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Lam A, Gulati S, Foster BS, Lally DR. CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF AMYL NITRITE "POPPERS". Retin Cases Brief Rep 2024; 18:138-140. [PMID: 36007175 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0000000000001338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report a case of central retinal vein occlusion in a young patient after the use of amyl nitrate "poppers." METHODS Description of the patient's clinical history, ophthalmic examination, retinal imaging, and treatment. RESULTS A 38-year-old man presented with a central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye after inhaling amyl nitrite "poppers." There appeared to be a definitive temporal association between poppers use and both the onset of the vein occlusion and the patient's visual scotomata, which recurred immediately after drug use multiple times. Optical coherence tomography displayed cystic macular edema, which was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. The patient's hypercoagulable laboratory workup was negative. CONCLUSION This is the first report of a central retinal vein occlusion associated with poppers inhalation. A high index of suspicion for poppers use should be maintained in young patients who present with retinal vein occlusion, particularly in homosexual patients with a normal laboratory workup that fails to reveal a hypercoagulable etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Lam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Springfield, Massachusetts
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Abdalla KB, da Silveira DX, Fidalgo TM. Poppers use and HIV infection-a literature review. Sex Med Rev 2023; 12:67-75. [PMID: 38169370 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead035] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the HIV surge in the 1980s, inhaled volatile nitrites (poppers) were hypothesized as a possible cause of the AIDS. Later it was found that poppers use was not the cause but rather a marker associated with HIV acquisition and sexual behaviors without the use of prevention tools. OBJECTIVES This article reviews the available literature regarding the association between poppers use and newly acquired HIV, aiming to support the hypothesis that there is no causal association between nitrites use and HIV transmission and to discuss other contributing factors. METHODS We searched all studies published until March 2022 that discussed poppers use and HIV. We extracted relevant information, such as authors and publication year, country where the study was conducted, study design, characteristics of the population, number of participants, objectives of the study, methods, results, and limitations. RESULTS The search identified 1956 abstracts, and 1915 were excluded after title review. Forty-one abstracts were assessed, and 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies found an association between nitrites use and HIV transmission. Four studies associated HIV transmission with sexual behavior without the use of prevention tools, and 5 articles associated nitrites use with this kind of sexual behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show a complex association among nitrites use, sexual behaviors without the use of prevention tools, and sexually transmitted infections; furthermore, it is impossible to make causal inferences between poppers use and HIV disease. The data suggest that it is vital to consider this substance use when planning health policies for specific populations, such as men who have sex with men, focusing on harm reduction strategies, psychoeducation, and orientations on sex with the use of prevention tools. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020181437. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=181437.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalil B Abdalla
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo (04017-030), Brazil
| | - Dartiu X da Silveira
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo (04017-030), Brazil
| | - Thiago M Fidalgo
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo (04017-030), Brazil
- Young Medical Leaders Program, National Academy of Medicine, Rio de Janeiro (20021-130), Brazil
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Bartolo C, Koklanis K, Vukicevic M. 'Poppers Maculopathy' and the adverse ophthalmic outcomes from the recreational use of alkyl nitrate inhalants: a systematic review. Semin Ophthalmol 2022; 38:371-379. [PMID: 35938499 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2022.2108717] [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] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an overview of reported cases of poppers maculopathy and a statistical analysis of the clinical presentations, anatomical changes and treatment and follow-up of the rare disease. METHODS A systematic search of CINAHL, Embase and PubMed databases was conducted, including a search of the grey literature. Data were pooled to provide a summary of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of poppers maculopathy. Studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute or the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance checklists. RESULTS Of the 493 articles obtained, 32 were included, consisting of 113 participants with a mean age of 40.2. Most patients were male with bilateral maculopathy and presented with either vision loss or a visual disturbance. Cessation of popper use was the most common form of management prescribed. The mean VA at baseline was 0.22 (logMAR units). For those followed-up, the mean VA significantly improved from 0.24 to 0.11 (Z = -5.800, p = <0.001). Bilateral yellow foveal spots were viewed on fundoscopy in 53 patients, and a sub-foveal disturbance of the ellipsoid layer was reported on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in 89 patients. By 6 months, SD-OCT anatomical changes mostly improved or resolved. CONCLUSION Recreational users of poppers who develop maculopathy generally present with vision loss or a visual disturbance secondary to foveal disruption. Patients have a good visual prognosis, with cessation of poppers potentially having a role in improved outcomes. With the high prevalence of use among gay and bisexual men, awareness of related maculopathy and presenting symptoms by clinicians is important to mitigate side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Bartolo
- Discipline of Orthoptics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Konstandina Koklanis
- Discipline of Orthoptics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Meri Vukicevic
- Discipline of Orthoptics, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Viamonte M, Ghanooni D, Reynolds JM, Grov C, Carrico AW. Running with Scissors: a Systematic Review of Substance Use and the Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Care Continuum Among Sexual Minority Men. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:235-250. [PMID: 35701713 PMCID: PMC9279195 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00608-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Patterns of sexualized drug use, including stimulants (e.g., methamphetamine) and chemsex drugs, are key drivers of HIV incidence among sexual minority men (SMM). Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) mitigates HIV risk, there is no consensus regarding the associations of substance use with the PrEP care continuum. Recent Findings SMM who use substances are as likely or more likely to use PrEP. Although SMM who use stimulants experience greater difficulties with daily oral PrEP adherence, some evidence shows that SMM who use stimulants or chemsex drugs may achieve better adherence in the context of recent condomless anal sex. Finally, SMM who use substances may experience greater difficulties with PrEP persistence (including retention in PrEP care). Summary SMM who use stimulants and other substances would benefit from more comprehensive efforts to support PrEP re-uptake, adherence, and persistence, including delivering behavioral interventions, considering event-based dosing, and providing injectable PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Viamonte
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th St., Office 1010, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Delaram Ghanooni
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th St., Office 1010, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - John M Reynolds
- Calder Memorial Library, University of Miami, FL, Miami, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th St., Office 1010, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Jiang H, Li J, Tan Z, Cheng W, Yang Y. The Moderating Effect of Sexual Sensation Seeking on the Association between Alcohol and Popper Use and Multiple Sexual Partners among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Guangzhou, China. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1497-1503. [PMID: 35869639 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2079134] [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] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: This cross sectional study was conducted to explore the moderating effect of sexual sensation seeking (SSS) on the association between alcohol/popper use before sex and multiple sexual partners (MSP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou, China. Methods: From June 2017 to April 2018, MSM were recruited from a community-based HIV service center in Guangzhou, China; data on sociodemographics, sexual behaviors and SSS were collected. A product term of SSS and alcohol/popper use before sex was included in a multivariate logistic regression model to test the potential moderating effect of SSS on the association between alcohol/popper use before sex and MSP. Results: Among the 500 MSM included, individuals who reported alcohol use and popper use before sex, and MSP in the last six months accounted for 33.80%, 33.40%, and 60.40%, respectively. MSM with high SSS traits accounted for 54.80%. The association between popper use before sex and MSP was moderated by SSS (P for interaction = 0.007). A significant association between popper use before sex and MSP among MSM with low SSS traits (odds ratio [OR] = 4.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.06 ∼ 8.67). But not among MSM with high SSS traits (OR = 1.37, 95%CI: 0.77 ∼ 2.43) were observed. However, no moderating effect of SSS on the association between alcohol use before sex and MSP were observed. Conclusion: The moderated analysis indicated that SSS should be taken into consideration when tailoring interventions to prevent popper use before sex to reduce the risk associated with MSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Tan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Cheng
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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Park JW, Dobs AS, Ho KS, Palella FJ, Seaberg EC, Weiss RE, Detels R. Characteristics and Longitudinal Patterns of Erectile Dysfunction Drug Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the U.S. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2887-2896. [PMID: 34590217 PMCID: PMC8563532 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02065-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the longitudinal relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) drug use with behavioral factors, including substance use and sexual activities in men who have sex with men from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study during 1998-2016 (n = 1636). We used a bivariate random-intercept model to evaluate ED drug use along with other behavioral factors to assess relationships between the two outcomes over time on a population level and also at the individual level. Average ED drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV was positively correlated with average use of marijuana (r = .19), poppers (r = .27), and stimulants (r = .25). In this group, testosterone use (r = .32), multiple partners (r = .41), insertive anal intercourse with condom (r = .40), and insertive anal intercourse without condom (r = .43) all showed moderate correlations over time with average ED use (p < .001). Associations among MSM without HIV were similar, with average marijuana use (r = .19) and stimulant use (r = .22) being positively correlated with average ED drug use, and were also correlated with having multiple partners (r = .36), insertive anal intercourse with condom (r = .22), and insertive anal intercourse without condom (r = .18) over time. Positive within-individual associations between ED drug use and multiple partners and insertive anal intercourse with and without condom were observed regardless of HIV serostatus. This study showed that MSM who reported use of ED drugs were also, on average, more likely to use recreational drugs and engage in sexual activities, such as having multiple partners and insertive anal intercourse. Within individuals, average ED drug use was also positively correlated with sexual behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Won Park
- Department of Epidemiology, 71-269 CHS, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA
| | - Adrian S Dobs
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ken S Ho
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburg, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Frank J Palella
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric C Seaberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert E Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roger Detels
- Department of Epidemiology, 71-269 CHS, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.
