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Lodge W, Kelly PJA, Napoleon S, Plezia S, Mimiaga MJ, Biello KB. Prevalence of methamphetamine use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 123:104271. [PMID: 38061224 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International efforts have reduced the availability of methamphetamine precursors, but its distribution and use continue to rise. Methamphetamine use can lead to short- and long-term adverse effects, including addiction, physical and psychosocial health problems, socioeconomic troubles, incarceration, overdose, and death. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have been shown to have an elevated prevalence of methamphetamine use. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of methamphetamine use among MSM. We searched electronic databases, such as PubMed, for peer-reviewed literature published between 2011 and 2022. Data on methamphetamine use were extracted, including study features, location, study design, sampling method, recruitment period, specific MSM subgroups, prevalence period, and demographics. Employing a random-effects model, we computed the pooled prevalence of methamphetamine use among MSM across two prevalence periods: recent use (i.e., one month, three months, six months, one year) and lifetime use. RESULTS The systematic review included 56 studies with a total of 25,953 MSM who use methamphetamine. Most studies were conducted in Europe, with the highest prevalence reported in the United Kingdom. The studies primarily used cross-sectional or cohort study designs with convenience sampling. The pooled prevalence rates across recent use (i.e., past month, past three months, past six months, and past year) was 15% (95% CI [11-19%]). Additionally, we pooled lifetime use, which was 23% (95% CI [9-38%]). High heterogeneity (I2 > 99%) was observed, indicating significant variation. CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis provide a pooled prevalence of methamphetamine use among MSM. The analysis accounts for study design, prevalence period, specific MSM subgroups, and geographical areas to estimate methamphetamine use in diverse settings and populations. The review highlights the need for targeted interventions and harm reduction strategies focused on prevention, education, healthcare access, and stakeholder collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges of methamphetamine use among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lodge
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Patrick J A Kelly
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Siena Napoleon
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Samantha Plezia
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katie B Biello
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Keynan Y, Haworth-Brockman M, Laupland KB, Rueda ZV. Beyond HIV: An urgent need for a syndemic and gender-based approach in the Prairie provinces in Canada. JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CANADA = JOURNAL OFFICIEL DE L'ASSOCIATION POUR LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE ET L'INFECTIOLOGIE CANADA 2023; 8:1-6. [PMID: 37008586 PMCID: PMC10052900 DOI: 10.3138/jammi-2022-10-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Keynan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- The Manitoba HIV Program, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Margaret Haworth-Brockman
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kevin B Laupland
- Department of Intensive Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Zulma Vanessa Rueda
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Stigma, discrimination and HIV or AIDS: an empirical investigation of Asian immigrants and refugees in Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HEALTHCARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ijhrh-08-2022-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
HIV or AIDS remains invisible and dismissed by most South Asians living in Canada as HIV or AIDS issues are perceived as an offshoot of Western lifestyle linked with drug use and promiscuity. This paper aims to look into how people living with HIV or AIDS (PLWHA) cope with prejudice and stigma.
Design/methodology/approach
To guide this research, a constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted as the theoretical and methodological framework. The authors reached the participants through a Toronto-based group that works with PLWHA. The authors chose their respondents in a snowball method and interviewed them both in person and online.
Findings
This paper identifies how South Asian immigrants and refugees/refugees with HIV or AIDS claimants are vulnerable to discrimination in Canada due to the following factors, which include but are not limited to: a lack of information about HIV and AIDS incidence in the community; and the Canadian health system's inability to respond appropriately to the lack of information.
Practical implications
HIV service engagements should take place within the context of a constellation of local traditions, or standardized expectations of patient engagement with HIV services can be counterproductive.
Originality/value
It is critical that governmental action prioritizes increasing public understanding of stigma. To minimize the consequences of HIV-related discrimination and stigma, misconceptions about HIV transmission must be debunked.
