Marijuana Use and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in California

AbstractYoung black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and continue to experience higher rates of new HIV infections when compared to other population groups. As part of the Peer Promotion of Wellness and Enhanced Linkage to Resources Project, we examined problem marijuana use and the overall sexual risk profile of 250 YBMSM. Eighty percent reported prior use of marijuana in their lifetime (n = 200). Among those, problem marijuana use was correlated with problem use of alcohol (r = 0.51,p <  0.001) and other drugs (r = 0.29,p <  0.001); lower household income (r = − .22,p <  .01); homelessness (r = 0.15,p <  0.05); incarceration (r = 0.16,p <  0.05); exchanging sex for money, drugs, or shelter (r = 0.18,p <  0.05); having sex with someone known or suspected of having HIV and/or an STI (r = 0.20,p <  0.01); having sex with someone known or suspected of being an injector (r = 0.24,p <  0.01); and having unprotected sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (r = 0.32,p <  0.001). The complex relationship between marijuana and sexual risk behavior was examined while accounting for the possible moderating effects of alcohol or other drugs. Problem marijuana, alcohol, and other drug use each made unique contributions to predicting risky sex behavior. A significant ma rijuana and other drug interaction was found to predict sexual ri...
Source: Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research