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. 2024 Jun 29;24(1):1741.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19284-1.

Use of poppers (nitrite inhalants) among young men who have sex with men with HIV: A clinic-based qualitative study

Nicole Pepper  1 , María Luisa Zúñiga  2 , Heather L Corliss  3
Affiliations

Use of poppers (nitrite inhalants) among young men who have sex with men with HIV: A clinic-based qualitative study

Nicole Pepper et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Nitrite inhalants (poppers) are associated with HIV transmission and commonly used among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), a group at increased risk for HIV. Significant research gaps exist in understanding the context in which YMSM use poppers. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 YMSM (22-31 years) with HIV to better understand the context in which poppers are used and their impacts on HIV care outcomes, such as care retention and antiretroviral adherence. The Social Ecological Model was applied to understand intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and system level influences on popper use. Factors influencing popper use included: ubiquity of popper use in sexual settings, introduction to poppers by casual sexual partners, patient-HIV provider communication surrounding poppers, neighborhood, substance use and HIV care systems, and the legal status of poppers. Implications for clinical care, public health, policy, and future research are discussed.

Keywords: Chemsex; HIV; Nitrite inhalants; Poppers; Substance use; YMSM.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Selected examples illustrating influences on popper use among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) with HIV contextualized in the Social Ecological Model
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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