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. 2011 Aug;165(8):736-40.
doi: 10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.118.

Methamphetamine use and risk for HIV among young men who have sex with men in 8 US cities

Peter Freeman  1 , Bendu C Walker, D Robert Harris, Robert Garofalo, Nancy Willard, Jonathan M Ellen; Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions 016b Team
Collaborators, Affiliations

Methamphetamine use and risk for HIV among young men who have sex with men in 8 US cities

Peter Freeman et al. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2011 Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine methamphetamine use and its association with sexual behavior among young men who have sex with men.

Design: Cross-sectional observational analysis.

Setting: Eight US cities.

Participants: As part of the Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions, adolescent boys and young men who have sex with men, aged 12 to 24 years, were recruited from social venues (e.g., clubs, parks, and street corners) between January 3, 2005, and August 21, 2006, to complete a study survey.

Main outcome measures: Reported methamphetamine use in the past 90 days and reported sexual risk behavior compared with individuals reporting no hard drug use and individuals reporting hard drug use in the past 90 days.

Results: Among 595 adolescent boys and young men, 64 reported recent methamphetamine use, and 444 reported no recent hard drug use (87 reported use of hard drugs other than methamphetamine). Recent methamphetamine use was associated with a history of sexually transmitted diseases (51.6%), 2 or more sex partners in the past 90 days (85.7%), sex with an injection drug user (51.6%), and sex with someone who has human immunodeficiency virus (32.8%) compared with individuals reporting no recent hard drug use (21.1%, 63.1%, 10.7%, and 11.1%, respectively; P < .05 for all [n = 441]). Recent users of methamphetamine were more likely to have a history of homelessness (71.9%) and were less likely to be currently attending school (35.9%) compared with individuals reporting no recent hard drug use (28.4% and 60.4%, respectively; P < .001 for both).

Conclusions: Adolescent boys and young men who have sex with men and use methamphetamine seem to be at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus. Prevention programs among this age group should address issues like housing, polydrug use, and educational needs.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Derivation of drug use comparison groups. YMSM indicates young men who have sex with men
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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