Motivations associated with methamphetamine use among HIV+ men who have sex with men

Abstract

Previous research has documented an association between methamphetamine (meth) use and high-risk sex among HIV- men who have sex with men (MSM); however, little is known about the sexual risk behaviors of HIV+ meth-using MSM. The purpose of this study was to explore personal motivators of meth use among HIV+ MSM, and to elaborate upon the interaction between meth use and risky sex. Thematic analysis of qualitative data from 25 HIV+ MSM revealed meth use was associated with high rates of anal sex, low rates of condom use, multiple sex partners, sexual marathons, and anonymous sex. Personal motivations associated with meth use included: sexual enhancement; and self-medication of negative affect associated with HIV+ serostatus. A variety of treatment approaches are used to describe how client insights into motivations can be used by clinicians to promote change in drug use and sexual risk behavior.