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Masterson JM, Zhao H, Choi E, Kim HH, Anger JT. Characteristics and Long Term Follow up of Men Who Suffer Ischemic Priapism Secondary to Recreational Use of Intracavernosal Injectable Medications. Urology 2021; 156:163-168. [PMID: 34273403 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand patient experience, risk factors, culture, and ED outcomes surrounding recreational ICI use that led to ischemic priapism. METHODS After IRB approval, men presenting for ischemic priapism secondary to recreational ICI use from January 2010 to December 2018 were contacted by mail and then via telephone. Standardized questions were asked of all study participants on the topics of erectile function (IIEF-5), sexual practices, and at-risk behavior at the time of priapism. Qualitative data analysis was performed using grounded theory methodology. RESULTS 14 men age 24-59 were successfully recruited. All men described themselves as men having sex with men (MSM) and one (7.1%) as having both male and female sexual partners. Average follow up IIEF-5 among participants was 13 (SD 4.0). Eleven men (78.6 %) described illicit drug use at the time of priapism. Qualitative data analysis yielded several preliminary themes: concomitant drug use, naivety, peer pressure, and delay in seeking treatment. Men frequently reported illicit drug use in group sex scenarios and ICI use under pressure to perform sexually or to counteract effects of illicit substances. CONCLUSIONS Recreational ICI in this cohort was part of a lifestyle of risky behavior. Methamphetamine use and group sex encounters strongly motivate recreational ICI use. Substance abuse centers may offer an entry point into this population for counseling and primary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Masterson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hanson Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Eunice Choi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Howard H Kim
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jennifer T Anger
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.
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Chen J, Fan H, Chen H, Yao F. Correlates of group sex participation among men who have sex with men in Chongqing, Southwestern China. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:561. [PMID: 33752635 PMCID: PMC7983368 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10607-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Findings from specific countries indicated group sex was common among men who have sex with men (MSM), and men who reported group sex participation were at increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The purpose of the current analysis was to describe the prevalence and correlates of group sex participation among a community-based sample of MSM in Chongqing, southwestern China. METHODS Convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants and data were collected through an anonymous questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify correlates of group sex participation. RESULTS Overall, 1151 eligible participants were enrolled in the study. 14.7% of MSM reported participating in group sex in their lifetime, and 5.8% reported group sex participation in the prior 6 months. Factors positively associated with group sex participation in both the prior 6 months and the lifetime included: monthly income ≥3000 Yuan (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 3.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-10.75; aOR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.21-4.35), initiating anal sex before 18 years old (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.03-3.34; aOR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.31-3.05), using gay apps to seek sex partners (aOR = 7.41, 95% CI 2.57-21.33; aOR = 9.75, 95% CI 4.92-19.33), recreational drug use (aOR = 10.10, 95% CI 5.52-18.49; aOR = 4.75, 95% CI 3.20-7.05) and having condomless internal ejaculation (CIE) (aOR = 3.66, 95% CI 2.01-6.68; aOR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.11-2.35). Factors only associated with group sex participation in the lifetime were older age (age between 26 and 35 years old: aOR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.30-3.26; age > 35 years old: aOR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.10-3.46) and history of STIs (aOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.37-4.62). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggested that group sex participation was a potentially risky context for acquisition and transmission of HIV/STIs. Close attention should be given to MSM who participated in group sex, and appropriate risk reduction interventions should be developed specific to this subgroup of MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Department of Medical Records and Statistics, the People's Hospital of Tongliang District, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Huailiang Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases Prevention and Healthcare, the People's Hospital of Sichuan Tianfu New Area, Chengdu, China.
| | - Feifei Yao
- Department of STD/HIV Control and Prevention, Sichuan Tianfu New Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
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Tan RKJ, O'Hara CA, Koh WL, Le D, Tan A, Tyler A, Tan C, Kwok C, Banerjee S, Wong ML. Social capital and chemsex initiation in young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: the pink carpet Y cohort study. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2021; 16:18. [PMID: 33608005 PMCID: PMC7893730 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00353-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YMSM) are especially vulnerable to the risks associated with sexualized substance use, or ‘chemsex’. Engaging in chemsex established as a major risk factor for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition, and is thus a public health issue of increasing urgency. This paper attempts to explore the association between measures of social capital and patterns of sexualized substance use among a sample of YMSM in Singapore. Methods Results of this study were derived from baseline data of the Pink Carpet Y Cohort Study in Singapore, comprising a sample of 570 HIV-negative YMSM aged 18 to 25 years old. Latent class analysis was employed to identify classes with similar patterns of sexualized substance use, and multinomial logistic regression was employed to examine associations between class membership and proxy measures of social capital, including age of sexual debut, bonding and bridging social capital, connectedness to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and outness. Results Latent class analysis revealed three classes of YMSM based on their histories of sexualized substance use, which we labelled as ‘alcohol’, ‘poppers’, and ‘chemsex’. Multivariable analyses revealed that participants who were older (aOR = 1.19, p = 0.002) and who identified as gay (aOR = 2.43, p = 0.002) were more likely to be in the poppers class compared to the alcohol class. Participants with a later age of sexual debut were increasingly less likely to be in the poppers (aOR = 0.93, p = 0.039) and chemsex classes (aOR = 0.85, p = 0.018), compared to the alcohol class. Conclusions Varying measures of social capital such as an earlier age of exposure to sexual networks may predispose YMSM to greater opportunities for sexualized substance use. Future interventions should target YMSM who become sexually active at an earlier age to reduce the risks associated with sexualized substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayner Kay Jin Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2, MD1 Tahir Foundation Building #10-01, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.
| | - Caitlin Alsandria O'Hara
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Wee Ling Koh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2, MD1 Tahir Foundation Building #10-01, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
| | - Daniel Le
- Action for AIDS Singapore, 9 Kelantan Lane #03-01, Singapore, 208628, Singapore.,National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Avin Tan
- Action for AIDS Singapore, 9 Kelantan Lane #03-01, Singapore, 208628, Singapore
| | - Adrian Tyler
- Action for AIDS Singapore, 9 Kelantan Lane #03-01, Singapore, 208628, Singapore
| | - Calvin Tan
- Action for AIDS Singapore, 9 Kelantan Lane #03-01, Singapore, 208628, Singapore
| | - Chronos Kwok
- Action for AIDS Singapore, 9 Kelantan Lane #03-01, Singapore, 208628, Singapore
| | - Sumita Banerjee
- Action for AIDS Singapore, 9 Kelantan Lane #03-01, Singapore, 208628, Singapore
| | - Mee Lian Wong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2, MD1 Tahir Foundation Building #10-01, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
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Drysdale K, Bryant J, Dowsett GW, Lea T, Treloar C, Aggleton P, Holt M. Priorities and practices of risk reduction among gay and bisexual men in Australia who use crystal methamphetamine for sex. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 93:103163. [PMID: 33601217 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Crystal methamphetamine (hereafter crystal) is associated with deleterious health outcomes, such as drug dependence and physical and mental health disorders. While some harms from crystal use can affect all users, there may be additional risks for people who combine the use of drug with sex. Compared with the broader population, gay and bisexual men in Australia report a higher prevalence of methamphetamine use, and crystal is the most commonly injected illicit drug among this population. The Crystal, Pleasures and Sex between Men research project was conducted between 2017 and 2019 and examined gay and bisexual men's crystal use in four capital cities in Australia, with the aim of identifying how to best support men who use crystal for sex. In this article, we examine how risk is understood and prioritised by gay and bisexual men who combine crystal use and sex and identify the range of risk reduction practices that they used. We classified these risks as those associated with the transmission of HIV, HCV and STIs, and those associated with dependence on either crystal or the sex it facilitated. Gay and bisexual men overwhelmingly prioritised the risk of dependence over any other risks associated with crystal-enhanced sex, and this prioritization was reflected in the risk reduction practices they employed. While some of the strategies that gay and bisexual men have adopted may contradict anticipated public health principles, they derive from a carefully considered and shared approaches to the generation of pleasure, the maintenance of a controlled form of feeling "out of control", and the negotiated reduction of risk. The consolidation of these strategies effectively constitutes a "counterpublic health" underpinned by forms of "sex-based sociality", which gives primacy to the priorities and practices of gay and bisexual men in Australia who combine crystal and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerryn Drysdale
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2054, Australia; Health Equity Research and Development Unit, Sydney Local Health District & UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2054, Australia.
