Methamphetamine Use by MSM and Increased Risk for HIV Infection

In a cohort of MSM in San Diego, those who started using methamphetamine showed significant increases in high-risk sexual behavior.

Methamphetamine (meth) use in men who have sex with men (MSM), with prevalence as high as 19% in the U.S., has been linked to increased risk for HIV infection, but whether meth use is merely associated with — or directly causes — high-risk sexual behavior remains uncertain. To explore this question, researchers analyzed data from MSM enrolled in San Diego's Early Test (SDET) program, a community-based effort providing HIV testing and risk assessment.

Sexual risk behavior was assessed using the SDET score (0–10), which is based on predictors such as condomless receptive anal intercourse, higher number of male sexual partners, and occurrence of sexually transmitted bacterial infections. SDET scores >5 have been associated with a sixfold increa…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Methamphetamine Use by MSM and Increased Risk for HIV Infection

Topics

Reviewing Author