Differences in HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors between Heterosexual and Nonheterosexual Male Users of Methamphetamine

Abstract

Previous studies examining HIV sexual risk behaviors among male methamphetamine users have primarily focused on men who have sex with men (MSM) while ignoring heterosexual methamphetamine users. In this study, active male users of methamphetamine are differentiated based on sexual orientation. Targeted sampling guided the recruitment, and face-to-face survey interviews were conducted with 108 active male methamphetamine users. Participants were classified into heterosexual (n = 69) and non-heterosexual (n = 39) users. Between-group differences were found based on socio-demographics, drug use histories, and HIV sexual risk behavior. Heterosexual males were more likely than their nonheterosexual peers to be younger, less educated, unemployed, and less likely to be tested for HIV. Nonheterosexual males were more likely than heterosexual males to identify methamphetamine as their primary drug of choice, commence poly-drug use at a later age, and report more sexual partners in the past year. Findings from this study may lead to the development and/or refinement of successful prevention and intervention strategies that are more culturally sensitive to heterosexual and nonheterosexual male users of methamphetamine.