| | - Joanne Bryant
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2054, Australia
| | - Gary W Dowsett
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2054, Australia; Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2054, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2054, Australia
| | - Peter Aggleton
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2054, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2054, Australia
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Kohli M, Hickson F, Free C, Reid D, Weatherburn P. Cross-sectional analysis of chemsex drug use and gonorrhoea diagnosis among men who have sex with men in the UK. Sex Health 2020; 16:464-472. [PMID: 30760386 DOI: 10.1071/sh18159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Illicit drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been associated with sexual risk and HIV. Less is documented about associations with other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The aim of the present study was to determine whether the use of drugs commonly associated with chemsex is associated with increased risk of gonorrhoea among MSM. METHODS Using data from 16065 UK-based respondents to the European MSM Internet Survey (2010), we examined associations between a recent diagnosis of gonorrhoea and three chemsex drugs (crystal methamphetamine, γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)/γ-butyrolactone (GBL) and mephedrone). Univariate logistic regression identified determinants of gonorrhoea diagnosis and multivariate logistic regression models calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for independent associations between chemsex drugs and gonorrhoea. RESULTS MSM who reported using crystal methamphetamine and GHB/GBL in the previous year had 1.92- and 2.23-fold higher odds of gonorrhoea respectively over the same period (P=0.0001 and P<0.0001; n=15137) after adjusting for age, recruitment website, HIV status, residence and use of other chemsex drugs. MSM reporting the use of all three chemsex drugs had the highest increased odds (aOR 3.58; P<0.0001; n=15174). Mephedrone alone was not associated with gonorrhoea in multivariate models. CONCLUSIONS Use of chemsex drugs is associated with a higher risk of gonorrhoea. The results of this study complement existing research about crystal methamphetamine and indicate a role for GHB/GBL in adverse sexual health outcomes. The use of mephedrone alongside other chemsex drugs may account for its lack of association with gonorrhoea in multivariate models. Future research should use encounter-level data, examine other STIs and attribute pathways through which chemsex leads to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manik Kohli
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7H, UK
| | - Ford Hickson
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7H, UK; and Corresponding author.
| | - Caroline Free
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7H, UK
| | - David Reid
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7H, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7H, UK
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12
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Chen J, Huang YL, Chen HL, Xia J. Nitrite inhalants use, sexual behaviors and HIV/syphilis infection among men who have sex with men in Chongqing, China. Infect Dis Poverty 2020; 9:127. [PMID: 32887643 PMCID: PMC7650275 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence indicates nitrite inhalants have become increasingly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). The present study aimed to describe the prevalence and correlates of nitrite inhalants use and its association with risky sexual behaviors and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/syphilis infection among MSM in Chongqing, a city in China where MSM were burdened with the highest pooled HIV prevalence in the country. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chongqing between March 2019 and February 2020. Information of demographics, drug use, sexual behaviors and HIV testing was collected through an anonymous survey. Blood samples were drawn from each participant for the diagnoses of HIV and syphilis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors correlated with nitrite inhalants use and its relationship with risky sexual behaviors and HIV/syphilis infection. RESULTS Of the 1151 eligible participants, 18.9% (218) reported use of at least one type of recreational drugs in the past 6 months, and nitrite inhalants were the most commonly used substance (17.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.6-20.2%). The proportions of participants reported engaging in group sex and practicing condomless internal ejaculation during anal sex in the past six months were 5.8% (95% CI: 4.4-7.2%) and 41.7% (95% CI: 38.7-44.7%), respectively. The general prevalence of HIV and syphilis infection among the enrolled MSM were 16.8% (95% CI: 14.7-19.0%) and 12.6% (95% CI: 10.7-14.4%), respectively. Factors positively associated with nitrite inhalants use included: age ≤ 25 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.10-3.94), monthly individual income ≥ CNY 3000 (Chinese Yuan) (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.18-3.22), preferring receptive anal intercourse (aOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.34-3.84) and versatile anal intercourse (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.64-4.13), age at first anal intercourse < 18 (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.21-2.67), engaging in group sex in the past six months (aOR = 9.34, 95% CI: 4.95-17.63), having multiple male sex partners in the past 6 months (aOR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.50-3.58), practicing CIE during anal sex in the past six months (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19-2.46), HIV infection (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.11-2.66) and syphilis infection (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.23-3.17). CONCLUSIONS This study found that nitrite inhalants were the most commonly used recreational substance among MSM and nitrite inhalants use were associated with higher probability of HIV and syphilis infection. Therefore, increased attention and counselling should be given to nitrite inhalants-using MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Department of Medical Records Management, the People's Hospital of Tongliang District, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Ling Huang
- Department of STD/HIV Control and Prevention, Sichuan provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
| | - Huai-Liang Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases Prevention and Healthcare, the People's Hospital of Chengdu Tianfu New Area, Chengdu, China.
| | - Ji Xia
- Department of Medical Records Management, the People's Hospital of Tongliang District, Chongqing, China
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Abstract
Use of crystal methamphetamine (crystal) among gay and bisexual men (GBM) has been associated with condomless anal intercourse with casual partners (CLAIC) and HIV infection. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and undetectable viral load (UVL) are important biomedical HIV prevention strategies. We investigate the relationship between crystal use and HIV sexual risk behaviours in the context of PrEP and UVL. In 2018, 1367 GBM provided details about crystal use and HIV prevention strategies. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate associations between crystal use and behaviour. Recent crystal use was independently associated with greater social engagement with gay men and having more sexual partners. Crystal use was also independently associated with use of PrEP and UVL among GBM who engaged in CLAIC. Although GBM who used crystal were more likely to have engaged in CLAIC, they were also more likely to use biomedical HIV prevention which mitigates against the risks of HIV infection.
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Drysdale K, Bryant J, Hopwood M, Dowsett GW, Holt M, Lea T, Aggleton P, Treloar C. Destabilising the 'problem' of chemsex: Diversity in settings, relations and practices revealed in Australian gay and bisexual men's crystal methamphetamine use. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 78:102697. [PMID: 32065931 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In Australia, the crystalline form of methamphetamine ("crystal") is a commonly used illicit substance associated with sexual activity among gay and bisexual men. Attention to psychoactive substance use among this population is the subject of increasing global concern regarding the intentional and simultaneous combination of sex and drugs, often referred to as "chemsex". While not all gay and bisexual men who use psychoactive substances report problematic use, those who do often become representative of chemsex practices more generally, and the harms they experience become attributable to all men who use drugs for sex. The way in which these practices have been framed over the past few decades contributes to the rise of a narrow set of understandings of chemsex defined by the circumstances and behaviours presumed of drug-enhanced sexual activity. In effect, these understandings now align recognisable combinations of sexual and drug-using practices with assumed correlates of risk. The Crystal, Pleasures and Sex between Men study conducted 88 interviews with gay and bisexual men in four Australian cities between 2017 and 2018. Findings from the project revealed that men used crystal in a variety of settings and relations, which mediated their sexual practices and patterns of use. In looking at the wider context in which practices were associated with the combination of sex and drugs, we identified experiences that the contemporary discourse of chemsex-in its rhetorical proposition of at-risk behaviours and circumstances-may leave out of consideration. Our findings indicate that researchers should remain open to the variability and contingency of settings, relations and practices in gay and bisexual men's different networks when recommending public health responses to their engagement in drug-enhanced sexual activity. Accordingly, we seek to destabilise the definition of chemsex that precludes consideration of the influence of experiences beyond pre-determined risk parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerryn Drysdale
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2054, Australia.
| | - Joanne Bryant
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2054, Australia
| | - Max Hopwood
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2054, Australia
| | - Gary W Dowsett
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2054, Australia; Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2054, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2054, Australia
| | - Peter Aggleton
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2054, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2054, Australia
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15
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Miller WM, Miller WC, Barrington C, Weir SS, Chen SY, Emch ME, Pettifor AE, Paz-Bailey G. Sex work, discrimination, drug use and violence: a pattern for HIV risk among transgender sex workers compared to MSM sex workers and other MSM in Guatemala. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:262-274. [PMID: 31599193 PMCID: PMC10885015 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1671984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The risk of HIV infection is higher among transgender women and cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) compared to the general population due in part to social and contextual factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and association of alcohol and drug abuse, discrimination and violence among transgender sex workers compared to cisgender male sex workers and cisgender men who had not received money for sex in Guatemala City. In 2010, transgender women and cisgender men who had had sex with men or transgender women were recruited into a cross-sectional behavioural survey. Among transgender women, 86% received money for sex in the past year. Transgender sex workers were more likely to use drugs and binge drink, three times as likely to be discriminated against and eight times as likely to be forced to have sex compared to non-sex worker men. Male sex workers were twice as likely to use illicit drugs or experience physical violence and six times as likely to experience forced sex compared to non-sex worker men. Transgender and male sex workers would benefit from harm reduction for substance use, violence prevention, response and strategies to mitigate discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Clare Barrington
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sharon S Weir
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sanny Y Chen
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Central America Regional Office, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Michael E Emch
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Audrey E Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gabriela Paz-Bailey
- Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET) Central American office, Guatemala City, Guatemala
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16
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Vaccher SJ, Hammoud MA, Bourne A, Lea T, Haire BG, Holt M, Saxton P, Mackie B, Badge J, Jin F, Maher L, Prestage G. Prevalence, frequency, and motivations for alkyl nitrite use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Australia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 76:102659. [PMID: 31927224 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) use alkyl nitrites ('poppers') at higher rates than other populations to functionally enhance sexual experiences. Their use has been associated with HIV sexual risk behaviours including receptive anal sex. We investigate the prevalence, frequency, and motivations for poppers use and their relationship with HIV risk. We also discuss the implications of the recent scheduling changes to poppers by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. METHODS Data were drawn from the Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) study, a prospective observational study of licit and illicit drug use among GBM. Between 2014 and 2018, 3273 GBM enrolled in the study. In 2018, 1745 GBM provided data relating to frequency of and motivations for poppers use and were included in this analysis. RESULTS Median age was 33 years (IQR 25-46) and 801 GBM (45.9%) had used poppers in the previous six months ('recent use'). Among these men, 195 (24.3%) had used them weekly or more frequently. Most recent users (77.4%) reported using poppers for a 'buzz' during sex or to facilitate receptive anal intercourse (60.8%). The majority (57.7%) of HIV-negative men reporting recent poppers use were concurrently taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Recent poppers use was independently associated with receptive anal intercourse with casual partners (aOR 1.71; 95%CI 1.35-2.16) and chemsex (aOR 4.32; 95%CI 3.15-5.94). Poppers use was not associated with anxiety, depression, or drug-related harms. Only 15.4% of current users indicated they would stop using poppers if they were criminalised; 65.0% said they would 'find other ways' to obtain them. CONCLUSIONS Poppers are commonly used by Australian GBM to functionally enhance sexual experiences, particularly to facilitate receptive anal intercourse. Few men experienced drug-related harms from poppers use. Regulatory changes must ensure potential harms from popper use are minimised without increasing barriers to access or perpetuating stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie J Vaccher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Toby Lea
- German Institute for Addiction and Prevention Research, Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 79-81, 50668 Cologne, Germany; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Bridget G Haire
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Peter Saxton
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Brent Mackie
- ACON, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Joshua Badge
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Brief Report: Changes in Behavior After PrEP Initiation Among Australian Gay and Bisexual Men. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 81:52-56. [PMID: 30768489 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been increasingly adopted by gay and bisexual men (GBM). Little is known about whether individual GBM change their sexual behavior after PrEP initiation. METHODS Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) is a national, online, prospective observational study among Australian GBM. Using McNemar statistics, we compare rates of sexual behaviors before and coincident with PrEP initiation among 1518 non-HIV-positive men recruited between August 2014 and July 2017 who had not commenced PrEP at baseline and who completed at least one 6-monthly follow-up surveys by July 2018. RESULTS The proportion of men using PrEP rose to 24.2% over time. In total, 348 men initiated PrEP during follow-up. PrEP initiators were more likely to report particular sexual behaviors during the follow-up period that they commenced PrEP compared with the period immediately prior: receptive condomless anal intercourse with casual partners increased from 31.0% to 48.9% (McNemar < 0.001); mean partner number increased from 21.96 partners to 34.55 partners (p-trend < 0.001). Among the 1170 men who did not initiate PrEP, prevalence of these behaviors remained lower and stable. Sexual sensation-seeking and gay social engagement were both higher among men who commenced PrEP. CONCLUSIONS GBM tended to increase their engagement in "adventurous" sexual behaviors after PrEP initiation. Sexual behaviors among men who did not initiate PrEP were less common and did not change over time.
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18
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Hammoud MA, Bourne A, Maher L, Jin F, Haire B, Lea T, Degenhardt L, Grierson J, Prestage G. Intensive sex partying with gamma-hydroxybutyrate: factors associated with using gamma-hydroxybutyrate for chemsex among Australian gay and bisexual men - results from the Flux Study. Sex Health 2019; 15:123-134. [PMID: 29268075 DOI: 10.1071/sh17146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use among gay and bisexual men (GBM) has increased in recent years. It is commonly cited as a sexual-enhancement drug. There is, however, little evidence for factors associated with GHB use or the consequences of its use among GBM. AIM Factors associated with GHB use, its relationship to sexual risk behaviour, and the contexts, consequences, and motivations for its use were examined. METHODS The Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) Study is an online prospective observational study of Australian GBM. At baseline, a total of 3190 GBM provided details about their use of GHB. Data on frequency, methods, pleasures and consequences of their drug use, alongside key demographic variables were collected. RESULTS Mean age was 35.0 years. One in five men (19.5%) had a history of GHB use and 5.4% reported use within the past 6 months, with 2.7% having used it monthly or more frequently. Overdose had been experienced by 14.7%, this was more common among men who used GHB at least monthly. Being HIV-positive, having more gay friends, greater social engagement with gay men who use drugs, a greater number of sexual partners, group sex, and condomless anal intercourse with casual partners were independently associated with GHB use in the past 6 months. Greater social engagement with gay men who use drugs and group sex were independently associated with at least monthly use. More frequent GHB use was independently associated with experiencing overdose among GHB users. CONCLUSION Most men used GHB infrequently and it was often used explicitly to enhance sexual experiences, often in the context of intensive sex partying. Men who used GHB frequently, were at greater risk of overdose and other negative health outcomes. GHB use should be considered alongside other drugs that have been implicated in sexual risk behaviour and HIV transmission. Harm-reduction interventions need to consider the particular impact of frequent GHB use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society, La Trobe University, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bridget Haire
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, 22-32 King St, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Grierson
- Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus. East Rd, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Race K, Lea T, Murphy D, Pienaar K. The future of drugs: recreational drug use and sexual health among gay and other men who have sex with men. Sex Health 2019; 14:42-50. [PMID: 27712616 DOI: 10.1071/sh16080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There are complex historical connections between sexual minoritisation and desires to chemically alter bodily experience. For gay men, drug and alcohol use can be a creative or experimental response to social marginalisation - and not necessarily a problematic one in every instance. Numerous studies have found that infection with HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is more likely among gay and men who have sex with men (MSM) who use recreational drugs than those who do not, but the causal nature of these relations is uncertain. Sexualised drug use is associated with a range of other problems, including dependence, mental health issues, accident and overdose. A growing body of work in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) field demonstrates the action of drugs and their purported effects to be a product of their relations with various other actors, contexts and practices. Given these contingencies, it is impossible to predict the future of drugs or their effect on the sexual health of gay and MSM with any degree of certainty. This article outlines some of the conditions most likely to mediate such futures in the medium term. Public funding for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer drug issues should not remain restricted to questions of HIV prevention and sexual health. It should be expanded to equip sexual health and AOD service providers with the cultural and sexual literacy to mitigate stigma and allow them to respond constructively to drug problems among sexual and gender minorities as a matter of priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kane Race
- Gender & Cultural Studies, University of Sydney, SOPHI A14, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kiran Pienaar
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Suite 6, 19-35 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia
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20
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Goddard SL, Poynten IM, Petoumenous K, Jin F, Hillman RJ, Law C, Roberts JM, Fairley CK, Garland SM, Grulich AE, Templeton DJ. Prevalence, incidence and predictors of anal Chlamydia trachomatis, anal Neisseria gonorrhoeae and syphilis among older gay and bisexual men in the longitudinal Study for the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC). Sex Transm Infect 2019; 95:477-483. [PMID: 31018992 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexually transmitted infection (STI) notifications are increasing among older individuals. Many older gay and bisexual men (GBM) are sexually active and have multiple partners. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, incidence and predictors of anal chlamydia, anal gonorrhoea and syphilis in older GBM. METHODS The Study for the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC) was a prospective cohort study of HPV infections and related anal lesions among community-recruited GBM age ≥ 35 years in Sydney, Australia. At baseline and subsequent annual visits, recent STI diagnoses were collected via questionnaire ('interval diagnoses') and STI testing occurred ('study visit diagnoses'). Baseline STI prevalence was calculated using study visit diagnoses. Incidence of anal chlamydia and gonorrhoea was calculated using interval and study visit diagnoses. Syphilis incidence was calculated using interval diagnoses. Univariate and multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards were undertaken to investigate the association between risk factors and incident STI. RESULTS Among 617 GBM, the median age was 49 years (range 35-79) and 35.8% (n=221) were HIV-positive. At baseline, STI prevalence was: anal chlamydia 2.3% (n=14); anal gonorrhoea 0.5% (n=3) and syphilis 1.0% (n=6). During 1428 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), the incidence (per 100 PYFU) of anal chlamydia, anal gonorrhoea and syphilis was 10.40 (95% CI 8.82 to 12.25), 9.11 (95% CI 7.64 to 10.85) and 5.47 (95% CI 4.38 to 6.84), respectively. In multivariate analysis, HIV-positivity, higher number of recent condomless receptive anal intercourse partners and baseline methamphetamine use were associated with each STI. Sex with 'fuck-buddies' was associated with anal chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Age was not associated with any STI. DISCUSSION There was a high incidence of STI among SPANC participants. Age should not be used as a proxy for sexual risk and older GBM require a detailed sexual behaviour and recreational drug use history. Interventions that specifically target STI risk among older GBM should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Louise Goddard
- HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program, The Kirby Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia .,Ambrose King Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Isobel M Poynten
- HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program, The Kirby Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathy Petoumenous
- Biostatistics and Databases Program, The Kirby Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program, The Kirby Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard J Hillman
- HIV, Immunology and Infectious disease Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carmella Law
- HIV, Immunology and Infectious disease Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer M Roberts
- Cytology Department, Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Garland
- Centre for Women's Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Infection Immunity, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program, The Kirby Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J Templeton
- HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program, The Kirby Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sexual Health Service, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Bruening A, Perez M, Josephs J. Overall Mental Health and Misuse of Erectile Dysfunction Medication Among Sexual Minority Men. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:1825-1833. [PMID: 31107124 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1613433] [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] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Research has noted that rates of recreational use of erectile dysfunction medication (EDM) are particularly high among men who have sex with other men. Though previous research has investigated recreational EDM use in relation to substance use, its association with other general mental health symptoms and diagnoses remains unexamined. Objectives: To address the paucity of research on EDM misuse, the current study examined prevalence rates of EDM misuse among sexual minority men and its association with last 12-month and 30-day mental health symptoms and diagnoses. Method: A secondary analysis of 7,658 sexual minority undergraduate and graduate male students recruited as part of the American College of Health Association's National College Health Assessment was performed. Results: Results indicated that 2.2% of sexual minority men reported misuse of EDMs within the last 12 months. Last 12-month EDM misuse was significantly associated with a number of mental health symptoms and diagnoses in the last 12 months and last 30 days. Most notably, small to moderate effects were found for misuse of other prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, painkillers, and sedatives, and diagnosis of substance use within the last 12 months. Small effects were found for sedatives and steroid misuse in the last 30 days. Conclusion: Results suggest that worse mental health, particularly substance use, is associated with EDM misuse among sexual minority men. As such, further research in this area is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Bruening
- a Department of Psychology , Arizona State University , Tempe , AZ , USA
| | - Marisol Perez
- a Department of Psychology , Arizona State University , Tempe , AZ , USA
| | - Jamie Josephs
- a Department of Psychology , Arizona State University , Tempe , AZ , USA
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Population-level effectiveness of rapid, targeted, high-coverage roll-out of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men: the EPIC-NSW prospective cohort study. THE LANCET HIV 2018; 5:e629-e637. [PMID: 30343026 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(18)30215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Jin F, Hammoud MA, Maher L, Degenhardt L, Bourne A, Lea T, Vaccher S, Grierson J, Haire B, Prestage GP. Age-related prevalence and twelve-month incidence of illicit drug use in a cohort of Australian gay and bisexual men: Results from the Flux Study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 188:175-179. [PMID: 29778770 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report prevalence and incidence of drug use initiation in Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) participating in an online cohort study. METHODS Between September 2014 and June 2015, 1,710 GBM were enrolled in the Following Lives Undergoing Change Study and followed-up six monthly. Participants were asked about measures of lifetime use at baseline and recent use (last six months) at all visits. Drug use initiation was defined as men who reported having never used a specific drug prior to baseline and reported recent use at follow-up. RESULTS Participants' median age was 31 years (range: 16-81). Prevalence of lifetime use was significantly associated with older age for all individual drugs (p trend<0.001), and 84.1% reported lifetime use of any drugs. Just above half (51.9%) reported recent use at baseline, with the majority reporting occasional use (once or twice in the previous six-months). Among men who reported no history of drug use at baseline, drug initiation was highest for amyl nitrite, with an incidence of 10.5 per 100 person-years (95% CI 7.9-13.9), followed by cannabis (7.3 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 5.0-10.6) and ecstasy (5.0 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 3.6-7.0). Younger age was significantly associated with higher incidence of initiation of amyl nitrite, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, GHB, and LSD (p trend <0.05 for all). CONCLUSION Prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use is lower in younger GBM than in their older counterparts. However, incidence of drug use initiation is high among younger men, providing an opportunity for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; German Institute on Addiction and Prevention Research, Catholic University of Applied Science, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Stefanie Vaccher
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Grierson
- Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bridget Haire
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Garrett P Prestage
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Hood JE, Buskin SE, Golden MR, Glick SN, Banta-Green C, Dombrowski JC. The Changing Burden of HIV Attributable to Methamphetamine Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in King County, Washington. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2018; 32:223-233. [PMID: 29851502 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2017.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine use is a key driver of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated trends in incident HIV diagnosis rates among methamphetamine using and nonusing MSM and assessed the relationship between methamphetamine use and demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics among MSM newly diagnosed with HIV. We analyzed several sources of HIV and behavioral surveillance data to estimate incident rates of HIV diagnoses and the population attributable risk percent corresponding to methamphetamine use among MSM in King County, Washington. Missing values were recovered through multiple imputation. We report descriptive statistics and adjusted odds ratios yielded from multivariable logistic regression models. Between 2010 and 2015, the HIV diagnosis rate among methamphetamine-using MSM declined from 31.2 to 11.5 per 1000 MSM (vs. 6.4-3.9 per 1000 MSM overall), and the percent of new diagnoses attributable to methamphetamine use declined from 25% to 13%. During the same period, methamphetamine use among HIV-negative MSM remained relatively stable. Among MSM newly diagnosed with HIV, methamphetamine-using MSM were more likely to be unstably housed (24% vs. 6%), to have engaged in transactional sex (19% vs. 4%), and to have had female partners (17% vs. 10%). Methamphetamine-using MSM were less likely to be virally suppressed at 6 (31% vs. 54%) and 12 (59% vs. 73%) months following an HIV diagnosis. The declining HIV diagnosis rate among methamphetamine-using MSM is encouraging, but this subgroup continues to have considerable HIV risk and health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E. Hood
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health—Seattle & King County, Seattle, Washington
| | - Susan E. Buskin
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health—Seattle & King County, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Matthew R. Golden
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health—Seattle & King County, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sara N. Glick
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health—Seattle & King County, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Caleb Banta-Green
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Julia C. Dombrowski
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health—Seattle & King County, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Bryant J, Hopwood M, Dowsett GW, Aggleton P, Holt M, Lea T, Drysdale K, Treloar C. The rush to risk when interrogating the relationship between methamphetamine use and sexual practice among gay and bisexual men. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 55:242-248. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hammoud MA, Vaccher S, Jin F, Bourne A, Haire B, Maher L, Lea T, Prestage G. The new MTV generation: Using methamphetamine, Truvada™, and Viagra™ to enhance sex and stay safe. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Bui H, Zablotska-Manos I, Hammoud M, Jin F, Lea T, Bourne A, Iversen J, Bath N, Grierson J, Degenhardt L, Prestage G, Maher L. Prevalence and correlates of recent injecting drug use among gay and bisexual men in Australia: Results from the FLUX study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 55:222-230. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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28
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Prestage G, Hammoud M, Jin F, Degenhardt L, Bourne A, Maher L. Mental health, drug use and sexual risk behavior among gay and bisexual men. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 55:169-179. [PMID: 29429865 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to the general population, among gay and bisexual men (GBM) prevalence rates of anxiety and depression, and of drug use, are high. OBJECTIVE This paper explores the relationship between mental health, sexual risk behavior, and drug use among Australian GBM. We identify factors associated with indicators of poor mental health. METHODS Between September 2014 and July 2017, 3017 GBM responded to measures of anxiety and depression in an online cohort study of drug use. RESULTS Mean age was 35.3 years (SD 12.8). 17.9% screened positive for current moderate-severe anxiety and 28.3% for moderate-severe depression. The majority (52.2%) reported use of illicit drugs in the previous six months, including 11.2% who had used methamphetamine. One third had high (20.4%) or severe (10.6%) risk levels of alcohol consumption, and 18.3% who were current daily smokers. Most illicit drug use in general was not associated with either anxiety or depression, but men who used cannabis were more likely to show evidence of depression (p = 0.005). Among recent methamphetamine users, 28.0% were assessed as dependent: dependent users were more likely to show evidence of both depression and anxiety than were non-dependent users. High or severe risk drinking was associated with depression and daily tobacco use was associated with both anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety was associated with: less personal support, viewing oneself as 'feminine', and being less socially engaged with gay men. Sexual risk behavior was not associated with either depression or anxiety. CONCLUSION Prevalence of anxiety and depression was high, as was prevalence of licit and illicit drug use. Substance use was associated with anxiety and depression only when the use was considered problematic or dependent. Social isolation and marginalization are strong drivers of poor mental health, even within this population for whom anxiety and depression are common.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Reducing medical comorbidities associated with long-term HIV infection: beyond optimizing antiretroviral therapy regimens. AIDS 2017; 31:2547-2549. [PMID: 29120900 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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30
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Prestage G, Hammoud M, Lea T, Jin F, Maher L. Measuring drug use sensation-seeking among Australian gay and bisexual men. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 49:73-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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31
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Petoumenos K, Huang R, Hoy J, Bloch M, Templeton DJ, Baker D, Giles M, Law MG, Cooper DA. Prevalence of self-reported comorbidities in HIV positive and HIV negative men who have sex with men over 55 years-The Australian Positive & Peers Longevity Evaluation Study (APPLES). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184583. [PMID: 28886173 PMCID: PMC5590989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In Australia, almost half of HIV-positive people are now aged over 50 and are predominately gay and bisexual men (GBM). Compared to the general HIV-negative population, GBM engage more in behaviours that may increase the risk of age-related comorbidities, including smoking, high alcohol consumption and recreational drug use. The objective of APPLES was to compare comorbidities and risk factors in HIV-positive older GBM with an appropriate control group of HIV-negative GBM. We undertook a prospectively recruited cross-sectional sample of HIV-positive and HIV-negative GBM ≥ 55 years. Detailed data collection included clinic data, a health and lifestyle survey, and blood sample collection. We report key demographic, laboratory markers and self-reported comorbidities by HIV status. For selected comorbidities we also adjust HIV status a priori for age, smoking and body mass index. Over 16 months 228 HIV-positive and 218 HIV-negative men were recruited. Median age was 63 years (IQR: 59-67). Although more HIV-positive men reported having ever smoked, smoking status was not statistically different between HIV positive and HIV negative men (p = 0.081). Greater alcohol use was reported by HIV-negative men (p = 0.002), and recreational drug use reported more often by HIV-positive men (p<0.001). After adjustment, HIV-positive men had significantly increased odds of diabetes (adjusted Odds ratio (aOR): 1.97, p = 0.038), thrombosis (aOR: 3.08, p = 0.007), neuropathy (aOR: 34.6, P<0.001), and non-significantly increased odds for heart-disease (aOR: 1.71, p = 0.077). In conclusion, HIV-positive GBM have significantly increased odds for key self-reported comorbidities. This study underscores the importance of an appropriate HIV-negative control group for more accurate evaluation of the risk and attribution of age-related comorbidities in HIV-positive people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Petoumenos
