151307 Methamphetamine use among MSM

Monday, November 5, 2007

Perry N. Halkitis, PhD , Director, Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), New York University, New York, NY
Todd M. Solomon, BS , Dept. of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
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:
1. Understand patterns of methampetamine and poly-drug use among a cohort of gym-attending MSM 2. Consider demograhic, and psychosical correlates of methamphetamine and poly-drug use among a cohort of gym-attending MSM 3. 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.

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