Prevalence and predictors of non-medical prescription drug use among men who have sex with men

Abstract

Although non-medical prescription drug use has dramatically increased in many populations during the past decade, this phenomenon remains understudied among men who have sex with men (MSM). Using a community-based sample of MSM, we provide data on the high prevalence of lifetime and recent non-medical prescription drug use among MSM for a range of prescription drug classes such as pain killers, sedatives, sleep aids, stimulants, and erectile dysfunction medications. The paper also highlights differences in rates of recent non-medical prescription drug use within this population, noting that White MSM, HIV-positive MSM, gay-identified MSM, and MSM over 40 were typically more likely to have recently used a range of prescription drugs than their counterparts. After controlling for various factors, the findings demonstrate that age, HIV-positive status, gay identity, low educational level, and White race are significant correlates of both lifetime and recent non-medical prescription drug use among MSM. The data suggest that prevention and treatment efforts for this population are likely to require some tailoring, particularly for HIV-positive MSM who may have different needs than other MSM given their health concerns and medication regimens.