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robin Huang
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Hoy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Bloch
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J. Templeton
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- RPA Sexual Health, Sydney Local Health District and Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Baker
- East Sydney Doctors, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Giles
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew G. Law
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David A. Cooper
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Saxton P, Newcombe D, Ahmed A, Dickson N, Hughes A. Illicit drug use among New Zealand gay and bisexual men: Prevalence and association with sexual health behaviours. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017; 37:180-187. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Saxton
- Gay Men's Sexual Health research group, School of Population Health; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - David Newcombe
- Department of Social and Community Health, School of Population Health; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Arslan Ahmed
- Department of Social and Community Health, School of Population Health; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Nigel Dickson
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine; University of Otago; Dunedin New Zealand
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Erectile Dysfunction Medication Prescription and Condomless Intercourse in HIV-Infected Men Who have Sex with Men in the United States. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1129-1137. [PMID: 27637499 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1552-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Using nationally representative data, we assessed the prevalence of erectile dysfunction medication (EDM) prescription, and its association with insertive condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with an HIV-serodiscordant partner among sexually-active HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) receiving medical care in the United States. Overall, 14 % (95 % CI 12-16) were prescribed EDM and 21 % (95 % CI 19-23) engaged in serodiscordant CAI. MSM who were prescribed EDM were more likely to engage in insertive CAI with a serodiscordant casual partner than those not prescribed EDM after adjusting for illicit drug use before or during sex (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.38; 95 % CI 1.01-1.88). We found no association with main partners. Only 40 % (95 % CI 36-44) of MSM prescribed EDM received risk-reduction counseling from healthcare professionals. Risk-reduction counseling should be provided at least annually to all HIV-infected persons as recommended, especially at the time of EDM prescription.
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Sewell J, Miltz A, Lampe FC, Cambiano V, Speakman A, Phillips AN, Stuart D, Gilson R, Asboe D, Nwokolo N, Clarke A, Collins S, Hart G, Elford J, Rodger AJ. Poly drug use, chemsex drug use, and associations with sexual risk behaviour in HIV-negative men who have sex with men attending sexual health clinics. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 43:33-43. [PMID: 28189979 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recreational drug use and associated harms continue to be of significant concern in men who have sex with men (MSM) particularly in the context of HIV and STI transmission. METHODS Data from 1484 HIV-negative or undiagnosed MSM included in the AURAH study, a cross-sectional, self-completed questionnaire study of 2630 individuals from 20 sexual health clinics in the United Kingdom in 2013-2014, was analysed. Two measures of recreational drug use in the previous three months were defined; (i) polydrug use (use of 3 or more recreational drugs) and (ii) chemsex drug use (use of mephedrone, crystal methamphetamine or GHB/GBL). Associations of socio-demographic, health and lifestyle factors with drug use, and associations of drug use with sexual behaviour, were investigated. RESULTS Of the 1484 MSM, 350 (23.6%) reported polydrug use and 324 (21.8%) reported chemsex drug use in the past three months. Overall 852 (57.5%) men reported condomless sex in the past three months; 430 (29.0%) had CLS with ≥2 partners, 474 (31.9%) had CLS with unknown/HIV+ partner(s); 187 (12.6%) had receptive CLS with an unknown status partner. For polydrug use, prevalence ratios (95% confidence interval) for association with CLS measures, adjusted for socio-demographic factors were: 1.38 (1.26, 1.51) for CLS; 2.11 (1.80, 2.47) for CLS with ≥2 partners; 1.89 (1.63, 2.19) for CLS with unknown/HIV+ partner(s); 1.36 (1.00, 1.83) for receptive CLS with an unknown status partner. Corresponding adjusted prevalence ratios for chemsex drug use were: 1.38 (1.26, 1.52); 2.07 (1.76, 2.43); 1.88 (1.62, 2.19); 1.49 (1.10, 2.02). Polydrug and chemsex drug use were also strongly associated with previous STI, PEP use, group sex and high number of new sexual partners. Associations remained with little attenuation after further adjustment for depressive symptoms and alcohol intake. CONCLUSION There was a high prevalence of polydrug use and chemsex drug use among HIV negative MSM attending UK sexual health clinics. Drug use was strongly associated with sexual behaviours linked to risk of acquisition of STIs and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janey Sewell
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ada Miltz
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona C Lampe
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Cambiano
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Speakman
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew N Phillips
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Stuart
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Gilson
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Asboe
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nneka Nwokolo
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Clarke
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Graham Hart
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alison J Rodger
- Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Boonchutima S, Kongchan W. Utilization of dating apps by men who have sex with men for persuading other men toward substance use. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2017; 10:31-38. [PMID: 28138269 PMCID: PMC5239767 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s121480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dating apps play a major role in connecting men who are interested in meeting other men for sex. Besides finding a partner, these tools are also exploited for other activities such as encouraging people to get involved in the habit of illicit drug consumption (substance use). Methods This study evaluated the overall usage of dating apps among Thai men who have sex with men (MSMs), with an emphasis on abusing these apps to convey messages encouraging substance use. A well-structured Survey Monkey questionnaire posted on specialized websites and social sites used by MSMs was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using regression and correlation analysis in order to establish the relationship between variables. Results A substantial proportion (73%) of the Thai MSM community is using dating apps to find their partners as well as for inviting others into illicit drug practice. Unfortunately, persuasion through dating significantly influenced people toward accepting a substance use invitation, with a 77% invitation success rate. Substance use was also linked with unprotected sex, potentially enhancing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion Dating apps significantly increased motivational substance use through messaging from their counterparts. One of the major concerns revealed in this study is that Thai MSMs who reported being involved in substance use also reported avoiding use of condoms during intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smith Boonchutima
- Department of Public Relations, Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watsayut Kongchan
- Department of Public Relations, Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Hammoud MA, Jin F, Degenhardt L, Lea T, Maher L, Grierson J, Mackie B, Pastorelli M, Batrouney C, Bath N, Bradley J, Prestage GP. Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) study: Implementation and baseline prevalence of drug use in an online cohort study of gay and bisexual men in Australia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 41:41-50. [PMID: 28081482 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug use among gay and bisexual men (GBM) is higher than most populations. The use of crystal methamphetamine, erectile dysfunction medication (EDM), and amyl nitrite have been associated with sexual risk behaviour and HIV infection among gay and bisexual men (GBM). OBJECTIVE This paper describes an online prospective observational study of licit and illicit drug use among GBM and explores baseline prevalence of drug use in this sample. Capturing these data poses challenges as participants are required to disclose potentially illegal behaviours in a geographically dispersed country. To address this issue, an entirely online and study specific methodology was chosen. METHODS Men living in Australia, aged 16.5 years of age or older, who identified as homosexual or bisexual or had sex with at least one man in the preceding 12 months were eligible to enrol. RESULTS Between September 2014 and July 2015, a total of 2250 participants completed the baseline questionnaire, of whom, 1710 (76.0%) consented to six-monthly follow-up. The majority (65.7%) were recruited through Facebook targeted advertising. At baseline, over half (50.5%) the men reported the use of any illicit drug in the previous six months, and 28.0% had used party drugs. In the six months prior to enrolment, 12.0% had used crystal methamphetamine, 21.8% had used EDM, and 32.1% had used amyl nitrite. Among the 1710 men enrolled into the cohort, 790 men had used none of these drugs. CONCLUSION Ease of entry and minimal research burden on participants helped ensure successful recruitment into this online cohort study. Study outcomes will include the initiation and cessation of drug use, associated risk behaviours, and health consequences, over time. Results will provide insights into the role gay community plays in patterns of drug use among GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Grierson
- Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Brent Mackie
- ACON NSW, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
| | | | - Colin Batrouney
- Victorian AIDS Council, 6 Claremont St, South Yarra, VIC 3141, Australia
| | - Nicky Bath
- NSW Users and AIDS Association, 5, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Jack Bradley
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Garrett P Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
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Simonsen U, Comerma-Steffensen S, Andersson KE. Modulation of Dopaminergic Pathways to Treat Erectile Dysfunction. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 119 Suppl 3:63-74. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Simonsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology; Aarhus University; Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Simon Comerma-Steffensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology; Aarhus University; Aarhus C Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Science; Faculty of Veterinary Science; Central University of Venezuela; Maracay Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
| | - Karl-Erik Andersson
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology; Aarhus University; Aarhus C Denmark
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Sewell J, Speakman A, Phillips AN, Cambiano V, Lampe FC, Gilson R, Asboe D, Nwokolo N, Clarke A, Ogilvy A, Collins S, Rodger AJ. Attitudes to and Understanding of Risk of Acquisition of HIV Over Time: Design and Methods for an Internet-based Prospective Cohort Study Among UK Men Who Have Sex With Men (the AURAH2 Study). JMIR Res Protoc 2016; 5:e128. [PMID: 27307218 PMCID: PMC4927873 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.5582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The annual number of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) has risen in the United Kingdom and, of those who are HIV positive, the proportion undiagnosed is high. Objective The prospective AURAH2 study aims to assess factors associated with HIV acquisition among MSM in the United Kingdom and to investigate changes over time within individuals in sexual behavior and HIV-testing practices. Methods AURAH2 is a prospective study among MSM without diagnosed HIV, aiming to recruit up to 1000 sexually active MSM attending sexual health clinics in London and Brighton in the United Kingdom. Participants complete an initial paper-based questionnaire, followed by online follow-up questionnaires every 4 months collecting sociodemographic, health and behavioral data, including sexual behavior, recreational and other drug use, HIV testing practices, and pre-exposure prophylaxis use, over a planned 3-year period. Results The study is ongoing. Conclusions The results from AURAH2 study will provide important insight into established and emerging risk behaviors that may be associated with acquisition of HIV in MSM in the United Kingdom, changes over time within individuals in sexual behavior, and information on HIV testing practices. These data will be crucial to inform future HIV prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janey Sewell
- Department of Infection and Population Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom.
