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■ i: ' Ji'z-i Pushback: Meth \9k • '* . i>ir 1 H E A L T H C A R E In this story from the Sept. 8,2007 issue, Q-Notes reported on alarming new trends among men who have sex with men and their use of crystal methamphetamine. The rates of use for this drug remain high still a year later. Another meth study suggests increased risk for HIV in N.C. Rate of meth use among men who have sex with men 30 times higher than general population by Karen Richardson and Shannon Koontz WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — New findings that one in 20 North Carolina men who have sex with men (MSM) reported using crystal methamphetamine during the previous month suggests increased risk for spreading HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD), according to researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and col leagues. The rate of methamphetamine use among 1,189 MSM was 30 times higher than levels reported in the general U.S. population over the same period. Methampehtamine, or “meth,” is a highly addictive stimulant that has been found to impair judgment, decrease inhibition, increase impulsivity and enhance sexual sensitivity — which can all increase the potential for transmitting HIV. The study’s authors found that participants who reported using methamphetamines were more likely to report inconsistent condom use during anal sex within the past three months, a history of STD infection, being HIV-positive and using medications designed to treat erec tile dysfunction. “Until now, there has been little data on meth use in the Southeast,” said lead author Scott D. Rhodes, Ph.D. M.P.H., associate pro fessor in the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy. “Our findings, including that meth users were more likely to be HIV positive, suggest that prevention, intervention and treatment efforts are urgently needed.” Rhodes noted that some of the men reported having sex with both men and women, which means the risk of HIV extends to both sexes. The study’s results are published in the current issue of AIDS Patient Care and STDs, a leading AIDS journal that provides the latest research for clinicians and researchers. It is among the first to document meth use among MSM in the South, which carries a dispropor tionate HIV, AIDS and STD burden, with 46 percent of newly identified cases. “The findings underscore the need for fur ther research and intervention,” said Rhodes. “The HIV/AIDS epidemic is clearly riot over. We must develop innovative intervention approaches designed to reach communities at highest risk. Men who have sex with men, whether or not they identify themselves as gay, who use drugs like methamphetamines are clearly at higher risk. Yet, currently nothing is being done in the Southeast.” Participants were recruited in 2005 in five gay bars and in five geographically defined internet chat rooms in central North Carolina (pri marily rural/subur ban areas) and were asked to complete a brief assessment of drug use and other risk behaviors. Of the 1,18^ MSM, two- thirds self-identified as black or other minorities and 25 • percent as bisexual. The mean age was 29 years. In addition to being more inclined to risky sexu al behaviors, the study participants who said they used methamphetamines were also more likely to report having higher education and Participants in the study were recruited from gay bars and internet chat rooms. health insurance coverage. “Because users of methamphetamines were more likely to have higher educational levels and report having health insurance, we must change the way we think about metb users and develop sophisticated prevention strategies that are appropriate for these types of users,” noted Rhodes. “In addition, the link between meth use and the use of drugs for sexual dysfunction among a young population deserves attention. Meth use in combination with one of these medications may be having an even more profound impact on the HIV and STD epidemics in the South.”! — compiled by Q-Notes staff Be sure to check out last issue’s feature article, “Fighting AIDS with sex,” at www.q-notes.com/fighting>aids. There's Power in Our Pride. ^Participate in the largest LGBT Community ^ Survey in history, and help demonstrate the growing Power in Our Pride. Everyone who completes the survey by Sept 14, 2008 will be entered into a drawing to win one of FIVE iPod Shuffles or the Grand Prize of TWO free airline tickets from/to any of the par ticipating airline’s destinations in the 48 continental U.S. States, plus Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Restrictions apply. Please take the survey today on our website, and tell your friends! www.q-notes.com/survey Tremendous strides toward full equality have been achieved by our communities over the past decade. There’s Power in Our Pride. Power to make a difference: • Gay and lesbian survey studies have opened doors (and minds) in leading corporations and organizations, which in turn have recognized the value of their LGBT employees through the establishment of equal hiring policies and domestic partner benefits. This has been a catalyst, leading to sweeping changes in political and social inclusivity. • Demographic reports also influence marketing investment. Virtually absent until recently, we now see a growing variety of products and services represented in gay media, celebrating our diversity. Ads keep LGBT publications and websites in business, serving their communities with independent news and information. • Beyond simply advertising, though, these companies support us in many ways, including sponsoring community events and funding community-based charities in order to earn our loyalty. • Taking an annual pulse on market trends through surveys helps demonstrate the LGBT community's growing power, and influences positive change. We respect your privacy. All personal survey data is held confidentially by Community Marketing, Inc., an independent market research and communications firm based in San Francisco (founded 1992, and proudly 100% gay-owned and -operated) and will not be sold to third parties or used for marketing purposes. Thank you! Gay Market Research + Development Lab® Community Marketing, Inc. Lesbian Market Research Development Lab* ® 2008 Community Marketing, inc., 584 Castro St. #834, San Francisco CA 94114 USA www.CommunityMarketinglnc.com SEPTEMBER 6 .2008 • QNotes I I
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