Changes in the Meaning of Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Gay and Bisexual Male Methamphetamine Abusers Before and After Drug Treatment

Authors: Reback C.J.¹; Larkins S.²; Shoptaw S.³

Source: AIDS and Behavior, Volume 8, Number 1, March 2004 , pp. 87-98(12)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

Methamphetamine is widely used among gay and bisexual men in the West Coast of the United States, and is often used in combination with high-risk sexual activities. This study combined quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to examine sexual risk behaviors among gay and bisexual male methamphetamine abusers as they entered treatment and at 1-year follow-up evaluations. Findings from the quantitative follow-up data demonstrate that gay and bisexual men reduce sexual risk behaviors and sustain those reductions following substance abuse treatment, and qualitative data reveal the meaning of these behavior changes from the perspective of the participant. At 1-year evaluations, associated behaviors of methamphetamine use and sexual risk behaviors were lessened. Although condom use decreased slightly, participants reported fewer anonymous sexual partners, reductions in episodes of both receptive and insertive anal intercourse, and an increased sense of responsibility to disclose their HIV status. This study further demonstrates the value of coupling quantitative with qualitative data in understanding the meanings behind reductions in high-risk behaviors.

Keywords: Methamphetamine; HIV risk behaviors; gay males; drug treatment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/B:AIBE.0000017528.39338.75

Affiliations: 1: Friends Research Institute, Inc., Los Angeles, California. University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (UCLA ISAP), Los Angeles, California. Van Ness Recovery House, Los Angeles, California;, Email: Rebackcj@aol.com 2: Friends Research Institute, Inc., Los Angeles, California. University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (UCLA ISAP), Los Angeles, California 3: Friends Research Institute, Inc., Los Angeles, California. University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (UCLA ISAP), Los Angeles, California. University of California, Los Angeles, Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services (CHIPTS), Los Angeles, California

Publication date: 2004-03-01

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