Unprotected anal intercourse associated with recreational drug use among young men who have sex with men depends on partner type and intercourse role

Sex Transm Dis. 2004 Aug;31(8):492-8. doi: 10.1097/01.olq.0000135991.21755.18.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to measure associations of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and substance use by sexual partner (regular vs. casual) and role [insertive (I) vs. receptive (R)].

Goal: The goal of this study was to identify determinants of the association of specific drugs and UAI.

Study: We conducted a prospective study of young men who have sex with men (MSM), 1997-2002. Odds ratios (ORs) for association of substance use and UAI during the previous year were adjusted for age and calendar year.

Results: UAI was significantly associated with sexual situation-specific use of marijuana (OR, 1.43), crystal methamphetamine (OR, 1.75), ecstasy (OR, 1.88), and ketamine (OR, 2.17); global use associations were similar. Situation-specific associations with alcohol (OR, 1.93) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB; OR, 1.98) were not seen with global measures. GHB and ketamine were specifically associated with IUAI with regular partners, and methamphetamine with RUAI with casual partners.

Conclusion: Type of drug use measure, partner, and role are important determinants of the association of specific substances and UAI.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking
  • British Columbia / epidemiology
  • Cannabis
  • Cohort Studies
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Ketamine
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
  • Prospective Studies
  • Safe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Methamphetamine
  • Ketamine
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine