The current report examined HIV-related high risk sexual behaviors among a small sample of gay and bisexual male methamphetamine abusers in Los Angeles. Participants were 16 methamphetamine-abusing or -dependent gay or bisexual males who participated in a treatment demonstration project between 1989 and 1993. All participants completed the NIDA/WAVE survey, a detailed inventory of HIV-related risk behaviors. Findings indicate a strong connection between methamphetamine abuse and highrisk sexual behavior. For the 12 months prior to treatment 62.5% of participants reported having anal insertive sex without a condom, and 56.3% reported having sex with someone who had HIV. Drug use before or during sex, measured on a 5-point Likert scale, was frequent (M = 4.27, SD = 0.7). Implications for treatment of gay and bisexual male methamphetamine abusers and prevention of HIV among this population are discussed.
The authors gratefully acknowledge the continued grant support of Friends Medical Science Research Center, Inc., and the exceptional research assistance from Desiree Molnar-Southon.