Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112435

Michael A. Janson, BA and Pamela C. Ogata, MPH. Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, Los Angeles County Dept. of Health Services, 600 S. Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90005, 213-351-8355, mjanson@dhs.co.la.ca.us

Objective: Recent findings in several cities including New York City and San Francisco demonstrate a correlation between being HIV-positive and recent methamphetamine use among men who have sex with men (MSM). Los Angeles County uses the Countywide Risk Assessment Survey annually to assess sexual risk and drug use behaviors of individuals receiving HIV prevention services. Methods: In May, 2004, 229 staff representing 51 service providers completed 2,126 face-to-face interviews. This cross-sectional study used a two-tiered sampling methodology which included both stratified and systematic sampling. Statistical analyses included chi square and ANOVA. Results: Persons living with HIV/AIDS accounted for more than a quarter (27.1%) of MSM respondents, and among those who were positive, 46.6% tested positive in the last 6 months. Approximately 21% of MSM reported using methamphetamine in the last 6 months, and there was an association with having a recent positive HIV test (p=.01). Behavioral correlates of methamphetamine use included inconsistent condom use (p<.0001), more sexual partners (p=.008), and sex trading (p<.0001). Psychosocial correlates include stigma (p=.007), sexual abuse (p=.0004) and domestic violence (p<.0001). Associations of perceived severity of HIV included not feeling the need to use condoms with casual partners (p=.03). Additionally, methamphetamine users were much less likely to seek out substance abuse treatment than users of other drugs, including heroin and crack (p=.02). Conclusions: MSM who use methamphetamine may have a lower perceived severity of HIV than MSM non-users. Differences among MSM methamphetamine users and users of other drugs have implications for future interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the association between methamphetamine use and HIV among MSM
• Assess the need for substance abuse treatment in HIV prevention programs
• Identify behaviors associated with methamphetamine use
• Understand how perceived severity and perceived suceptibility may determine the future direction of HIV prevention among MSM

Keywords: Drug Use, Gay Men

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.