title: Drug assertiveness and sexual risk-taking behavior in a sample of HIV-positive, methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men.
abstract: Drug assertiveness skills have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing substance use behaviors among patients with alcohol or heroin use disorders. This study examined the association between drug assertiveness and methamphetamine use, psychological factors, and sexual risk behaviors in a sample of 250 HIV-positive men who have sex with men enrolled in a safer sex intervention in San Diego, CA. Less assertiveness in turning down drugs was associated with greater frequency and larger amounts of methamphetamine use, lower self-esteem, higher scores on a measure of sexual sensation seeking, and greater attendance at risky sexual venues. These data suggest that drug assertiveness training should be incorporated into drug abuse treatment programs and other risk reduction interventions for methamphetamine users.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0680, USA.
authors.forename: Shirley J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Semple
authors.forename: Steffanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Strathdee
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zians
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: McQuaid
authors.forename: Thomas L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Patterson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis; D001242:Assertiveness; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012309:Risk-Taking; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008694:Methamphetamine