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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Hafeez Rehman, MD, MPH, Raouf Arafat, MD, MPH, and Marcia Wolverton, MPH. Bureau of Epidemiology, Houston Department of Health and Human Services, 8000 N Stadium Dr 4th floor, Houston, TX 77054, 713-794-9255, Hafeez.Rehman@cityofhouston.net

Background: The purpose of this cross sectional study was to understand the contribution of non-injection drug use to the acquisition and transmission of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men. Specifically it aims to investigate the association of high risk sexual behaviors with non-injection drug use. Drug influence may affect judgment and decision making and lead to high risk behaviors.

Methods: The study was based on a cross sectional interview conducted under CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Program in Houston, Texas during 2004. We compared the sexual behaviors of men who were using non-injection drugs with those who were not using them.

Results: There was an association found between non-injection drug use and the number of sex partners; the condom use with main partner during receptive sex; oral sex with non-main partner; and the knowledge and concern of HIV status of non-main partner. There was no association found between non-injection drug use and unprotected anal sex with both main and non-main partners; oral sex and HIV status of main partners; condom use with main and non-main partners during receptive sex and condom use with main partners during insertive sex.

Conclusion: The study highlights an individual's behaviors and influence of substance abuse. The association of drug use and number of sexual partners indicate the influence of social networks, relationships and environmental factors in both drug abuse and sexual behaviors. Research efforts should be devoted to unscramble the behavioral and environmental processes implicated in sexual transmission of HIV among drug users.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the population of MSM using non injection drugs in Houston.
• Assess the association of non injection drug use and high risk sexual behaviors among MSM.
• Recognize the importance of HIV prevention interventions for substance abuse among MSM.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Injecting Drug Use

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered