Group sexual practices and motivations for using methampethamine among rural men and women

ABSTRACT. Background. Research has shown that methamphetamine use is associated with higher-risk sexual behaviors and an increased likelihood of HIV & STI acquisition. While there is little research on the motivations of meth use outside of urban MSM populations, what research does exist points to sexual enhancement as a central motivating factor. This study assessed trends in sexual enhancement motivation for meth use, sexual behaviors engaged in while high, and risk reduction strategies employed. Methods. Male and female participants were recruited while accessing harm reduction and syringe exchange services through a rural community-based risk-reduction program. Participants were eligible if they had used meth in the past six months and engaged in sexual activity with a partner. A paper-based questionnaire was completed on-site. Results. Participants reported motivations for using meth and how meth altered their sexual inhibitions. In addition, participants reported engaging in sex with multiple partners, including partners of both the same- and other-gender. Rates of contraception, lubrication, and condom use, as well as reasons for not using contraception, lubrication, and/or condoms are also reported. Conclusions. Results suggest that regardless of whether sexual enhancement was a motivation for using meth, sexual inhibitions were impacted and higher-risk sexual behaviors were engaged in. Findings suggest that methamphetamine users should have targeted safe sex messages aimed at practicing safer sex while using the drug.