Methamphetamine abuse ups risk of HIV infection in young gay men

A new study at Northwestern University in Chicago finds methamphetamine abuse by young adult gay and bisexual males raises their risk of HIV exposure and infection.
Prior research has suggested that up to 43 percent of gay or bisexual males age 18 or older have used methamphetamine, which increases the likelihood of sexual behaviors that boost their risk of HIV exposure and infection. However, most research focuses on older gay or bisexual men and little is known about meth use and sexual behavior among younger males, according to the researchers.
The findings of the study suggest that there is a need to develop substance abuse prevention and treatment programs as part of HIV prevention.
The study appears in the August issue of the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.