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Schwartz C, Tooley L, Knight R, Steinberg M. Queering poppers literature: A critical interpretive synthesis of health sciences research on alkyl nitrite use and Canadian policy. Int J Drug Policy 2021; 101:103546. [PMID: 34920219 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poppers (alkyl nitrites) are vasodilators used by many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) to relieve pain, enhance pleasure, and facilitate penetration during sex. In 2013, the Canadian government cracked down on the sale of poppers products, however prevalence of poppers use among GBMSM in Canada remains high. Poppers have been studied by medical researchers since the 1980s, yet qualitative and community-based research to inform federal policy, remains somewhat less common. METHODS We conducted a critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) to better understand poppers health literature using the medical model of health as a point of reference. Analysis was performed using inductive and deductive methods including reflexive note-taking, mind-mapping, and close coding. 153 publications were identified to inform this review of which 5 were chosen for coding based on a purposive sampling framework. RESULTS Our findings are unified within a theoretical construct we term responsibility. Responsibility is a construct we use to describe the bias we identified in health sciences literature regarding poppers use that tends to exaggerate the necessity for poppers cessation, and devalue both the benefits of poppers use and the perspectives and experiences of people who use poppers. The emphasis on individual behavior change within the literature appears to be motivated less by objective measures or assessments of health risks and outcomes, and more by harmful stereotypes that position gay men and people who use drugs as inherently irresponsible. CONCLUSION We conclude by discussing how these findings have important implications for the review of current policy on poppers sales in Canada which remains influenced by a literature base prejudiced by factors such as homophobia, heteronormativity, and drug stigma, and recommend areas for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Schwartz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; Community-Based Research Centre, 1007-808 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H2, Canada.
| | - Len Tooley
- Community-Based Research Centre, 1007-808 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H2, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 10th Floor, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Malcolm Steinberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
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Mao X, Leuba SI, Hu Q, Yan H, Wang Z, Lu L, Zhuang M, Chen X, Fu J, Geng W, Jiang Y, Shang H, Xu J. Use of multiple recreational drugs is associated with new HIV infections among men who have sex with men in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:354. [PMID: 33588816 PMCID: PMC7885486 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10223-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited information about the types of recreational drugs used by men who have sex with men (MSM) in China or the consequent impact on sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Methods We recruited MSM from seven cities in China between 2012 and 2013 using multiple approaches including advertisements on gay websites, collaborating with local MSM community-based organizations, peer referrals, and venues such as gay bars and bathrooms visited by MSM. We divided participants into four subgroups based on the number of recreational drugs (RDs) used in the previous 6 months. We defined use of multiple RDs as use of ≥2 types of RDs. Demographics and HIV-related high-risk behaviors were collected, and blood samples were tested for recent HIV infection by the HIV-1 subtypes B, E, and D immunoglobulin G capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA). We used multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographics to determine the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the subgroups of RD use for recent or established HIV infection. Results A total of 4496 Chinese MSM participated; 28.4% used RDs, and 5% used multiple types of RDs. The prevalence of each RD use was as follows: poppers (25.9%), ecstasy (2.4%), ketamine (1.2%), amphetamine (0.6%), tramadol (0.4%), methamphetamine (3.8%), and codeine (1.9%). Users of multiple RDs commonly used poppers combined with one or more other types of RDs. Multiple RD users were likely to be aged 26–30 years (vs. 18–25 and > 30 years), live in non-local cities (vs. local cities), never married (vs. married), have a high monthly income (vs. no income and 1–599 USD), use versatile positions during anal intercourse (vs. top or bottom), and have inadequate HIV-related prevention knowledge (vs. adequate). As the number of RDs used in the previous 6 months increased, the prevalence of HIV-related high-risk behaviors increased (P < 0.05 for all). The odds of recent HIV infection were higher among those who used one type (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5–3.0) or two types of RD (aOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.2) in the previous 6 months compared to the odds among those who did not use RDs. Conclusion The level and pattern of multiple RD use among Chinese MSM were different from high-income countries. MSM who used more RDs are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, and these behaviors may be associated with increases in new HIV infections. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10223-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Mao
