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Drug use and STI/HIV risk among East and Southeast Asian men who have sex with men in Toronto.

Authors :
Kwong-Lai Poon, Maurice
Pui-Hing Wong, Josephine
Sutdhibhasilp, Noulmook
Trung-Thu Ho, Peter
Wong, Bernard
Source :
Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality. 2012, Vol. 21 Issue 3/4, p127-133. 7p.
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

It is well documented that drug use is highly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) and that drug use is correlated with unprotected sex in this population. However, little is known about these phenomena as they relate to ethno-racial MSM in Canada. A survey was conducted to explore the prevalence and correlates of drug use in a sample of East and Southeast Asian MSM in Toronto. A total of 222 participants completed questionnaires. One in four participants reported drug use in the past six months, with 8.1% using three or more different types of drugs during that period. Marijuana and ecstasy were cited as the most popular drugs in this population. Drug use was found to be independently associated with ethnicity, prior HIV testing, prior STI testing, having a casual partner, unprotected anal sex with a casual partner, and history of seeking sex via bathhouses and the internet, in the past six months. The results indicate that drug use is associated with increased sexual risk behaviours among East and Southeast Asian MSM. HIV/STI prevention programs need to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies that specifically target drug use and address the specific needs of different ethnic Asian groups. Prevention strategies also need to continue to raise awareness that drug use can impair judgment and increase risk for HIV and STI infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
11884517
Volume :
21
Issue :
3/4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
85207059