Abstract
BackgroundNitrite inhalants ("poppers") are peripheral vasodilators which, since the beginning of the epidemic, have been known to increase risk for acquiring HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, few studies in recent years have characterized use. From 1999 to 2004, new HIV diagnoses among MSM in British Columbia increased 78%, prompting us to examine the prevalence and correlates of this modifiable HIV risk factor.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were completed between October 2002 and May 2004 as part of an open cohort study of HIV-seronegative young MSM. We measured nitrite inhalant use during the previous year and use during sexual encounters with casual partners specifically. Correlates of use were identified using odds ratios.ResultsAmong 354 MSM surveyed, 31.6% reported any use during the previous year. Nitrite inhalant use during sexual encounters was reported by 22.9% of men and was strongly associated with having casual partners, with greater numbers of casual partners (including those with positive or unknown serostatus) and with anal intercourse with casual partners. Nitrite inhalant use was not associated with non-use of condoms with casual sexual partners per se.ConclusionContemporary use of nitrite inhalants amongst young MSM is common and a strong indicator of anal intercourse with casual sexual partners. Since use appears to increase the probability of infection following exposure to HIV, efforts to reduce the use of nitrite inhalants among MSM should be a very high priority among HIV prevention strategies.
Highlights
Nitrite inhalants ("poppers") are peripheral vasodilators which, since the beginning of the epidemic, have been known to increase risk for acquiring HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM)
Among 3257 MSM surveyed in 6 US cities between 1995 and 1997, use of poppers during the previous 6 months was reported at 26.9% of study visits and in multivariate analyses, was associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk of HIV seroconversion [8]
Results from our previous study showed the association of substance use and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) depends on the type of drug-use measure, type of sexual partner and sexual position [5]; we examined the association between high-risk sexual behaviours and nitrite inhalant use with these distinctions in mind
Summary
Nitrite inhalants ("poppers") are peripheral vasodilators which, since the beginning of the epidemic, have been known to increase risk for acquiring HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). Throughout the AIDS epidemic, studies have associated use of nitrite inhalants among MSM with prevalent HIV infection, with sexual behaviours that entail risk of acquiring HIV infection and, more recently and directly, with increased risk of HIV seroconversion [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]. Among 3257 MSM surveyed in 6 US cities between 1995 and 1997, use of poppers during the previous 6 months was reported at 26.9% of study visits and in multivariate analyses, was associated with a 2.2-fold (95% CI 1.4–3.7) increased risk of HIV seroconversion [8]. We reported a similar 2.2-fold unadjusted relative hazard for HIV seroconversion associated with use of poppers in an open cohort of young MSM [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call