Abstract
BackgroundMethamphetamine (MA) is a new arrival to the Southeastern United States (US). Incidence of HIV is also increasing regionally, but data are limited regarding any association between this trend and MA use. We examined behavioral data from North Carolina (NC) residents newly diagnosed with HIV, collected by the Department of Health between 2000-2005.Principal FindingsAmong 1,460 newly diagnosed HIV-positive young men, an increasing trend was seen from 2000-2005 in MA use (p = 0.01, total n = 20). In bivariate analyses, users of MA had significantly greater odds of reporting other substance use, including alcohol, powder or crack cocaine, marijuana, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”). They were also more likely to have reported sexual activity while traveling outside NC; sex with anonymous partners; and previous HIV testing. In a predictive model, MA use had a negative association with nonwhite race, and strong positive associations with powder cocaine, “ecstasy,” or intravenous drug use and being a university student.ConclusionsSimilar to trends seen in more urban parts of the US, MA use among newly diagnosed, HIV-positive young men is increasing in NC. These data are among the first to demonstrate this relationship in a region with a burgeoning epidemic of MA use. Opportunities exist for MA-related HIV risk-reduction interventions whenever young men intersect the healthcare system.
Highlights
Methamphetamine (MA) use increases risk behaviors for HIV infection among both heterosexual men[1] and those who have sex with other men (MSM) [2,3]
Similar to trends seen in more urban parts of the United States (US), MA use among newly diagnosed, HIV-positive young men is increasing in North Carolina (NC)
Each case is assigned to a Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS), an officer of the NC-DHHS’s Partner Counseling and Referral Service who arranges for confidential, voluntary post-diagnosis interviews with each individual and collects standardized demographic and behavioral information
Summary
Methamphetamine (MA) use increases risk behaviors for HIV infection among both heterosexual men[1] and those who have sex with other men (MSM) [2,3]. As with alcohol and traditional street drugs such as heroin or cocaine, impaired judgment and disinhibition of the user may contribute to higher-risk behaviors [4,5,6]. Use of MA is clearly associated with increased HIV incidence among MSM in major cities of the Pacific coast and Northeastern United States (US) [10,11], but its impact outside of urban centers and in other regions of the country is much less clear. Incidence of HIV is increasing regionally, but data are limited regarding any association between this trend and MA use.
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