An examination of places where African American men who have sex with men (MSM) use drugs/drink alcohol: A focus on social and spatial characteristics

Abstract

Background Drug and alcohol use are risk factors for HIV transmission. Much of the HIV behavioral research has focused on risk without consideration of the social and spatial context of the behavior. Yet, risk may be specific or unique to place. The purpose of this study was to examine the social and spatial characteristics of places where African American men who have sex with men (AA MSM) use drugs and/or alcohol. Specifically, we examined spatial intensity and clustering of drug/alcohol places and characteristics of their social networks at these places. Methods Participants were recruited using outreach, on-line advertisements and word-of-mouth referrals. Inclusion criteria were: age 18 or older and sex with a man in the prior 90 days. Participants (n=51) completed a socio-spatial inventory in which they provided addresses of n=187 places where they most recently used drugs and/or drank alcohol. Participants described characteristics of people who were at these places. Results The mean age of participants was 36.5 years (SD=10.9). Half (51%) identified as gay, 31% bisexual, 4% heterosexual and 10% as not sure/questioning and 27% self-reported HIV positive status. Drug/alcohol places were spatially concentrated in the inner part of the city and evidence of clustering by participant characteristics was present. Of n=187 places named where the participant drank alcohol or used drugs, 68% were described as a residence (participants or “someone one else's house”), 20% were bars/clubs or restaurants, 8% were outside places and 4% were miscellaneous (e.g. on the bus/car). There were differences in the characteristics of social network members by place-type. At residential places, a greater proportion of networks listed were sex partners or kin, compared to other place-types. A greater proportion of networks listed at bars/clubs/restaurants were gay, knew that the participant had sex with men, and were younger compared to other place-types. Conclusion AA MSM drink alcohol and use drugs in a variety of place-types and with various social network members. Little research has been done on factors that shape the geography of AA MSM substance use. Future research is needed to explore these complex associations.

Activity spaces of men who have sex with men: An initial exploration of geographic variation in locations of routine, potential sexual risk, and prevention behaviors

“…The requested locations may be grouped into those associated with routine behaviors, with potential HIV sexual risk behaviors, and with HIV prevention behaviors as follows (Appendix B):

Routine locations: Home; work or school location (if the participant reported working at least part time or being a student); two socialization locations; primary care physician (if the participant reported having a regular primary care physician); pharmacy (if the participant reported having a regular pharmacy).

Potential sexual risk locations: For the past three sex partners within the past six months, the location where the participant met the partner and the location of the most recent sexual encounter. The locations of meeting sex partners are included in this category since these types of locations may connect sexual networks and be associated with high-risk sexual behaviors (Kelly et al, 2012; Oster et al, 2013; Tobin et al, 2014). Participants were allowed to report meeting sex partners online or using a mobile app.

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“…The locations of meeting sex partners are included in this category since these types of locations may connect sexual networks and be associated with high-risk sexual behaviors (Kelly et al, 2012; Oster et al, 2013; Tobin et al, 2014). Participants were allowed to report meeting sex partners online or using a mobile app.…”

“…Place-based theory and research on HIV and among MSM have long suggested the importance of non-residential locations in defining structural exposures (Baral et al, 2013; Buot et al, 2014; Frye et al, 2006; Lansky et al, 2000; Verghese et al, 1989). Non-residential locations may be especially critical in health research among MSM, for whom routine behaviors may be separate from HIV risk and prevention behaviors due to either stigmatization or the spatial distribution of resources (Carrel et al, 2014; Oster et al, 2013, 2011; Rothenberg et al, 2005; Sibley, 1995; Tobin et al, 2014, 2013). …”

Sexual Behaviors Linked to Drug and Alcohol Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

“…There is a lack of a comprehensive evaluation of sexual risk behaviors with both male and female sexual partners among Chinese MSM (Guo et al, 2011). Although alcohol and drug use have individually been linked to HIV risk, there is scarce literature examining their interaction (Lee et al, 2015; Ludford et al, 2013; Tobin, Latkin, & Curriero, 2014). Using the baseline HIV testing data from a community randomized clinical trial, we examined the individual and joint effects of alcohol drinking and drug use on infections of HIV and syphilis as well as a series of sexual risk behaviors among MSM in Beijing, China.…”

Network Centrality and Geographical Concentration of Social and Service Venues that Serve Young Men Who Have Sex with Men

“…2 For instance, network membership in residential neighborhoods is different from those of urban areas, as has been documented in the case of African American MSM who have younger, gay-identified friends as social network members at bars and clubs, and who are different from the members of their network based on the location of their residence. 18 This implies that the social capital resources that flow into gay men’s personal networks are shaped by neighborhoods and geographic factors, highlighting the importance of neighborhood conditions on health inequalities at the community level.…”