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No 155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Sequoia I Leuba
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Qinghai Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No 155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Hongjing Yan
- Jiangsu Provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- He'nan Provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, 450022, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Yunnan Provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Minghua Zhuang
- Shanghai Municipal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Hu'nan Provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Jihua Fu
- Shandong Provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Wenqing Geng
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No 155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yongjun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No 155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Hong Shang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No 155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China. .,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No 155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China. .,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Abstract
We sought to estimate the prevalence as well as demographic and drug use-related correlates of poppers use among adults in the United States. Data were analyzed from adult participants (ages 18-64) in the 2015-2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 115,744), a nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized adults in the US. An estimated 3.3% of adults have ever used poppers. Over a third (35.1%) of gay men are estimated as having ever used poppers. Estimates were lower for heterosexual (3.7%) and bisexual males (11.3%), and for heterosexual (1.8%), bisexual (4.8%), and lesbian women (6.3%). In the multivariable model, compared to male heterosexuals, gay men were at increased odds for reporting lifetime popper use (aOR = 24.64, p<.001), and bisexual men (aOR = 3.55, p <.001), lesbian women (aOR = 1.86, p =.010), and bisexual women (aOR = 1.33, p =.049) were at increased odds for lifetime use. Having a college degree was associated with increased odds for use, and lifetime use of marijuana, ecstasy/MDMA/Molly, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, tranquilizers, and/or opioids were associated with higher odds for use. Gay men in particular are at high risk for use. Results can help inform prevention efforts, particularly in sexual minority populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Le
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine , New York, NY, USA.,College of Dentistry, New York University , New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Yockey
- School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati , Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph J Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine , New York, NY, USA
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Schwartz C, Fast D, Knight R. Poppers, queer sex and a Canadian crackdown: Examining the experiences of alkyl nitrite use among young sexual minority men. Int J Drug Policy 2020; 77:102670. [PMID: 32143965 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poppers (i.e., alkyl nitrites) are commonly used during sex by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (sexual minority men). Poppers act as vasodilators when inhaled, resulting in a sensation some users refer to as a 'head rush', while also relaxing smooth muscles and facilitating penetration during anal sex. In 2013, Health Canada initiated a crackdown on poppers products. The current study aims to examine the experiences and perspectives of young sexual minority men who use poppers in the context of the federal crackdown. METHODS We draw on 50 semi-structured, in-depth interviews collected from 2018 to 2019 in Vancouver with sexual minority men ages 15-30. We used a combination of both inductive and deductive techniques during data analysis to identify several key themes. RESULTS Participants' discussions reflected positive effects of poppers use relating to sexual pleasure and bodily control. Participants used poppers to enhance pleasure, reduce pain and injury (e.g., from tears in anal tissue), and improve their capacity to "let go" and enjoy sex. Conversely, some participants described a loss of control resulting from poppers use, including experiences of dependency on poppers for sexual pleasure. Poppers were also discussed as linked to participants' personal identities as sexual minority men. In the context of the federal crackdown, uncertainty about the health effects of poppers use was high, while knowledge to safely and comfortably procure poppers in Canada was, at times, low. CONCLUSION Poppers play an important role in the experience of sexual pleasure and the ability to reduce harms during anal sex. Unfortunately, the current crackdown restricts access to a safe and regulated supply while creating uncertainty and confusion about poppers use. We call on the federal government to bring the voices of sexual minority men to the forefront in the revisiting of the federal crackdown on poppers in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Schwartz
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Danya Fast
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 10th Floor, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 10th Floor, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada.
