Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Manuscript
Title: Sexual risk behavior of HIV-positive methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men: the role of partner serostatus and partner type.
Authors: Semple SJ, Zians J, Grant I, Patterson TL
Contact: Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0680, USA.
Year: 2006
Publication: Archives of Sexual Behavior
Volume: 35 Issue: 4 Pages: 461-71
Abstract:This study examined the role of partner serostatus and partner type in relation to the sexual risk behaviors and disclosure practices of HIV-positive methamphetamine (meth)-using men who have sex with men (MSM). The sample consisted of 132 HIV-positive meth-using MSM who reported having both serodiscordant (i.e., HIV-negative and unknown serostatus) and seroconcordant (i.e., HIV-positive) partners. HIV-positive meth-using MSM engaged in significantly fewer acts of anal sex with serodiscordant partners as compared to seroconcordant partners. However, mean levels of unprotected anal and oral sex were high, and mean levels of protected sex were low for both seroconcordant and serodiscordant partners. Oral sex was practiced twice as often as anal sex; however, both types of sex were primarily unprotected. This pattern of risky sexual behavior was reported for steady, casual, and anonymous partners, regardless of partner serostatus. Despite high rates of unprotected sex, rates of HIV serostatus disclosure were consistently high for HIV-positive and HIV-negative steady, casual, and anonymous partners. However, rates of disclosure to unknown serostatus partners were low, particularly in relation to anonymous partners. Future research should address the reasons why HIV-positive meth-using MSM engage in risky sexual activity with serodiscordant partners, and HIV prevention programs for this population should emphasize the risks associated with unprotected sex with seroconcordant partners.
Funding: NIMH:MH 1 R01 MH61146-01A2, NIMH:MH 2 P50 MH45294, NIDA:DA R01 DA12116

return to publications listing