Abstract
Men who have sex with men have been identified as a population at risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. Studies in South Africa have reported a high prevalence of HIV, as well as high levels of alcohol and other drug use, among men who have sex with men, and the use of substances (alcohol and drugs) to facilitate their sexual encounters. Since 2007, interventions focused on prevention have been rolled out to vulnerable men who have sex with men and who also use alcohol or other drugs. The interventions include community-based outreach; provision of information on HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and safer sex practices; and the development of risk-reduction plans. Among 195 men who participated in our study, there were significant reductions in the proportion who used cannabis and ecstasy, including the use of these drugs during sex. No reduction was observed in the use of any other substances. In general, after the intervention our participants reported less frequent use of alcohol and drugs and greater engagement in safer sexual practices. Despite these encouraging findings, the combination of substance use while engaging in sex had actually increased. The study findings suggest that interventions that target men who have sex with men, and who use alcohol and other drugs, could reduce risk behaviours in this population.
 Significance: 
 
 
 
 Contributes to knowledge about risk reduction strategies.
 Describes strategies for reducing drug and sexual harm among men who have sex with men.
 
 
Highlights
South Africa is a country considered to have the worst HIV epidemic worldwide
Baseline information was collected from 195 men who have sex with men (MSM) who were recruited into the study, whose substance abuse and HIV risk profile was assessed
Participants engaged in sex while using drugs and alcohol more frequently after the intervention
Summary
South Africa is a country considered to have the worst HIV epidemic worldwide. Local research has documented high levels of drug use among MSM, and the use of drugs to facilitate sexual encounters.[6] The link between drug use and HIV risk behaviour among MSM (including multiple sexual partners, unprotected anal intercourse, condom use and transactional sex) has been established in international literature.[7] The need to develop and accelerate the rollout of evidence-based interventions to address the related risks in this population has been clearly articulated.[7] South African studies have identified the need for targeted risk reduction interventions to address the link between substance use and HIV risk behaviour among MSM.[8,9] Interventions focusing on risk reduction strategies among substance-using MSM have been shown to be successful in reducing risky sexual behavior.[10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