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Vaccher SJ, Hammoud MA, Bourne A, Lea T, Haire BG, Holt M, Saxton P, Mackie B, Badge J, Jin F, Maher L, Prestage G. Prevalence, frequency, and motivations for alkyl nitrite use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Australia. Int J Drug Policy 2020; 76:102659. [PMID: 31927224 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) use alkyl nitrites ('poppers') at higher rates than other populations to functionally enhance sexual experiences. Their use has been associated with HIV sexual risk behaviours including receptive anal sex. We investigate the prevalence, frequency, and motivations for poppers use and their relationship with HIV risk. We also discuss the implications of the recent scheduling changes to poppers by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. METHODS Data were drawn from the Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) study, a prospective observational study of licit and illicit drug use among GBM. Between 2014 and 2018, 3273 GBM enrolled in the study. In 2018, 1745 GBM provided data relating to frequency of and motivations for poppers use and were included in this analysis. RESULTS Median age was 33 years (IQR 25-46) and 801 GBM (45.9%) had used poppers in the previous six months ('recent use'). Among these men, 195 (24.3%) had used them weekly or more frequently. Most recent users (77.4%) reported using poppers for a 'buzz' during sex or to facilitate receptive anal intercourse (60.8%). The majority (57.7%) of HIV-negative men reporting recent poppers use were concurrently taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Recent poppers use was independently associated with receptive anal intercourse with casual partners (aOR 1.71; 95%CI 1.35-2.16) and chemsex (aOR 4.32; 95%CI 3.15-5.94). Poppers use was not associated with anxiety, depression, or drug-related harms. Only 15.4% of current users indicated they would stop using poppers if they were criminalised; 65.0% said they would 'find other ways' to obtain them. CONCLUSIONS Poppers are commonly used by Australian GBM to functionally enhance sexual experiences, particularly to facilitate receptive anal intercourse. Few men experienced drug-related harms from poppers use. Regulatory changes must ensure potential harms from popper use are minimised without increasing barriers to access or perpetuating stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie J Vaccher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Mohamed A Hammoud
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia.
| | - Toby Lea
- German Institute for Addiction and Prevention Research, Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 79-81, 50668 Cologne, Germany; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Bridget G Haire
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Peter Saxton
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Brent Mackie
- ACON, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Joshua Badge
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Garrett Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Mullens AB, Young RM, Dunne MP, Norton G. The Amyl Nitrite Expectancy Questionnaire for Men who have Sex with Men (AEQ-MSM): a measure of substance-related beliefs. Subst Use Misuse 2011; 46:1642-50. [PMID: 21793709 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2011.599096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A measure of perceived reinforcement associated with amyl nitrite was developed and evaluated among gay and bisexual men. This is the first known expectancy measure to date for this drug class. The Amyl Nitrite Expectancy Questionnaire for Men who have Sex with Men (AEQ-MSM) was completed online by 102 gay and bisexual men, between 2006 and 2008 in Queensland, Australia. The AEQ-MSM demonstrated good psychometric properties and was associated with consumption patterns. Factor analysis revealed three distinct reinforcement domains: "Enhanced sexual desire and pleasure," "Disorientation," and "Sexual negotiation." Limitations include sampling via self-selection, recruitment through health centers and self-report data. Implications for sexual activity and risk-taking, including reducing associated harm (e.g., HIV transmission), and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Mullens
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. amy
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Joseph PM. Paradoxical ozone associations could be due to methyl nitrite from combustion of methyl ethers or esters in engine fuels. Environ Int 2007; 33:1090-106. [PMID: 17716731 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2007.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2006] [Revised: 07/06/2007] [Accepted: 07/10/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
We review studies of the effects of low ambient ozone concentrations on morbidity that found a negative coefficient for ozone concentration. We call this a Paradoxical Ozone Association (POA). All studies were in regions with methyl ether in gasoline. All but one study carefully controlled for the effects of other criterion pollutants, so the phenomenon cannot be attributed to them. One was in southern California in mid-summer when ozone levels are highest. Because ozone is created by sunlight, the most plausible explanation for a POA would be an ambient pollutant that is rapidly destroyed by sunlight, such as methyl nitrite (MN). A previously published model of engine exhaust chemistry suggested methyl ether in the fuel will create MN in the exhaust. MN is known to be highly toxic, and closely related alkyl nitrites are known to induce respiratory sensitivity in humans. Support for the interpretation comes from many studies, including three linking asthma symptoms to methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and the observation that a POA has not been seen in regions without ether in gasoline. We also note that studies in southern California show a historical trend from more significant to less significant ozone-health associations. The timing of those changes is consistent with the known timing of the introduction of gasoline oxygenated with MTBE in that region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Joseph
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA.
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Drumright LN, Little SJ, Strathdee SA, Slymen DJ, Araneta MRG, Malcarne VL, Daar ES, Gorbach PM. Unprotected anal intercourse and substance use among men who have sex with men with recent HIV infection. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2006; 43:344-50. [PMID: 16980913 DOI: 10.1097/01.qai.0000230530.02212.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine within-subjects and combined between- and within-subjects associations between substance use and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among men who have sex with men (MSM) with recent HIV infection. METHODS One hundred ninety-four MSM who were recently infected with HIV completed a computer-assisted questionnaire regarding sexual behaviors and substance use with their last 3 partners. Associations between UAI and substance use were assessed using conditional logistic regression (CLR) to assess associations among the 116 MSM reporting UAI with some but not all partners and generalized linear mixed effects models (GLMMs) to examine a combination of within- and between-subjects associations in the entire sample (N = 194). RESULTS In multivariate CLR models and GLMMs, UAI was associated with the use of methamphetamine (odds ratio [OR] = 4.9 and OR = 3.5, respectively), marijuana (OR = 4.0 and OR = 2.2, respectively) and erectile dysfunction medications (EDMs) when used with a main partner (OR = 13.8 and OR = 10.1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that a direct association may exist between specific substances and UAI and provide evidence that the use of methamphetamine and EDMs may contribute to HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia N Drumright
- Department of Medicine, Antiviral Research Center, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
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Abstract
We reviewed medical and psychology databases for articles published between January 1980 and August 2005 demonstrating associations between HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infection risk and club drug use. Seventy-four articles were reviewed, of which 30 provided adjusted risk ratios for associations between HIV/sexually transmitted infection risk and club drug use among men who have sex with men. Definitions and lists of club drugs were broad and inconsistent. We constructed a conceptual framework of biologically plausible pathways for causation. Using Hill's criteria to examine club drugs as causal risk factors for HIV, we found the most evidence for methamphetamine and volatile nitrites; however, more studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia N Drumright
- Antiviral Research Center, University of California, San Diego, 92103, USA.
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Abstract
A self-reported behaviour survey using an anonymous critical incident based questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers in 1998. Five hundred and thirty-one homosexual and bisexual men were recruited from gay bars, clubs, cafes, a sauna and 'cruising ground' in central Edinburgh. The use of alcohol and recreational drugs and details of sexual activity over the preceding three months and at the last sexual encounter were recorded. Unsafe sex was defined as anal sex without the use of a condom with a partner of unknown or different HIV status. Safer sex was defined as all other types of sex, including anal sex with a condom and anal sex without a condom with a partner whose HIV status was known to be the same. Of the questionnaires completed, 506 were suitable for analysis; 29 men (6.1%) reported anal sex with a partner of unknown or different HIV status without a condom ('unsafe sex') during their last sexual encounter. A total of 53 men (10.5%) could recall an episode of unsafe sex within the last three months. Men who had used marijuana or inhaled nitrites ('poppers') less than two hours before sex, or whose sexual partners had done so, were more likely to have unsafe sex than those who had not. Although alcohol use was more likely before sex with casual partners, the use of alcohol less than 2 hours before sex was not associated with sex being unsafe.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Clutterbuck
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK.
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