Methamphetamine use, transmission risk behavior and internet use among HIV-infected patients in medical care, San Francisco, 2008

AIDS Behav. 2012 Feb;16(2):396-403. doi: 10.1007/s10461-010-9869-7.

Abstract

Methamphetamine use is associated with adverse health outcomes and HIV incidence. Few studies have assessed methamphetamine use, sexual behavior and Internet use among HIV-infected patients. Surveys were administered to a sample of HIV-infected patients seeking medical care in a San Francisco county hospital and university-based clinic. In 2008, 35% of homosexual participants, 26% of heterosexual participants and 11% of female participants reported methamphetamine use in the past year. Of participants, 29% reported using the Internet to find sex partners; Internet-users versus non-Internet-users reported a higher median number of sex partners in 6 months (4 vs. 1), were more likely to report unprotected sex (32 vs. 10%), and higher rates of methamphetamine use in the past 12 months (48 vs. 24%). Given the association among methamphetamine use, increased sex partners and Internet use, the Internet may present a new and effective medium for interventions to reduce methamphetamine-associated sexual risk behavior.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / drug therapy
  • HIV Seropositivity / epidemiology*
  • HIV Seropositivity / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence
  • Methamphetamine* / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • San Francisco / epidemiology
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methamphetamine