu.edu and Todd M. Solomon, BS, Dept. of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, 423 E. 23rd St., 12th Floor, New York, NY 10010.

BACKGROUD: Methamphetamine and other drug use have been documented among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). Patterns of use have often been influenced by point of recruitment into these studies.

PURPOSE: To describe patterns of methamphetamine and other drug use, and to delineate psychosocial and demographic factors which accompany these patterns of use in a population of MSM attending gyms in New York City (NYC).

METHODS: Active recruitment strategies were implemented to ascertain a sample of 311 MSM. Participants completed a one-time survey regarding both health risks and promotion. RESULTS: Methamphetamine use in the past 6 months was reported by 23.8% of men, and men of color were more likely than white men to report using the drug. Inhalation and smoking were the most common modes of administration, and 84% of men reported more than one mode of use. Compared to non-users, methamphetamine users were more likely to report being Black or Latino, depressed, HIV-positive, perceiving more benefits of unprotected sex, and understanding masculinity in sexual terms.

CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that health-risk behaviors are common among men who have sex with men who are engaging in health-enhancing behaviors such as using a gym, and are indicative of the complexity of public health issues for this segment of the population.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand patterns of methampetamine and poly-drug use among a cohort of gym-attending MSM
• Consider demograhic, and psychosical correlates of methamphetamine and poly-drug use among a cohort of gym-attending MSM
• Evaluate potential interventions for illicit drug using, but otherwise health-promoting MSM 3.

Keywords: Drug Abuse, Gay Men

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.