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Mitchell JW. Differences in Relationship Characteristics Between HIV-Negative Male Couples Who Used and Did Not Use Substances with Sex. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:667-78. [PMID: 26223222 PMCID: PMC4733439 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1148-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although substance use is linked to HIV seroconversion, little is known about male couples substance use with sex. The present study sought to: describe whether neither, one, or both partners in the couple used a particular substance with sex within or outside their relationship; assess, by substance type used with sex, whether relationship factors differed between these groups of couples. Dyadic data from 83 behaviorally non-monogamous HIV-negative male couples were used with multinomial regression models. Those who used with sex within the relationship varied by substance type; outside the relationship, most only had one partner who used with sex. Couples with one or both partners who used substances with sex within or outside the relationship were more likely to have higher commitment to their relationship yet less likely to trust their main partner; mixed results were found regarding communication. Further research is warranted toward the need for preventive intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Mitchell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite 1021, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Melendez-Torres GJ, Hickson F, Reid D, Weatherburn P, Bonell C. Nested Event-Level Case-Control Study of Drug Use and Sexual Outcomes in Multipartner Encounters Reported by Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:646-54. [PMID: 26139422 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1127-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous event-level analyses have often, but not always, found significant associations between drug use and sexual risk behaviour in men who have sex with men (MSM), but these analyses have rarely considered either multipartner encounters specifically, or other sexual outcomes such as pleasure and control. Using data from an internet-based longitudinal survey of MSM, we tested the association between drug use by respondent and by partners and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), pleasure and control over sexual activity. Overall respondent substance use was significantly associated with increased odds of UAI, though not with pleasure or control. Respondent use of crystal methamphetamine was significantly associated with both increased odds of UAI and decreased odds of control over sexual activity. This analysis agrees with previous studies of dyadic encounters, and specifically suggests that the association between crystal methamphetamine and sexual risk behaviour may be mediated by loss of control.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Melendez-Torres
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Barnett House, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2ER, UK.
| | - Ford Hickson
- Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - David Reid
- Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Chris Bonell
- Social Science Research Unit, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
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The prevalence and correlates of undiagnosed HIV among Australian gay and bisexual men: results of a national, community-based, bio-behavioural survey. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:20526. [PMID: 26563846 PMCID: PMC4643166 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.20526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gay and bisexual men (GBM) with undiagnosed HIV are believed to contribute disproportionately to HIV transmission in Australia but national prevalence estimates have been lacking. Methods From November 2013 to November 2014, we recruited men at gay venues and events in six Australian states and territories. Of 7291 survey participants, 3071 men also provided an oral fluid sample for testing and decided whether to receive their test results or not. We calculated raw and population-weighted prevalence estimates and identified associations with undiagnosed infection using logistic regression. Results Of 3071 participants, 213 men tested HIV-positive (6.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0 to 7.8%), of whom 19 (8.9%, 95% CI 5.8 to 13.5%) were previously undiagnosed. After weighting for the size of the gay and bisexual male population in each state or territory, national HIV prevalence was estimated to be 7.2% (95% CI 6.3 to 8.1), of which 9.1% (95% CI 6.0 to 13.6%) were estimated to be undiagnosed. Compared with HIV-negative participants, men with undiagnosed HIV were more likely to report meeting partners at sex venues, using antiretroviral drugs as pre-exposure prophylaxis, condomless anal intercourse with casual partners, using party drugs for sex, injecting drugs and using amyl nitrite, crystal methamphetamine or gamma hydroxybutyrate in the six months prior to the survey. Discussion The results indicate that the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV is relatively low among Australian GBM but is higher among men who report riskier sex and drug practices. Conclusions The results underline the importance of targeted HIV prevention and frequent testing for men at increased risk of infection.
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Lacefield K, Negy C, Schrader RM, Kuhlman C. Comparing Psychosocial Correlates of Condomless Anal Sex in HIV-Diagnosed and HIV-Nondiagnosed Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Series of Meta-Analyses of Studies from 1993-2013. LGBT Health 2015; 2:200-20. [PMID: 26788669 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2014.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be overrepresented in rates of incidence and prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Both HIV-diagnosed (HIV-D) and HIV-nondiagnosed (HIV-N) MSM report a variety of reasons for intentional and unintentional nonuse of condoms. Elucidating and comparing reasons for continued engagement in condomless anal sex specific to both HIV-D and HIV-N MSM likely is important to identifying effective prevention. METHODS This study employed meta-analytic methods to evaluate and compare correlates to condomless anal sex in both HIV-D and HIV-N MSM from primary studies from 1993 to February 2013. RESULTS Of the 19 individual correlates assessed within the subgroup of HIV-D MSM, variables that achieved significant effect were alcohol, mind-altering substance use, sexual-enhancement medication, intentional condom nonuse, self-efficacy, attitudes toward condom use, social support, gay identity, compulsivity, trading sex, and number of sex partners. Those that were statistically non-significant were intention to use a condom, perceived risk, perceived norms, perceived responsibility, HIV medical management, treatment optimism, mental health, and setting. Of the 12 correlates assessed within the subgroup of HIV-N MSM, variables that achieved significant effect were alcohol, mind-altering substance use, intentional condom nonuse, attitudes toward condom use, perceived risk, and setting. Those observed as statistically non-significant were perceived norms, social support, gay identity, mental health, trading sex, and number of sex partners. CONCLUSION Study results have clinical implications that may guide future prevention research and practice by highlighting risk variables shared between HIV-N and HIV-D MSM, as well as variables observed to be unique to each group that may warrant more tailored intervention. Further investigation is recommended to elucidate the relationships among these variables such that optimal intervention can be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Lacefield
- 1 Department of Psychology, VA Maryland Healthcare System , Baltimore, Maryland.,2 Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Charles Negy
- 3 Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida
| | - Ronald M Schrader
- 4 Department of Dialysis, DCI Corporate Quality Management , Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Christina Kuhlman
- 3 Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida
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Petoumenos K, Law M. HIV-infection and comorbidities: a complex mix. Lancet HIV 2015; 2:e265-6. [PMID: 26423249 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(15)00082-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Law
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Brennan-Ing M, Porter KE, Seidel L, Karpiak SE. Substance use and sexual risk differences among older bisexual and gay men with HIV. Behav Med 2015; 40:108-15. [PMID: 25090363 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2014.889069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Bisexual and gay men are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Research typically combines these groups into the category of men who have sex with men, and little is known about between-group differences. HIV-positive populations are aging and have high rates of substance use compared to non-infected peers, while substance use among older adults has increased and is associated with unprotected intercourse. Among a sample of 239 HIV-positive bisexual and gay men aged 50 and older, bisexual men were more likely to report cigarette, cocaine, crack, and heroin use compared with gay men. However, bisexual men were less likely to use crystal meth, club drugs, poppers (nitrate inhalers), and erectile dysfunction (ED) medications compared to gay men. While bisexual men reported lower rates of unprotected sex, logistic regression analysis found that current use of poppers and ED drugs, which were higher among gay men, explained this difference. Implications for education and prevention programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Brennan-Ing
- a ACRIA, ACRIA Center on HIV & Aging , and New York University College of Nursing
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Prevalence and associated factors of inhaled nitrites use among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 149:93-9. [PMID: 25680516 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhaled nitrites are commonly used by men who have sex with men (MSM) in western countries. As such compounds are not illicit, they are widely available in China. Recent studies have documented a high prevalence of inhaled nitrites use in this population. METHODS Snowball sampling was used to recruit 576 MSM in Beijing, China, who completed an anonymous face-to-face interview. RESULTS Of the participants, 49.8% had heard of "Rush" or "inhaled nitrites". The prevalence of use in the last three months was 28.3% among all participants and 56.8% among those with awareness about the compounds. A stepwise model found that age group (26-35 years old, ORm= 3.91; ≤ 25 years old, ORm = 3.05; reference group: >35 years old, P < 0.01) and multiple male sex partnerships (ORm = 2.29, P < 0.01) were associated with inhaled nitrites use. Adjusted for these two variables, constructs based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) were significantly associated with inhaled nitrites use in the last three months: Perceived Severity Scale [Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) = 0.72, P < 0.001], the Perceived Benefit Scale (AOR = 1.20, P < 0.001), the Perceived Barrier Scale (AOR = 0.81, P < 0.01), the Cue to Action Scale (AOR = 1.45, P < 0.001), and the Perceived Self-efficacy Scale (AOR = 0.71, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of inhaled nitrites use was high. It may further increase sharply among MSM in China when awareness becomes more common. Cognitive variables derived from the HBM provided a useful framework for designing interventions at structural, inter-personal and individual levels. Policy changes should also be considered.
