Methamphetamine use has become problematic among communities of men having sex with men (MSM), where it has been associated with high-risk behaviors, researchers in the current study explained. Methamphetamine is frequently combined with other drugs, resulting in increased risks and adverse health consequences.

"To examine differences in background characteristics, HIV risk behaviors, and psychosocial variables among polydrug-using HIV-positive MSM, the researchers classified a sample of 261 HIV-positive, methamphetamine-using MSM into three user groups: (1) methamphetamine only; (2) methamphetamine, marijuana, and poppers (light polydrug users); and (3) methamphetamine and other drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and ketamine; heavy polydrug users)." Five percent reported using only methamphetamine in the past two months; 31 percent were classified as light polydrug users; and 64 percent were classified as heavy polydrug users, the researchers said.

Compared to light polydrug users, heavy polydrug users were significantly younger (35.6 vs. 38.4, P<.01) and reported methamphetamine use for considerably fewer years (10.3 vs. 14.2 years, P<.001); however, there was no difference in the amount and frequency of methamphetamine or alcohol consumed. "Heavy polydrug users reported significantly more sex partners of HIV-negative and unknown serostatus and had more unprotected sex with these partners. Heavy polydrug users had significantly higher scores on impulsivity and negative self-perceptions, as compared with those of light polydrug users," the authors reported. This sample of HIV-positive MSM indicated most of those who used methamphetamine had a pattern of polydrug use. More high-risk sexual behaviors were reported among heavy polydrug users compared to light polydrug users.

The researchers concluded the study's findings have dual implications. "Longitudinal research is needed to establish causal relationships among methamphetamine use, impulsivity, negative self-perceptions, and sexual risk behavior in this target population" and "behavioral interventions should evaluate whether methamphetamine use and sexual risk behavior can be reduced by modifying impulsivity and negative self-perceptions."

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