Drug Use and HIV Prevention With Young Gay and Bisexual Men: Partnered Status Predicts Intervention Response

AbstractThe Young Men ’s Health Project (YMHP) has shown efficacy in reducing drug use and condomless anal sex (CAS) with casual partners among young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM). The study examined whether relationship status at the time of intervention predicted response to YMHP by compa ring baseline (pre-intervention) and follow-up (3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-intervention) data from the original trial. A group of 13 partnered YGBMSM who received YMHP was compared to a matched subsample of single YGBMSM. Among single men, drug use declined significantly at all follow-ups. Among p artnered men, drug use was largely stable. While significant reductions were observed at 9 month assessment, 3, 6, and 12 month use did not differ significantly from baseline. Regardless of relationship status, CAS with casual partners declined significantly at 12 month follow-up. Results suggest the incorporation of components which address relationship factors, particularly those associated with drug use, may enhance benefits of YMHP for partnered YGBMSM.
Source: AIDS and Behavior - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research