Abstract
The prevalence of crystal methamphetamine "meth" use among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been shown to be 20 times that of the general population, and it has been linked to increased sexual risk taking in MSM and others. Although previously seen as a "West Coast" phenomenon, clinical and other reports indicate that it is problematic among MSM regardless of geographic location. To assist in future intervention development, we interviewed 20 HIV-infected MSM who believe they seroconverted in the context of using crystal meth. Topics included factors related to continued and previous meth use, HIV risk behavior prior to and after HIV infection, and the consequences of sustained use. Generally, participants openly discussed the highly destructive effects of using crystal meth. Almost every (95%) participant spoke of chronic depression and anxiety following cycles of discontinued use, and participants often claimed an inability to enjoy activities that used to be pleasurable. Almost all (90%) respondents also reported that their social relationships were compromised by their crystal addictions. Many had lost friends, and in some cases, non-drug-using friends distanced themselves because of the addiction. A striking number of participants felt strongly that MSM sexual partner-meeting Web sites represented amajor starting point for crystal-influenced sexual "hookups," and that they should likewise be a starting point for interventions. Corroborating previous research in this arena, this study exhibits support for a link between crystal meth use and high-risk sexual behavior among East Coast MSM. The study also draws attention to the need for associated mental health, functional and quality-of life impairments that seem to accompany continued use in individuals with HIV.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 30-41 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | AIDS Education and Prevention |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Feb 2008 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Fingerprint
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Education
Cite this
Experiences and sexual behaviors of HIV-infected MSM who acquired HIV in the context of crystal methamphetamine use. / Mimiaga, Matthew J.; Fair, Andrew D.; Mayer, Kenneth H.; Koenen, Karestan; Gortmaker, Steven; Tetu, Ashley M.; Hobson, Jeremy; Safren, Steven.
In: AIDS Education and Prevention, Vol. 20, No. 1, 02.2008, p. 30-41.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Experiences and sexual behaviors of HIV-infected MSM who acquired HIV in the context of crystal methamphetamine use
AU - Mimiaga, Matthew J.
AU - Fair, Andrew D.
AU - Mayer, Kenneth H.
AU - Koenen, Karestan
AU - Gortmaker, Steven
AU - Tetu, Ashley M.
AU - Hobson, Jeremy
AU - Safren, Steven
PY - 2008/2
Y1 - 2008/2
N2 - The prevalence of crystal methamphetamine "meth" use among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been shown to be 20 times that of the general population, and it has been linked to increased sexual risk taking in MSM and others. Although previously seen as a "West Coast" phenomenon, clinical and other reports indicate that it is problematic among MSM regardless of geographic location. To assist in future intervention development, we interviewed 20 HIV-infected MSM who believe they seroconverted in the context of using crystal meth. Topics included factors related to continued and previous meth use, HIV risk behavior prior to and after HIV infection, and the consequences of sustained use. Generally, participants openly discussed the highly destructive effects of using crystal meth. Almost every (95%) participant spoke of chronic depression and anxiety following cycles of discontinued use, and participants often claimed an inability to enjoy activities that used to be pleasurable. Almost all (90%) respondents also reported that their social relationships were compromised by their crystal addictions. Many had lost friends, and in some cases, non-drug-using friends distanced themselves because of the addiction. A striking number of participants felt strongly that MSM sexual partner-meeting Web sites represented amajor starting point for crystal-influenced sexual "hookups," and that they should likewise be a starting point for interventions. Corroborating previous research in this arena, this study exhibits support for a link between crystal meth use and high-risk sexual behavior among East Coast MSM. The study also draws attention to the need for associated mental health, functional and quality-of life impairments that seem to accompany continued use in individuals with HIV.
AB - The prevalence of crystal methamphetamine "meth" use among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been shown to be 20 times that of the general population, and it has been linked to increased sexual risk taking in MSM and others. Although previously seen as a "West Coast" phenomenon, clinical and other reports indicate that it is problematic among MSM regardless of geographic location. To assist in future intervention development, we interviewed 20 HIV-infected MSM who believe they seroconverted in the context of using crystal meth. Topics included factors related to continued and previous meth use, HIV risk behavior prior to and after HIV infection, and the consequences of sustained use. Generally, participants openly discussed the highly destructive effects of using crystal meth. Almost every (95%) participant spoke of chronic depression and anxiety following cycles of discontinued use, and participants often claimed an inability to enjoy activities that used to be pleasurable. Almost all (90%) respondents also reported that their social relationships were compromised by their crystal addictions. Many had lost friends, and in some cases, non-drug-using friends distanced themselves because of the addiction. A striking number of participants felt strongly that MSM sexual partner-meeting Web sites represented amajor starting point for crystal-influenced sexual "hookups," and that they should likewise be a starting point for interventions. Corroborating previous research in this arena, this study exhibits support for a link between crystal meth use and high-risk sexual behavior among East Coast MSM. The study also draws attention to the need for associated mental health, functional and quality-of life impairments that seem to accompany continued use in individuals with HIV.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=41649109595&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=41649109595&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1521/aeap.2008.20.1.30
DO - 10.1521/aeap.2008.20.1.30
M3 - Article
VL - 20
SP - 30
EP - 41
JO - AIDS Education and Prevention
JF - AIDS Education and Prevention
SN - 0899-9546
IS - 1
ER -