Indicators of Use of Methamphetamine and Other Substances Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, San Francisco, 2003-2006

"Substance use has been associated with high-risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) both in the US and around the world," the authors wrote, noting that recent efforts by San Francisco-based organizations "have specifically targeted methamphetamine use in this population."

The authors tracked the use of methamphetamine and other substances among MSM in San Francisco from 2003 to 2006 using an indicator available in community outreach surveys of a prevention education program targeting this population (n=4,602). The researchers found that the use of diverse substances tended to decrease during the period studied, "many significantly so." Among HIV-negative MSM, reports of methamphetamine use "significantly decreased." However, the team found that use of methamphetamine and alcohol during sex was associated with unprotected, potentially HIV serodiscordant sex.

"Intensified prevention efforts to reduce methamphetamine use in San Francisco may be having some impact; however, strong associations of substance use and high-risk sex persist," the authors concluded.

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