Elevated HIV and STI Prevalence and Incidence Among Methamphetamine-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men in Los Angeles County

AIDS Educ Prev. 2018 Aug;30(4):350-356. doi: 10.1521/aeap.2018.30.4.350.

Abstract

Methamphetamine use is associated with increased HIV/STI infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). From March 2014 through January 2016, 286 methamphetamine-using MSM enrolled in a study to reduce methamphetamine use and sexual risk behaviors. Participants were tested for HIV/STIs at baseline and every 3 months for 9 months. At baseline, 115 participants (40.2%) were HIV-positive; three participants seroconverted (incidence = 2.6/100 person-years). Baseline testing diagnosed 77 STI cases (21 chlamydia, 18 gonorrhea, 38 syphilis); by 9-month follow-up, 71 incident STIs were diagnosed (22 chlamydia, 24 gonorrhea, 25 syphilis); 78% occurred among HIV-positive participants. Despite efforts to reduce sexual risks among methamphetamine-using MSM, HIV/STI prevalence and incidence remain elevated.

Keywords: HIV; STI; men who have sex with men; methamphetamine; sexual risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology
  • Drug Users / psychology*
  • Gonorrhea / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Los Angeles / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / administration & dosage
  • Methamphetamine / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Syphilis / epidemiology

Substances

  • Methamphetamine