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Mitchell JW. Relationship characteristics differ based on use of substances with sex among an urban internet sample of HIV-discordant and HIV-positive male couples. J Urban Health 2015; 92:136-50. [PMID: 25559366 PMCID: PMC4338121 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-014-9926-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Previous research with men who have sex with men (MSM) has found that substance use with sex is strongly associated with HIV acquisition and poor adherence to HIV treatments. Although some studies have assessed male couples' use of substances with unprotected anal sex, little is known on whether differences in their relationship dynamics are associated with their usage. Current HIV prevention initiatives underscore the importance of studying male couples' relationship dynamics. Using dyadic data from 28 HIV-positive and 58 HIV-discordant male couples, this analysis sought to: (1) describe, by substance type, whether neither, one, or both partners in the couple used a particular substance with sex within their relationship or outside of the relationship, respectively, and (2) assess, by substance type, whether relationship characteristic differences existed between these three groups of couples with respect to substance use with sex within and outside the relationship. Data from 86 dyads came from a cross-sectional, Internet study. Multivariate multinomial regression models were employed to achieve the aims. Except for alcohol, most did not use substances with sex. Within the relationship, those who used with sex varied by substance type; outside the relationship, most couples had only one partner who used with sex regardless of substance type. Several relationship characteristic differences were noted between the groups of couples. Within the relationship, marijuana and erectile dysfunction medication (EDM) use with sex was associated with having less tangible resources; for outside the relationship, these were associated with perceiving to have greater quality of alternatives. In general, amyl nitrates and party drug use with sex were associated with viewing the main partner as being less dependable for trustworthiness. Marijuana and party drug use with sex within the relationship and EDM use with sex outside the relationship were negatively associated with being able to communicate constructively. Mixed results were noted for relationship satisfaction. Additional research is urgently needed for prevention and promotion of healthy relationships for male couples who use substances with sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Mitchell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite 1021, Miami, FL, 33136, USA,
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Yu G, Wall MM, Chiasson MA, Hirshfield S. Complex drug use patterns and associated HIV transmission risk behaviors in an Internet sample of U.S. men who have sex with men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:421-8. [PMID: 25104104 PMCID: PMC4381804 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0337-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Although the relationship between drug use and HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) is well described, relatively few studies have employed empirical methods to assess underlying classes of drug use that may better predict the risk of HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among MSM. The aim of this study was to determine whether latent class analysis (LCA) would identify underlying drug classes reported prior to sex, as well as predict unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the last sexual encounter among MSM. From 2004 to 2005, an anonymous online survey was conducted among 8,717 sexually active MSM recruited from gay-affiliated U.S. websites. LCA clustered participants into six distinct drug use classes based on the specific types and number of drugs used: (1) low/no drug use, (2) recreational drug use, (3) poppers with prescription erectile dysfunction (ED) drug use, (4) poppers with both prescription and non-prescription ED drug use, (5) recreational, club, and ED drug use, and (6) high polydrug use. Compared with men in Class 1, men in the highest drug use class were 4.84 times more likely to report UAI in their last sexual encounter and 3.78 times more likely to report an STI in the past year (both ps < .001). Younger MSM aged 18-29 were significantly more likely to report an STI than men aged 50 and above (p < .001). There is a need to better understand the complex relationship between a diverse set of drugs used among MSM and how polydrug use impacts sexual negotiation over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Amphetamine-type stimulants and HIV infection among men who have sex with men: implications on HIV research and prevention from a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:19273. [PMID: 25609214 PMCID: PMC4302169 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.19273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction HIV infections and the use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been increasing internationally, but the role of ATS use as a co-factor for HIV infection remains unclear. We aimed to summarize the association between ATS use and HIV infection among MSM. Methods We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, GLOBAL HEALTH and PsycINFO for relevant English, peer-reviewed articles of quantitative studies published between 1980 and 25 April 2013. Pooled estimates of the association – prevalence rate ratios (PRR, cross-sectional studies), odds ratio (OR, case-control studies) and hazard ratio (HR, longitudinal studies), with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) – were calculated using random-effects models stratified by study design and ATS group (meth/amphetamines vs. ecstasy). We assessed the existence of publication bias in funnel plots and checked for sources of heterogeneity using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Results We identified 6710 article titles, screened 1716 abstracts and reviewed 267 full text articles. A total of 35 publications were eligible for data abstraction and meta-analysis, resulting in 56 records of ATS use. Most studies (31/35) were conducted in high-income countries. Published studies used different research designs, samples and measures of ATS use. The pooled association between meth/amphetamine use and HIV infection was statistically significant in all three designs (PRR=1.86; 95% CI: 1.57–2.17; OR=2.73; 95% CI: 2.16–3.46 and HR=3.43; 95% CI: 2.98–3.95, respectively, for cross-sectional, case-control and longitudinal studies). Ecstasy use was not associated with HIV infection in cross-sectional studies (PRR=1.15; 95% CI: 0.88–1.49; OR=3.04; 95% CI: 1.29–7.18 and HR=2.48; 95% CI: 1.42–4.35, respectively, for cross-sectional, case-control and longitudinal studies). Results in cross-sectional studies were highly heterogeneous due to issues with ATS measurement and different sampling frames. Conclusions While meth/amphetamine use was significantly associated with HIV infection among MSM in high-income countries in all study designs, evidence of the role of ecstasy in HIV infection was lacking in cross-sectional studies. Cross-sectional study design, measurement approaches and source populations may also be important modifiers of the strength and the direction of associations. Event-specific measure of individual drug is required to establish temporal relationship between ATS use and HIV infection. HIV prevention programmes targeting MSM should consider including interventions designed to address meth/amphetamine use.
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Correlates of group sex among a community-based sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Washington, DC. AIDS Behav 2014; 18:1413-9. [PMID: 23700223 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0527-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Participation of MSM in group sex events (GSEs) is an understudied phenomenon. Studies on GSEs identified significant proportions of MSM engaging in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). We sought to identify the prevalence of group sex participation among MSM in Washington, DC and to characterize these experiences. Data were collected for NHBS-MSM-3 in 2011. More than one-quarter of MSM (27.2 %) reported engaging in group sex in the prior year, with one-third reporting no condom use with their sex partners (33.0 %). In multivariable logistic regression, men who participated in a GSE in the prior year were significantly younger, more likely to be white, and to have used crystal meth, poppers, and downers in the past year. The high prevalence of UAI during GSEs, especially in view of the fact that HIV-positive MSM were significantly less likely to report condom use, offers an opportunity to develop risk reduction interventions specific to GSE attendees.
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50
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Mitchell JW, Boyd C, McCabe S, Stephenson R. A cause for concern: male couples' sexual agreements and their use of substances with sex. AIDS Behav 2014; 18:1401-11. [PMID: 24584415 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Substance use is strongly associated with HIV risk among gay men. Many gay couples establish sexual agreements. However, little is known about gay couples' use of substances with sex, and whether substance use is associated with couples' agreements. The present study assessed whether gay couples' use of substances with sex was associated with their establishment of, type of, and adherence to, a sexual agreement. Dyadic data from 275 HIV-negative US gay couples were collected online in a nation-wide, cross-sectional study, and analyzed at the couple-level. Findings revealed that couples with an established agreement, and a recently broken agreement, were more likely to have used amyl nitrates and marijuana with sex within their relationship. This same trend was also noted, but for alcohol use with sex outside of couples' relationships. Further research is urgently needed to examine the fluidity of HIV-negative gay male couples' sexual agreements and substance use with sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Mitchell
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls, Office 3343, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5482, USA,
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