Short communicationThe context of sexual risk behavior among heterosexual methamphetamine users
Introduction
Studies conducted with gay and bisexual men have shown a link between methampethamine (meth) use and high-risk sex (e.g., Reback, 1997). However, little attention has been paid to the association between meth use and sexual risk among heterosexuals. One of the few studies to gather data on heterosexuals concluded that noninjection users of meth engage in multiple sexual risk behaviors that place them at risk for contracting HIV/STDs (Molitor, Truax, Ruiz, & Sun, 1998).
The present study characterizes a sample of HIV-negative, heterosexual meth users. It explores drug use history, motivations for meth use, relationship types, the social–sexual context of meth use, and sexual risk behavior. The findings from this study help to guide the development of sexual risk reduction interventions for HIV-negative, heterosexual meth users.
Section snippets
Method
These analyses used baseline data from a sample of 139 HIV-negative, heterosexually identified meth users who were enrolled in a sexual risk reduction intervention. Eligible participants were men and women who self-identified as heterosexual, reported having unprotected sex at least once, and using meth at least twice in the past 2 months. The majority of participants were recruited through a poster/media campaign and referrals.
Amount of meth used (in grams) and injection drug use were recorded
Results
The majority of participants were male, Caucasian, high-school educated, never married, unemployed, and living with other adults. The average age was 38.6 years. Twenty-nine percent of the sample reported having one or more STDs in the past 2 months, 17% had a Hepatitis C diagnosis, and 11% had a Hepatitis B diagnosis. The average age of first meth use was 23.2 (S.D.=9.2). The three main reasons why participants started using meth were to get high (49.7%), to experiment (46.2%), and to party
Discussion
These findings have implications for HIV prevention and the development of sexual risk reduction interventions for heterosexual meth users. The observed variability in terms of individual histories suggests that one-on-one counseling is likely to be the most effective format for this population, primarily because sessions can be tailored to the individual. We recommend a client-centered approach that seeks to understand the client at an individual level.
Our data suggest that changing drug use
Acknowledgements
Support for this work was provided, in part, by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant 1 R01 MH61146-01A2, National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) R01 DA12116, NIMH Center grant 2 P50 MH45294, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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