Patterns and levels of illicit drug use among men who have sex with men in Asia

Wei, C and Guadamuz, TE and Lim, SH and Huang, Y and Koe, S (2012) Patterns and levels of illicit drug use among men who have sex with men in Asia. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 120 (1-3). 246 - 249. ISSN 0376-8716

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Abstract

Background: The emergence of gay communities in Asia may predispose men who have sex with men (MSM) to drug use. We describe patterns and levels of illicit drug use, and characteristics of stimulant drug users among MSM in Asia. Methods: A cross-sectional Internet-based survey was conducted among 10,861 participants recruited through online methods. Pearson's chi-square tests were used to compare patterns of drug use by participants' HIV status. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify significant correlates of stimulant drug use. Results: Overall, 16.7% of participants reported recreational drug use in the past 6 months. Ecstasy (8.1%) and Viagra (7.9%) were the most prevalent drugs being used. HIV-positive MSM reported significantly higher levels of individual drug use and polydrug use compared to HIV-negative/unknown MSM. Being gay (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.05), having casual male partners only or having both casual and regular partners (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.66, 2.53; AOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 2.39, 3.69), HIV-positive status (AOR = 4.54, 95% CI: 3.63, 5.69), sex work (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.93), and having more gay friends (" Some" vs. "A few/None" AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.62, 2.43; "Most/All" vs. "A few/None" AOR = 4.59, 95% CI: 3.77, 5.59) were independently associated with stimulant drug use. Conclusions: Our findings point to the urgency of incorporating substance use prevention and treatment into current HIV prevention activities in Asia, which must use a harm reduction approach and galvanize dignity. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

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Details

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
Creators/Authors:	Creators Email Pitt Username ORCID Wei, C Guadamuz, TE teg10@pitt.edu TEG10 Lim, SH Huang, Y yoh18@pitt.edu YOH18 Koe, S
Centers:	Other Centers, Institutes, Offices, or Units > Center for LGBT Health Research
Date:	1 January 2012
Date Type:	Publication
Journal or Publication Title:	Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Volume:	120
Number:	1-3
Page Range:	246 - 249
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.07.016
Schools and Programs:	School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences School of Public Health > Epidemiology
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0376-8716
Date Deposited:	12 Jun 2013 21:14
Last Modified:	05 Feb 2019 07:55
URI:	http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/id/eprint/18894

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