Multi-level modeling to explain methamphetamine use among gay and bisexual men.
OBJECTIVE
The popularity of methamphetamine among gay men has been documented; however, few studies have examined the complex behavioral and psychological motivations behind methamphetamine use, particularly over time. This study aimed to (i) identify the trajectories for methamphetamine use; (ii) explore factors related to methamphetamine use; and (iii) determine factors which predict changes in usage over a year.


METHODS
This analysis utilized hierarchical linear modeling to identify the trajectories for methamphetamine use and explore factors related to patterns of methamphetamine use.


METHODS
A sample of 293 gay and bisexual men who indicated methamphetamine use at baseline were drawn from Project BUMPS (Boys Using Multiple Party Substances), which was a longitudinal, mixed-methodologies study of 450 club drug-using gay and bisexual men.


METHODS
Participants were assessed via quantitative measures in four waves of data collection over the course of a year (baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months post-baseline).


RESULTS
Frequency of methamphetamine use is related to reliance on the drug to avoid unpleasant emotions and physical discomfort, outcome expectancies for use and combining the drug with Viagra. Those with higher levels of drug-related sensation-seeking and those who combine use with Viagra show more consistent use over time, although a decrease in use is noted for most of the sample.


CONCLUSIONS
Longitudinal analyses support the idea that methamphetamine is used by gay men to mask feelings of discomfort and to enhance sensations as well as sexual pleasure. Longitudinal non-intervention studies of drug use may have intervention-like effects.
Halkitis
Perry N
PN
Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies, Department of Applied Psychology, The Steinhardt School, New York University, NY, USA.
Mukherjee
Preetika Pandey
PP
Palamar
Joseph J
JJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011687:Purines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012309:Risk-Taking; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D008694:Methamphetamine; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate