Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Men”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 739 records · Page 41Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Estimating the number of men who have sex with men in low and middle income countries.

OBJECTIVES: To collect and analyse published and unpublished surveillance and research data on the prevalence of same sex sexual activity among male adults (including male-to-female transgenders and sex workers) in low and middle income countries. METHODS: Key indicators were operationalised (ever sex with a man, sex with a man last year, high risk sex last year (as defined by unprotected anal sex or commercial sex)) and a database was designed for data collection. Searches were conducted (PubMed, databases (US Census Bureau, World Bank, conferences)) and regional informants helped. Reference reports were used to assess the methodology and quality of information in each record. The best data available per region were identified and indicator estimates were used to propose regional range estimates. RESULTS: Of 561 studies on male sexual behaviour and/or MSM population characteristics, 67 addressed prevalence of sex between men, with diverse numbers per region and virtual unavailability in sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East/North Africa, and the English speaking Caribbean. Overall, data on lifetime prevalence of sex with men (among males) yielded figures of 3-5% for East Asia, 6-12% for South and South East Asia, 6-15% for Eastern Europe, and 6-20% for Latin America. Last year figures were approximately half of lifetime figures, and prevalence of high risk sex among MSM last year was approximately 40-60% in all regions except South Asia, where it is 70-90%. CONCLUSIONS: Data available on the prevalence of male same sex sexual activity across regions are scarce (non-existent in some areas), with validity and comparability problems. In South and South East Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, a lifetime prevalence of 6-20% was estimated, with smaller figures in East Asia. A cross cultural analysis of terminology and practices is needed, as is continued work on epidemiological and social analysis of male-male sexual practices in societies across regions.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Increases in sexually transmitted infections and sexual risk behaviour without a concurrent increase in HIV incidence among men who have sex with men in San Francisco: a suggestion of HIV serosorting?

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) have been increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Francisco. However, HIV incidence has stabilised. OBJECTIVES: To describe recent trends in sexual risk behaviour, STI, and HIV incidence among MSM in San Francisco and to assess whether increases in HIV serosorting (that is, selective unprotected sex with partners of the same HIV status) may contribute to preventing further expansion of the epidemic. METHODS: The study applies an ecological approach and follows the principles of second generation HIV surveillance. Temporal trends in biological and behavioural measures among MSM were assessed using multiple pre-existing DATA SOURCES: STI case reporting, prevention outreach programmatic data, and voluntary HIV counselling and testing data. RESULTS: Reported STI cases among MSM rose from 1998 through 2004, although the rate of increase slowed between 2002 and 2004. Rectal gonorrhoea cases increased from 157 to 389 while early syphilis increased from nine to 492. UAI increased overall from 1998 to 2004 (p<0.001) in community based surveys; however, UAI with partners of unknown HIV serostatus decreased overall (p<0.001) among HIV negative MSM, and among HIV positive MSM it declined from 30.7% in 2001 to a low of 21.0% in 2004 (p<0.001). Any UAI, receptive UAI, and insertive UAI with a known HIV positive partner decreased overall from 1998 to 2004 (p<0.001) among MSM seeking anonymous HIV testing and at the STI clinic testing programme. HIV incidence using the serological testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion (STARHS) peaked in 1999 at 4.1% at the anonymous testing sites and 4.8% at the STI clinic voluntary testing programme, with rates levelling off through 2004. CONCLUSIONS: HIV incidence among MSM appears to have stabilised at a plateau following several years of resurgence. Increases in the selection of sexual partners of concordant HIV serostatus may be contributing to the stabilisation of the epidemic. However, current incidence rates of STI and HIV remain high. Moreover, a strategy of risk reduction by HIV serosorting can be severely limited by imperfect knowledge of one's own and one's partners' serostatus.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Commercial sex venues: a closer look at their impact on the syphilis and HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVE: To provide insight into the role of commercial sex venues in the spread of syphilis and HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM). STUDY: A cross sectional study of 1351 MSM who were diagnosed with early syphilis who did and did not encounter sexual partners at commercial sex venues. RESULTS: Overall, 26% MSM diagnosed with syphilis had sexual encounters at commercial sex venues. Of these, 74% were HIV positive, 94% reported anonymous sex, and 66% did not use a condom. Compared to those who did not have a sexual encounter at these venues, they were twice as likely to be HIV positive (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.68), six times more likely to have anonymous sex (OR = 6.18, 95% CI 3.37 to 11.32), twice as likely not to use condom (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.38), and twice as likely to use non-injecting drugs (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.37). CONCLUSIONS: MSM diagnosed with syphilis who frequent commercial sex venues are engaging in high risk behaviours for syphilis and HIV transmission and acquisition. Thus commercial sex venues are one of the focal points of syphilis and HIV transmission and acquisition.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Does the recent increase in HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men in the UK reflect a rise in HIV incidence or increased uptake of HIV testing?

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the increase in HIV diagnoses since 1997 among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK reflects a rise in HIV incidence or an increase in HIV testing. METHODS: Estimates of HIV incidence were derived using data from UK HIV surveillance systems (HIV diagnoses; CD4 surveillance; unlinked anonymous surveys) for 1997-2004. Data on HIV testing were provided by KC60 statutory returns, voluntary testing and unlinked anonymous surveys in sentinel genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics. RESULTS: HIV diagnoses among MSM in the UK rose by 54% between 1997 and 2004 (from 1382 to 2124), with variation by age and geographical location. The number of HIV diagnoses among MSM <35 years of age in London showed no increase, but in all other groups it increased. Throughout the UK, uptake of HIV testing increased significantly among MSM attending GUM clinics between 1997 and 2004, including "at-risk" MSM (p<0.001). Direct incidence estimates (serological testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion assay) provided no evidence of a statistically significant increase or decrease in HIV incidence. Indirect estimates suggested that there may have been a rise in HIV incidence, but these estimates were influenced by the increased uptake of HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS: The number of HIV diagnoses increased among MSM in the UK between 1997 and 2004, except among younger MSM in London, in whom there was no change. The increase in HIV diagnoses among MSM in the UK since 1997 seems to reflect an increase in HIV testing rather than a rise in HIV incidence.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Understanding correlates of hepatitis B virus vaccination in men who have sex with men: what have we learned?

OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis B infection (HBV) is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) and may lead to significant morbidity and death. Although an effective vaccine exists vaccination rates among MSM are low. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise the various findings from empirical correlational studies to understand HBV vaccination and series completion among MSM. METHODS: We systematically searched the Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, and Web of Science databases to identify the breadth of published studies pertaining to HBV vaccination among MSM and to synthesise findings from these studies to better identify common themes that may direct future research and intervention approaches. RESULTS: Eight papers specifically addressed correlates of HBV vaccination among MSM. Six domains were identified as predictors of vaccination: (1) demographic variables such as younger age and higher education level; (2) knowledge of the vaccine; (3) access to health care; (4) level of "outness" regarding one's same sex sexual orientation; (5) behavioural factors including sexual and drug use behaviour; and (6) psychosocial variables. Three papers addressed predictors of vaccine series completion among MSM, observing two main domains: (1) demographic variables such as younger age and higher income level; and, (2) behavioural factors including sexual and health promotion behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Continued educational efforts, creation of environments that facilitate proper risk factor evaluation, and access to low cost vaccine may facilitate vaccine uptake. Although we observed important trends in the studies we reviewed, there is a lack of empirical research regarding this important public health issue.

Health Education↗
PubMed2003

Evaluation of ligase chain reaction for the non-cultural detection of rectal and pharyngeal gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES: To compare a nucleic acid amplification test (ligase chain reaction) with culture for detecting rectal and pharyngeal gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: Duplicate rectal and throat swabs from MSM attending a genitourinary medicine clinic were collected for culture on modified New York City medium and detection of gonococcal nucleic acid by the Abbott ligase chain reaction (LCR) utilising probes based on opa 1 gene sequences. LCR positive culture negative specimens were tested by a second LCR utilising probes based on pilin gene sequences. Patients with rectal and/or pharyngeal cultures yielding Gram negative diplococci confirmed as Neisseria gonorrhoeae by biochemical and immunological methods were diagnosed with rectal and/or pharyngeal gonorrhoea. The criteria for diagnosing rectal and pharyngeal infection by LCR included a positive opa LCR with a positive culture from the same site or, in the case of a negative culture, a positive opa LCR and a positive pilin LCR. RESULTS: Duplicate rectal samples were obtained from 227 MSM. The results of LCR and culture were concordant in 219 samples (96.5%). The prevalence of rectal gonorrhoea by LCR and culture was 7.0% (16/227) and 4.0% (9/227), respectively. Duplicate throat samples were obtained from 251 MSM. The results of LCR and culture were concordant in 230 (91.6%) cases. The prevalence of pharyngeal gonorrhoea by LCR and culture was 12.7% (32/251) and 6.0% (15/251), respectively. The specificity of LCR was 99.5% (210/211) for rectal and 98.2% (215/219) for pharyngeal specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence and asymptomatic nature of pharyngeal and rectal gonococcal infection suggests that routine screening for infection at these sites by a nucleic acid amplification test method such as LCR should be considered as part of the overall strategy to control gonorrhoea in MSM.

Gonorrhea↗
PubMed2005

Vertebral bone mineral density, marrow perfusion, and fat content in healthy men and men with osteoporosis: dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging and MR spectroscopy.

PURPOSE: To prospectively use hydrogen 1 (1H) magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and dynamic contrast material-enhanced MR imaging to measure vertebral body marrow fat content and bone marrow perfusion in older men with varying bone mineral densities as documented with dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had institutional review board approval, and all participants provided informed consent. DXA, 1H MR spectroscopy, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the lumbar spine were performed in 90 men (mean age, 73 years; range, 67-101 years). Vertebral marrow fat content and perfusion (maximum enhancement and enhancement slope) were compared for subject groups with differing bone densities (normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic). The t test was used for comparisons between groups, and the Pearson test was used to determine correlation between marrow fat content and perfusion indexes. RESULTS: Eight subjects were excluded, yielding a final cohort of 82 subjects (mean age, 73 years; range, 67-101 years) that included 42 subjects with normal bone density (mean T score, 0.8 +/- 1.1 [standard deviation]), 23 subjects with osteopenia (mean T score, -1.6 +/- 0.4), and 17 subjects with osteoporosis (mean T score, -3.2 +/- 0.5). Vertebral marrow fat content was significantly increased in subjects with osteoporosis (mean fat content, 58.23% +/- 7.8) (P = .002) or osteopenia (mean fat content, 55.68% +/- 10.2) (P = .034) compared with that in subjects with normal bone density (50.45% +/- 8.7). Vertebral marrow perfusion indexes were significantly decreased in osteoporotic subjects (mean enhancement slope, 0.78%/sec +/- 0.3) compared with those in osteopenic subjects (mean enhancement slope, 1.15%/sec +/- 0.6) (P = .007) and those in subjects with normal bone density (mean enhancement slope, 1.48%/sec +/- 0.7) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Subjects with osteoporosis have decreased vertebral marrow perfusion and increased marrow fat compared with these parameters in subjects with osteopenia. Similarly, subjects with osteopenia have decreased vertebral marrow perfusion and increased marrow fat compared with these parameters in subjects with normal bone density.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2002

A company of women and men: men's recollections of childbirth in medieval England.

The events that took place in medieval English birthing chambers were witnessed and assisted by a company of women. Although these events may have been isolated, they did not exist in isolation. Rather, they interacted in complex ways with the lives and activities of the men in the manor hall. This article examines those interactions as they are evidenced in proof-of-age inquests, legal documents that record the recollections of husbands, fathers, and male relatives and neighbors regarding the events surrounding the birth of an heir to crown land. It concludes that even though men rarely entered the birthing chamber, their dynastic interests and social politics routinely penetrated its walls, blurring the boundary between private and public spheres, female and male space.

England↗
PubMed2004

Men of prayer: spirituality of men with prostate cancer: a grounded theory study.

Spirituality plays a powerful role in cancer treatment and recovery; it has been identified by hospitalized patients as one of their top priorities of care. However, health care providers struggle to find ways to address the spirituality of their patients. The purposes of this study were to discover what spirituality means for men with prostate cancer and how it influences their treatment. Eleven men, ages 54 to 71, with prostate cancer were interviewed within several days following radical prostatectomy with bilateral lymph node staging. This grounded theory methodology generated three categories of spirituality: (a) praying, (b) receiving support, and (c) coping with cancer. The basic social process, coping with cancer, occurred in four phases: facing cancer, choosing treatment, trusting, and living day by day. These results were validated by four of the participants for truthfulness. The findings of this study provide holistic nurses with knowledge and a midrange theory of spirituality that can be used in building a research-based practice.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Gay identity, interpersonal violence, and HIV risk behaviors: an empirical test of theoretical relationships among a probability-based sample of urban men who have sex with men.

The highest absolute number of new HIV infections and AIDS cases still occur among men who have sex with men (MSM). Numerous theoretical approaches have been used to understand HIV risk behaviors among MSM; however, no theoretical model examines sexual risk behaviors in the context of gay identity and interpersonal violence. Using a model testing predictive correlational design, the theoretical relationships between childhood sexual abuse, adverse early life experiences, gay identity, substance use, battering, aversive emotions, HIV alienation, cue-to-action triggers, and HIV risk behaviors were empirically tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The relationships between these constructs are complex, yet childhood sexual abuse and gay identity were found to be theoretically associated with HIV risk behaviors. Also of importance, battering victimization was identified as a key mediating variable between childhood sexual abuse, gay identity, and adverse early life experiences and HIV risk behaviors among urban MSM.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Substance use and sexual behaviours of Japanese men who have sex with men: a nationwide internet survey conducted in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Japanese men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those living in large metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, are facing a growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. Although the Internet is used as a new venue for meeting sex partners, it can also serve as a useful research tool for investigating the risk behaviours of Japanese MSM. This Internet survey explored the extent of substance use and its association with sexual risk behaviours among Japanese MSM. METHODS: Between 28 February 2003 and 16 May 2003 MSM were recruited through 57 Japanese gay-oriented Web sites, gay magazines, and Internet mailing lists. Participants completed a structured questionnaire anonymously through the Internet. RESULTS: In total, 2,062 Japanese MSM completed the questionnaire. The average age of participants was 29.0 years and 70.5% identified as gay, 20.8% as bisexual, and 8.7% as other. Overall, 34.5% reported never using a substance, 45% reported ever using one type of substance (lifetime reported single substance users), and 19.6% had used more than 1 type of substance (lifetime reported multiple substance users) in their lifetimes. The substances most commonly used were amyl nitrite (63.2%), 5-methoxy-N, N-diisopropyltryptamine (5MEO-DIPT) (9.3%), and marijuana (5.7%). In the multivariate analysis, unprotected anal intercourse, having had 6 or more sexual partners, visiting a sex club/gay venue in the previous 6 months, a lower education level, and being 30 to 39 years of age were associated with both lifetime single and lifetime multiple substance use. Lifetime reported multiple substance use was also correlated with having a casual sex partner, having symptoms of depression, being diagnosed as HIV-positive, and greater HIV/AIDS-related knowledge. CONCLUSION: This is the first Internet-based research focused on the sexual and substance use behaviours of MSM in Asia. Our findings suggest a compelling need for prevention interventions to reduce HIV risk-related substance use behaviours among Japanese MSM. The results also suggest that the Internet is potentially a useful tool for collecting behavioural data and promoting prevention interventions among this population.

5-Methoxytryptamine↗
PubMed2003

Coping and psychological distress among symptomatic HIV+ men who have sex with men.

This study evaluated relations among indicators of latent coping factors and psychological distress while incorporating measures of life stress and HIV illness related factors simultaneously among 211 symptomatic, HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants were all assessed at a single time point. A structural equations model with latent factors for approach-oriented coping, avoidant-oriented coping, and psychological distress showed adequate fit. Furthermore, significant associations were identified among latent factors for approach-oriented coping, avoidance coping, and psychological distress; specifically, greater use of approach-oriented coping strategies and less use of avoidant-oriented coping were associated with lower levels of psychological distress. The model was revised to incorporate variables significantly associated with psychological distress (i.e., personal loss-total events, personal loss-controllability, and HIV-related symptoms). Relations among the coping and psychological distress latent factors remained significant. The results suggest that HIV+ MSM who do not have the coping skills or resources necessary to use adequate coping strategies to face the chronic burdens associated with HIV illness are likely to experience higher levels of psychological distress, independent of life stress and ongoing HIV-related symptoms.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2003

Body fat distribution and cortisol metabolism in healthy men: enhanced 5beta-reductase and lower cortisol/cortisone metabolite ratios in men with fatty liver.

In Cushing's syndrome, cortisol causes fat accumulation in specific sites most likely to be associated with insulin resistance, notably in omental adipose and also perhaps in the liver. In idiopathic obesity, cortisol-metabolizing enzymes may play a key role in determining body fat distribution. Increased regeneration of cortisol from cortisone within adipose by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 1 (11HSD1) has been proposed to cause visceral fat accumulation, whereas decreased hepatic 11HSD1 may protect the liver from glucocorticoid excess. Increased inactivation of cortisol by 5alpha- and 5beta-reductases in the liver may drive compensatory activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, hence increasing adrenal androgens and 'android' central obesity. This study aimed to examine relationships between these enzymes and detailed measurements of body fat distribution. Twenty-five healthy men (age, 22-57 yr; body mass index, 20.6-35.6 kg/m(2)) were recruited from occupational health services. Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measurements, bioimpedance, and cross-sectional abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scans. Liver fat content was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy. Insulin sensitivity was measured in a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Cortisol metabolites were measured in a 24-h urine sample by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In vivo hepatic 11HSD1 activity was measured by generation of plasma cortisol after an oral dose of cortisone. In vitro 11HSD1 activity and mRNA were measured in 18 subjects who consented to provide abdominal sc adipose biopsies. Indices of obesity (body mass index, whole-body percentage fat, waist/hip ratio) were associated with higher urinary excretion of 5alpha- and 5beta-reduced cortisol metabolites (for percentage fat, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) and increased adipose 11HSD1 activity (P < 0.05). Liver fat accumulation was associated with a selective increase in urinary excretion of 5beta-reduced cortisol and cortisone metabolites (P < 0.01) and a lower ratio of cortisol/cortisone metabolites in urine (P < 0.001) but no difference in in vivo cortisone-to-cortisol conversion or in vitro adipose 11HSD1. Higher excretion of 5beta-reduced cortisol metabolites was independently associated with insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia. Lower conversion of cortisone to cortisol was associated with lower fasting plasma cortisol (P < 0.01). However, visceral adipose fat mass was not associated with indices of cortisol metabolism; indeed, after adjusting for the effects of whole-body and liver fat, increased visceral fat was associated with lower cortisol metabolite excretion. We conclude that alterations in 11HSD1 and hepatic 5alpha-reductase activity are associated with generalized, rather than central, obesity in humans. Activation of 5beta-reductase in men with fat accumulation in the liver may confound the interpretation of cortisol metabolite excretion when liver fat content is unknown, and may contribute to altered bile acid and cholesterol metabolism in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1↗
PubMed2004

Shigellosis - a re-emerging sexually transmitted infection: outbreak in men having sex with men in Berlin.

In December 2001, the Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) was informed about a cluster of 10 Shigella sonnei infections in men who have sex with men (MSM), diagnosed in Berlin since September 2001. A retrospective investigation on sexual risk factors for infection in all shigella cases from Berlin from 2001 was initiated by sending a questionnaire to all patients without known travel history. Simultaneously laboratories were asked to send new shigella isolates from patients to the National Reference Centre at the RKI. Out of 29 responders, 24 self-identified as MSM. Seventeen of these reported sexual contacts as the most likely potential risk of infection. Almost all MSM reported direct or indirect oral-anal sexual contacts in the week before they fell ill. Fifteen of 27 shigella isolates collected during the prospective sampling period showed identical plasmid profiles, PFGE- and resistance patterns and can therefore be regarded as clonally identical. Asymptomatic and/or prolonged shedding in the reconvalescent phase may contribute to the transmission risk of shigella infection during oral-anal sexual practices. Awareness among practitioners and among MSM about the risk of sexual transmission of orally transmitted agents needs to be raised.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Dramatic increase in a single genotype of TRNG ciprofloxacin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in men who have sex with men.

In 2003, episodes of gonorrhoea caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant strains increased to 15.3% from 11% in 2002. This was coincident with a marked increase in strains characterized as serogroup WI, ciprofloxacin-resistant bearing the tetracycline resistance plasmid. Molecular typing of these strains, using Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) revealed 71% (34/48) were of the same sequence type, ST338, accounting for 4.1% (34/824) of all strains in 2003. Epidemiological data demonstrated that transmission of ST338 was associated with men who have sex with men (MSM; 23/27), acquisition within the UK (22/26) and having two or more partners in the previous three-month period (18/27). The combined use of highly discriminatory typing and epidemiological surveillance helps to identify successful transmission networks.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed2006

Re-infection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections among men who have sex with men.

Our aim was to determine the incidence of re-infection of men who have sex with men (MSM) for rectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae (RNg) and rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (RCt) infection. The medical records of 126 MSM diagnosed with RNg or RCt infections at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre were reviewed. A total of 68 of the 126 (54%) MSM were re-tested. Among the HIV-positive MSM, 17 (81%) of 21 were re-tested and eight were positive (47%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 23-72%). Among the 51 (49%) of 105 of the HIV-negative or unknown MSM re-tested, 13 (25%, 14-40) were positive. Of the 21 infections identified, five cases were symptomatic. The incidence of rectal infections among MSM is high and prior RNg or RCt should be included as a risk factor for frequent screening.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

HIV-associated medical, behavioral, and psychiatric characteristics of treatment-seeking, methamphetamine-dependent men who have sex with men.

This paper examines medical and psychiatric symptoms and disorders associated with reported HIV serostatus among methamphetamine-dependent, treatment-seeking men who have sex with men (MSM) in Los Angeles. Baseline data from a NIDA-funded, randomized clinical trial of behavioral drug abuse therapies included medical examinations and behavioral interviews of the 162 randomized participants. Variables identified as significantly associated with HIV infection were entered into a multivariate, hierarchical logistic regression analysis to optimally predict HIV serostatus. The disturbingly high 61% of the sample with reported HIV-seropositive status represents 3-4 times the prevalence for all MSM in Los Angeles County. HIV infection status strongly associated with prior treatment for methamphetamine dependence; unprotected receptive anal intercourse; history of sexually transmitted infections; and health insurance status. Findings demonstrate the powerful connection between methamphetamine dependence and HIV infection, and strongly suggest a need for development of interventions that function as both substance abuse treatment and HIV prevention for this population.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Methamphetamine use, impulsivity, and sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

This study examined impulsivity as a moderator of the relationship between meth use and sexual risk behavior in a sample of HIV-positive meth-using Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). Higher impulsivity was associated with less education, lower income, being unemployed, psychiatric diagnosis, and higher Beck depression scores. Intensity of meth use and sexual risk behavior were significantly correlated. In a multiple regression analysis, more education, greater intensity of meth use and higher levels of impulsivity predicted more unprotected sex. To test for moderating effects of impulsivity, an interaction term was added to the regression. The interactive effects model was statistically significant. A plot of the interaction revealed that the relationship between intensity of meth use and total unprotected sex was strongest among participants who had higher levels of impulsivity. This suggests that targeting impulsivity in interventions may help reduce sexual risk behaviors in high intensity meth-using HIV-positive MSM.

Adult↗