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Blair A, Siddiqi A. Social determinants of ethno-racial inequalities in substance use: a decomposition of national survey data. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:2013-2022. [PMID: 35482051 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02281-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Similar to the US, mortality due to suicide and the use of opioids, alcohol, and other substances (so-called "Deaths of Despair"), is rising in Canada and has been disproportionately observed among Whites compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This study aimed to assess the determinants of the ethno-racial differences in the use of substances that underlie these deaths. METHODS Using nationally representative data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (2003, 2015-2016, 2018 cycles), a decomposition analysis was performed to estimate the contribution of psychosocial determinants, including age, sex, marital status, immigration, education, income, rurality, and affective health on inequalities between White and non-White populations in illicit substance, opioid, and problematic alcohol use and combined use (≥ 2) of substances. RESULTS Overall, White respondents reported higher levels (by 5% to 10%) of substance use than non-White peers. Over 30% of the ethno-racial inequalities in illicit substance, problematic alcohol, and polysubstance use are explained by the protective role of immigration among those who are not White, whose low levels of substance use lower the prevalence in the non-White population overall. Among those born in Canada, no ethno-racial differences in substance use were observed. CONCLUSION Social determinants, particularly immigrant status, explain a substantial proportion of ethno-racial inequalities in substance use in Canada. The jump in substance use between racialized populations who immigrated to Canada and those Canadian-born highlights the importance of exploring within-group variability in deaths of despair risk and considering how intersecting forces including systemic racism shape substance use patterns across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Blair
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada.
| | - Arjumand Siddiqi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada.,Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Watson RJ, Morgan E, Collibee C, Kalinowski J, Cunningham C, Edelman EJ, Chan P, Eaton LA. Substance Use and Healthcare Utilization Across the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Care Cascade among Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1698-1707. [PMID: 35938746 PMCID: PMC9554788 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2108059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Despite the documented efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, large disparities in uptake and adherence exist among Black and Latino/Hispanic men who have sex with men (BLMSM). Limited data exists among BLMSM on the impact of substance use at different stages of the PrEP Care Cascade. We examined the ways substance (alcohol, cannabis, other drug) use is related to PrEP experiences across the PrEP Care Cascade (PrEP aware/no use; PrEP use/discontinuation; PrEP use/adherent).Methods: We utilized data from a national sample of 908 BLMSM (Mage = 25.17, range: 18-29), collected between February and October 2020.Results: We found that heavier alcohol use, more other drug (e.g., cocaine) use, more participant healthcare utilization, and higher number of partners across all measures of substance use were separately associated with a lower likelihood of being aware of PrEP. These same factors were also associated with a higher likelihood of PrEP adherence. Conversely, only cannabis use was associated with discontinuation of PrEP use.Conclusions: While we confirm some earlier findings (i.e., alcohol use is associated with both PrEP discontinuation and PrEP use), we newly identify cannabis as a barrier to the adherence of PrEP. Our findings highlight the need for improved PrEP interventions to increase awareness among BLMSM with substance use who are among the most at-risk for HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ethan Morgan
- College of Nursing, Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Charlene Collibee
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jolaade Kalinowski
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Casey Cunningham
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - E Jennifer Edelman
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Philip Chan
