Sexual HIV risk among gay and bisexual male methamphetamine abusers

Abstract

The current report examined HIV-related high risk sexual behaviors among a small sample of gay and bisexual male methamphetamine abusers in Los Angeles. Participants were 16 methamphetamine-abusing or -dependent gay or bisexual males who participated in a treatment demonstration project between 1989 and 1993. All participants completed the NIDA/WAVE survey, a detailed inventory of HIV-related risk behaviors. Findings indicate a strong connection between methamphetamine abuse and high-risk sexual behavior. For the 12 months prior to treatment 62.5% of participants reported having anal insertive sex without a condom, and 56.3% reported having sex with someone who had HIV. Drug use before or during sex, measured on a 5-point Likert scale, was frequent (M = 4.27, SD = 0.7). Implications for treatment of gay and bisexual male methamphetamine abusers and prevention of HIV among this population are discussed.