High Prevalence of Substance Use Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Buenos Aires, Argentina: Implications for HIV Risk Behavior

BALAN I; CARBALLO-DIÉGUEZ A; DOLEZAL C; MARONE R; PANDO MA; BARREDA V; AVILA MM

AIDS and Behavior

Springer

Año: 2013 vol. 17 p. 1296 - 1304

1090-7165

Abstract: Five hundred gay and other men who have sexwith men (G&MSM) from Buenos Aires, Argentina completedan assessment regarding substance use and sexualbehavior. During the past 2 months, 78 % of participantsconsumed alcohol and 61 %drugs.Over 20 %of participantsreporting alcohol, marijuana, cocaine sulfate, or tranquilizeruse, did so daily. Heavy alcohol use was more likely amongparticipants with greater mood reactivity (AOR = 1.64) andless likely among those who identified as gay (AOR = 0.38).Weekly drug use was less likely among older (AOR = 0.98),and gay-identified participants (AOR = 0.50), but morelikely among participants with greater mood reactivity(AOR = 1.49). Drug use was correlated with unprotectedanal and vaginal intercourse with men, women, and transvestitesamong non-gay identified participants (r = 0.22).Findings highlight the need to reduce substance use and sexualrisk behavior in this population.