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Mendez-Lopez A, Hickson F, Jansen K, Lachowsky N, Burns F, Folch C, Velter A, Weatherburn P, Marcus U, von Rüden U, Mirandola M, Gios L, Frankis J, Brennan DJ, Schmidt AJ. What is the empirical basis for converting banded ordinal data on numbers of sex partners among MSM into a continuous scale level variable? A secondary analysis of 13 surveys across 17 countries. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:59. [PMID: 35249527 PMCID: PMC8898536 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-021-01483-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To provide empirically based guidance for substituting partner number categories in large MSM surveys with mean numbers of sexual and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) partners in a secondary analysis of survey data. Methods We collated data on numbers of sexual and CAI partners reported in a continuous scale (write-in number) in thirteen MSM surveys on sexual health and behaviour across 17 countries. Pooled descriptive statistics for the number of sexual and CAI partners during the last twelve (N = 55,180) and 6 months (N = 31,759) were calculated for two sets of categories commonly used in reporting numbers of sexual partners in sexual behaviour surveys. Results The pooled mean number of partners in the previous 12 months for the total sample was 15.8 partners (SD = 36.6), while the median number of partners was 5 (IQR = 2–15). Means for number of partners in the previous 12 months for the first set of categories were: 16.4 for 11–20 partners (SD = 3.3); 27.8 for 21–30 (SD = 2.8); 38.6 for 31–40 (SD = 2.4); 49.6 for 41–50 (SD = 1.5); and 128.2 for ‘more than 50’ (SD = 98.1). Alternative upper cut-offs: 43.4 for ‘more than 10’ (SD = 57.7); 65.3 for ‘more than 20’ (SD = 70.3). Self-reported partner numbers for both time frames consistently exceeded 200 or 300. While there was substantial variation of overall means across surveys, the means for all chosen categories were very similar. Partner numbers above nine mainly clustered at multiples of tens, regardless of the selected time frame. The overall means for CAI partners were lower than those for sexual partners; however, such difference was completely absent from all categories beyond ten sexual and CAI partners. Conclusions Clustering of reported partner numbers confirm common MSM sexual behaviour surveys’ questionnaire piloting feedback indicating that responses to numbers of sexual partners beyond 10 are best guesses rather than precise counts, but large partner numbers above typical upper cut-offs are common.
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Card K, McGuire M, Bond-Gorr J, Nguyen T, Wells GA, Fulcher K, Berlin G, Pal N, Hull M, Lachowsky NJ. Perceived difficulty of getting help to reduce or abstain from substances among sexual and gender minority men who have sex with men (SGMSM) and use methamphetamine during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2021; 16:88. [PMID: 34903260 PMCID: PMC8667539 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study examined the perceived difficulty of getting help with substance use among sexual and gender minorities who have sex with men (SGMSM) who use methamphetamine during the early COVID-19 period. Methods SGMSM, aged 18+, who reported sex with a man and methamphetamine use in the past 6 months were recruited to complete an online survey using online advertisements. Ordinal regression models examined predictors of greater perceived difficulty of getting help. Explanatory variables included participant characteristics (i.e., age, HIV status, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, region, income) and variables assessing patterns of methamphetamine use (i.e., frequency, % time methamphetamine is used alone and during sex; perceived need for help) and patterns of healthcare access (i.e., regular provider, past substance use service utilization). Results Of 376 participants, most were gay-identified (76.6%), white (72.3%), cisgender (93.6%), and had annual incomes of less than $60,000 CAD (68.9%). Greater perceived difficulty of getting help was associated with having lower income, sometimes using methamphetamine prior to or during sex, and greater perceived need for help. Conclusion Based on these results, we urge greater investments in one-stop, low-barrier, culturally-appropriate care for SGMSM who use methamphetamine. This is especially important given that participants who perceive themselves as needing help to reduce or abstain from substance use perceive the greatest difficulty of getting such help.
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Addressing Unhealthy Alcohol Use and the HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Care Continuum in Primary Care: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1777-1789. [PMID: 33219492 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03107-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with unhealthy alcohol use are at increased risk for HIV acquisition and may benefit from receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in primary care settings. To date, literature synthesizing what is known about the impact of unhealthy alcohol use on the PrEP care continuum with a focus on considerations for primary care is lacking. We searched OVID Medline and Web of Science from inception through March 19, 2020, to examine the extent, range, and nature of research on PrEP delivery among individuals with unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings. We identified barriers and opportunities at each step along the PrEP care continuum, including for specific populations: adolescents, people who inject drugs, sex workers, and transgender persons. Future research should focus on identification of candidate patients, opportunities for patient engagement in novel settings, PrEP implementation strategies, and stigma reduction.
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