Use of methamphetamine among three populations at high risk for HIV in Denver, CO

Background: Methamphetamine use is associated with increased risk of HIV transmission, increased rate of sero-conversion among those who are HIV positive and MRSA-related infections among intravenous drug users. Data collected through the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) allow description of methamphetamine use and HIV status among three populations at increased risk for HIV in Denver, CO: men who have sex with men (MSM), intravenous drug users (IDU) and heterosexuals at risk (HET).

Methods: Data were collected in three cycles between 2006 and 2009: HET, identified by residence or recreation in census tracts with high poverty and incident HIV rates (n=891) MSM (n=543) and IDU (n=422). Eligible participants were identified through respondent-driven sampling (HET and IDU) or at randomly sampled venues (MSM). Consenting participants completed an in-depth behavioral questionnaire and most agreed to HIV testing. Presented estimates are unweighted.

Results: Among HET, 94 (10.5%) participants reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months: 81 (9.1%) reported non-injection use and 49 (5.5%) reported injecting. All users tested negative for HIV. Among MSM, 69 (12.7%) reported any use with 62 (11.4%) non-injectors and 18 (3.3%) injectors. Most users (64) consented to an HIV test: 18 (28.1%) tested positive. Among IDU, 158 (37.4%) reported any use: 132 (31.3%) non-injecting and 122 (28.9%) injectors. Among users, 157 were tested for HIV: 8 (5.1%) tested positive.

Conclusions: Methamphetamine use among Denver populations at-risk for HIV is concerning, particularly among IDU and HIV-positive MSM: approximately 1 in 3 report methamphetamine use in the past 12 months.