Drug Addiction in Gay and Bisexual Men Living with HIV Engaged in Sexualized Drug Use: Recent Drug Use, Polydrug and Depressive Symptoms as Predictors

Evidence shows that engaging in sexualized drug use (SDU) can be associated with sexual health problems and poor mental health. However, the prevalence of drug-related problems associated with SDU remains unclear. Our study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of drug-related problems and drug dependence in a sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV (HIV + GBMSM). We included 101 HIV + GBMSM who had engaged in SDU in the last year. Participants completed an online survey featuring a validated questionnaire (the DUDIT test) to assess the risk of drug-related problems and drug dependence. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore variables associated with drug-related problems. 80% of our sample had symptoms suggestive of drug-related problems, with 5% showing likely drug dependence. Additionally, 10% had suffered an overdose with loss of consciousness, 9% experienced suicidal thoughts associated with SDU, and approximately 20% had sexual difficulties during sober sex since using drugs for sex. Multivariate analysis identified that recent drug use (less than 15 days prior), polydrug use, and depressive symptoms are independent predictors of drug-related problems. Our study revealed a high prevalence of drug-related problems among HIV + GBMSM engaged in SDU. The factors associated with drug-related problems identified in our study can serve as key markers in clinical settings where HIV + GBMSM receive care. These indicators can help detect community members most at risk and facilitate the provision of resources and interventions to prevent SDU-related harm.

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Publication Details

Journal
AIDS and Behavior
Published
2025-04-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04695-x
Citations
4
Primary Topic
HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
5.58

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article

Drug Addiction in Gay and Bisexual Men Living with HIV Engaged in Sexualized Drug Use: Recent Drug Use, Polydrug and Depressive Symptoms as Predictors

Leire Pérez‐Latorre, Sara de la Fuente, Joanna Cano-Smith, Alfonso Cabello et al.
4 citations
AIDS and Behavior
HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
5.58
article

Drug Addiction in Gay and Bisexual Men Living with HIV Engaged in Sexualized Drug Use: Recent Drug Use, Polydrug and Depressive Symptoms as Predictors

Leire Pérez‐Latorre, Sara de la Fuente, Joanna Cano-Smith, Alfonso Cabello, Matilde Sánchez‐Conde, Luis Ramos‐Ruperto, Alicia González-Baeza, Pablo Ryan, Otilia Bisbal, Noemí Cabello‐Clotet, Juan Emilio Losa, Helen Dolengevich-Segal, José Sanz, Lucio García‐Fraile, M Ollero
article en
4 citations

Abstract

Evidence shows that engaging in sexualized drug use (SDU) can be associated with sexual health problems and poor mental health. However, the prevalence of drug-related problems associated with SDU remains unclear. Our study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of drug-related problems and drug dependence in a sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV (HIV + GBMSM). We included 101 HIV + GBMSM who had engaged in SDU in the last year. Participants completed an online survey featuring a validated questionnaire (the DUDIT test) to assess the risk of drug-related problems and drug dependence. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore variables associated with drug-related problems. 80% of our sample had symptoms suggestive of drug-related problems, with 5% showing likely drug dependence. Additionally, 10% had suffered an overdose with loss of consciousness, 9% experienced suicidal thoughts associated with SDU, and approximately 20% had sexual difficulties during sober sex since using drugs for sex. Multivariate analysis identified that recent drug use (less than 15 days prior), polydrug use, and depressive symptoms are independent predictors of drug-related problems. Our study revealed a high prevalence of drug-related problems among HIV + GBMSM engaged in SDU. The factors associated with drug-related problems identified in our study can serve as key markers in clinical settings where HIV + GBMSM receive care. These indicators can help detect community members most at risk and facilitate the provision of resources and interventions to prevent SDU-related harm.

AIDS and BehaviorVol. 29(7)
Universidad Complutense de Madrid (ES), Universidad de Alcalá (ES), Instituto Cajal (ES), Hospital Universitario La Paz (ES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ES), Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (ES), Hospital Clínico San Carlos (ES), Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (ES), Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón (ES), Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (ES), Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda (ES), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (ES), Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz (ES), Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (ES), Hospital Universitario del Henares (ES), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (ES), Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor (ES), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (ES)
Gilead Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
5.58
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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