| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: HIV+ methamphetamine users: social and behavioral outcomes of binge use. | | Authors: Semple SJ, Patterson TL, Grant I | | Year: 2003 | | Publication: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | | Volume: 25 Issue: Pages: S090 | | Abstract:The use of methamphetamine (meth) has been associated with high risk sex; however, the social and behavioral outcomes associated with binge use of meth have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to compare the social an behavioral characteristics of binge users and non-binge users in a sample of HIV+ Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM). Participants were 90 HIV+ meth-using MSM who were enrolled in a behavioral intervention that focused on reducing sex with HIV-negative and unknown serostatus partners. The sample was primarily white (56%), with a mean age of 35.8, and some college education. Forty-six percent of the sample self-identified as a binge user. Meth binges ranged from 2-33 days (M=6.7 and average of 3.1 grams as consumed during a binge. Groups did not differ in the total amount of meth used in the past 30 days; however, binge users consumed meth twice as many times per day for each day of use. Binge users were more likely to be ethnic minority, and to have less education as compared to non-binge users. Binge users were more likely to start using meth to feel more attractive and self-confident, and were more likely to currently use meth to meet sex partners. Binge users reported significantly more physical and mental health problems, and social difficulties. In terms of sexual behaviors, binge users reported significantly more unprotected sex with HIV-negative and unknown serostatus partners, and significantly more sex in the park. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for drug treatment approaches, and the development of sexual risk reduction interventions for HIV+ meth using MSM. Corresponding Author: T. Patterson, Dept. of Psychiatry 0680, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 |
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