Body dissatisfaction and methamphetamine use among HIV-positive gay and bisexual men: a pilot study

Subst Use Misuse. 2011;46(14):1745-9. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2011.618998.

Abstract

Methamphetamine use is strongly associated with risky sex and increased reports of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among gay and bisexual men (GBM) who attend dance/circuit parties. The psychological mechanisms underlying methamphetamine use in this subculture, however, remain unclear. These exploratory findings are from a 2004 dataset measuring body dissatisfaction and drug use among 42 HIV-positive GBM in South Florida who attended at least one bar/club/circuit party within 3 months of participating. A multivariate regression model revealed that body dissatisfaction accounted for a small but significant amount of variance in methamphetamine use. Treatment implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / complications
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Bisexuality / psychology*
  • Body Image*
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications
  • HIV Seropositivity / psychology*
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Men
  • Methamphetamine
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Risk-Taking
  • Self Concept

Substances

  • Methamphetamine