Substance use, medications for sexual facilitation, and sexual risk behavior among traveling men who have sex with men.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to examine correlates of sexual risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) traveling for leisure.


METHODS
MSM (N = 304) visiting popular tourist areas completed a brief survey assessing sexual behavior and substances used while on vacation, including the use of erectile dysfunction medications (e.g., Viagra).


RESULTS
Forty-seven percent of the respondents were sexually active during their vacation, with a mean of 1.33 unprotected anal sex acts during their brief stay (mean = 3.6 days). More than half of the sexually active men reported sex with a partner of unknown HIV status. Individuals reporting substance use or taking erectile dysfunction medications reported higher rates of sexual risk behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
Many MSM travelers report behaviors that may put their health at risk, including substance use and unprotected sexual activity. Interventions designed to reduce risk behaviors among MSM tourists are needed.
Benotsch
Eric G
EG
University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado 80217, USA. eric.benotsch@cudenver.edu
Seeley
Salvatore
S
Mikytuck
John J
JJ
Pinkerton
Steven D
SD
Nettles
Christopher D
CD
Ragsdale
Kathleen
K