Partner-level substance use associated with increased sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in San Francisco, CA

Robert E Brown; Caitlin Turner; Jaclyn Hern; Glenn-Milo Santos

doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.02.016

Partner-level substance use associated with increased sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in San Francisco, CA

Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017 Jul 1;176:176-180. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.02.016. Epub 2017 Apr 21.

Authors

Robert E Brown¹, Caitlin Turner², Jaclyn Hern², Glenn-Milo Santos³

Affiliations

¹ Substance Use Research Unit, Center for Public Health Research Branch, Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA; School of Public Health, University of California, 100 Academic Hall # 1234, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Electronic address: rebrown@berkeley.edu.
² Substance Use Research Unit, Center for Public Health Research Branch, Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA.
³ Substance Use Research Unit, Center for Public Health Research Branch, Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA; Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, 500 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.

PMID: 28549302
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.02.016

Abstract

Background: Substance use is highly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) and is associated with individual-level sexual risk behaviors. However, few studies have explored the relationship between substance use and HIV risk behaviors within partnerships.

Methods: We examined partner-level data between MSM participants (n=23) and their sexual partners (n=52). We used multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic regression to assess the relationship between partner-level substance use during their last sexual encounter with each partner, and engaging in condomless anal intercourse (CAI) and serodiscordant CAI.

Results: In multivariable analyses, participants had significantly higher adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of CAI when the participant (AOR=22.2, 95%CI=2.5-199.5) or their partners used any drugs (AOR=21.8, 95%CI=3.3-144.3); their partners (AOR=5.7, 95%CI=1.7-19.3) or both participant and partner had concordant use of methamphetamine (AOR=10.5, 95%CI=2.2-50.6); or when both used poppers (AOR=11.4, 95%CI=1.5-87). There were higher odds of SDCAI if the participant binge drank (AOR=4, 95%CI=1.01-15.8), used more than one substance (AOR=15.8, 95%CI=1.9-133), or used other drugs (AOR=4.8, 95%CI=1.3-18.4); if their partner used poppers (AOR=7.6, 95%CI=1.5-37.6), or used more than one substance (AOR=7.9, 95%CI=1.9-34.1); and when both participant and partner had concordant use of poppers (AOR=4.4, 95%CI=1.2-16.8).

Conclusions: This study observed significant relationship between substance use and HIV risk behaviors within partnerships. Specifically, when either the participant, the partner, or both used any drugs there was an increased odds of sexual risk behaviors. Findings suggest that partner-level substance use behaviors should be taken in account when developing sexual risk reduction interventions.

Keywords: Gay men; HIV; Methamphetamine; Sexual behavior; Social network; Substance use.

MeSH terms

Adult
HIV Infections / psychology
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Methamphetamine
Odds Ratio
Risk-Taking*
San Francisco
Sexual Behavior / psychology*
Sexual Partners / psychology*
Sexual and Gender Minorities / psychology*
Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*

Substances

Methamphetamine