Methamphetamine Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Men Who Have Sex With Men in a Mexico‐US Border City

Abstract

Background and Objectives Methamphetamine (meth) use and its related risk behaviors for HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) are a public health concern across the Mexico‐US border. This study aims to contribute to the limited literature of meth use and sexual risk behaviors among Latino MSM on the Mexico‐US border. Methods Data were drawn from the Meth Pilot Study (2014‐2015) among men who use meth (n = 100). Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis comparing MSM to non‐MSM were conducted using Pearson’s χ2 test, Fisher’s exact tests, and Mann‐Whitney U test; all tests were conducted using SPSS v.25. Results Most participants obtained meth in El Paso, Texas (87.2%), used meth orally (65.2%) or smoked (78.3%), and the most common reason for initiation was curiosity. Significant differences (P < .05) in meth use behaviors and sexual risk behaviors between MSM and non‐MSM who used meth included: median number of sex partners (7 vs 3), being penetrated anally by last sexual partner (31.6% vs 1.4%), and engaging in transactional sex ever (63.2% vs 9.6%) and past 12 months (52.6% vs 6.8%). Finally, rates of HIV positivity were higher among MSM than non‐MSM (10.5% vs 1.4%). Discussion and Conclusions Among men who use meth, MSM are engaging in higher HIV risk behaviors compared with non‐MSM. Understanding these risks could help identify candidates for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and evidence‐based substance use disorder treatment options. Scientific Significance This study reveals that Latino MSM who use meth is a high‐risk group for HIV and a need for tailored interventions. (Am J Addict 2020;29:111–119)

Gender Differences in Methamphetamine Use Initiation and Trajectory of Use Among People Who Use Methamphetamine in a Mexico-US Border City

“…Although they had similar rates to trans/women for crossing the border to El Paso in the past year, men had higher rates of crossing the border with meth and to obtain meth, overall. Previous analysis of this data among men found that ever obtained meth in El Paso was associated with having sex with men, 40 thus pointing to engagement in behaviors in El Paso that perhaps men in this study did not feel open to engage in Ciudad Juarez. Also, it was not assessed if taking meth to El Paso involved personal use or drug trafficking.…”

“…The interview included quantitative and qualitative questions. All measures were collected using an adapted questionnaire comprised of several instruments previously developed and used in the region 40. Quantitative measures assessed in this study included measures for sociodemographic characteristics; cross-border mobility; lifetime drug and combination use; initiation into meth use; recent meth use (past 12 mo); and lifetime meth use.…”

“…All measures were collected using an adapted questionnaire comprised of several instruments previously developed and used in the region. 40 Quantitative measures assessed in this study included measures for sociodemographic characteristics; cross-border mobility; lifetime drug and combination use; initiation into meth use; recent meth use (past 12 mo); and lifetime meth use. Measures for crossborder mobility were adapted from the work of Lapeyrouse et al 41 and included nationality, ever visiting El Paso, TX, currently living in El Paso, years living in El Paso, currently living in Ciudad Juarez, years living in Ciudad Juarez, recent crossing border into the United States and El Paso, reasons for going to El Paso, and whether they took meth along a trip to El Paso.…”

HIV-Related Stigma and Treatment Adherence Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use Crystal Meth in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City

“…To the authors’ knowledge, no studies have investigated the specific relationship between crystal meth use in the context of transactional sex and non-adherence to HIV treatment. However, studies among gbMSM in Canada and the US–Mexico border show that there may be a significant association between crystal meth use and transactional sex (Armstrong et al, 2021 ; Loza et al, 2020 ). Additionally, previous research among gbMSM in California found an association between transactional sex (in exchange for money, substances, or shelter) and higher HIV viral load levels (Javanbakht et al, 2019 ).…”

Differenzialdiagnostische Unterscheidung zwischen substanzinduzierten und primären Psychosen:

“…B. Penisfraktur durch Ruptur des Corpus cavernosum, penetrierende Verletzungen durch Biss, stumpfe Hodenverletzungen) durch riskante sexuelle Praktiken unter Substanzeinfluss (u. a. bei sog. „Chemsex“ [ 67 – 69 ]). Das Drogenscreening untersucht, ob die vorliegende Symptomatik mit psychotropen Substanzen (z.…”