Attitudes Toward Methamphetamine Use and HIV Risk Behavior in Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

Methamphetamine use has been strongly associated with high-risk sexual behaviors, and its use has been increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although the behavioral implications of methamphetamine use and sexual risk have been broadly examined, fewer studies have examined attitudes about methamphetamine use. This study investigates the relationship between personal beliefs regarding methamphetamine use, patterns of use, and sexual risk behaviors within a sample of MSM attending a gay pride event (N= 342). A minority of MSM reported lifetime (27%) or recent (7%) methamphetamine use. Only a minority of MSM who had used methamphetamine believed that it enhanced sexual pleasure (32%) or incorporated methamphetamine use into their sexual activity (31%). Individuals who used methamphetamine during sexual activity were more likely to be recent users of the drug and more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors. A significant minority of participants endorsed items assessing the disinhibiting effects of methamphetamine including being less likely to use a condom (35%) and less selective in their choice of partners (26%). Results suggest that prevention efforts may benefit from targeting the minority of methamphetamine users who perceive methamphetamine as enhancing sexual activity and use it for this purpose.