New Dynamics of HIV Risk Among Drug-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men

United States

NIDA Organizer(s): Jacques Normand and Elizabeth Lambert

Purpose & Intent

The purpose of the Workshop was to convene NIDA researchers and experts in HIV/AIDS and drug abuse to review and discuss information and findings from currently-funded NIDA grants that focus on HIV/AIDS and drug-using men who have sex with other men (MSM). In addition, the Workshop provided a forum for discussion and recommendations to guide the development of an innovative program of research on the changing dynamics of HIV risks among drug-using MSM and behavioral prevention/intervention strategies to address them.

Meeting Outcome

Over the 2-day workshop, participants discussed their research and findings, and the implications for public health interventions to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS among drug-using MSM. The Workshop also focused on gaps in our understanding of the changing epidemiology, HIV risk behaviors, and prevention practices among MSM today. Today, there appear to be at least four change agents that are impacting drug-using MSM simultaneously: Viagra is extending the length of the sexually active time period in a life course and is increasing the number of high-risk sexual encounters. The Internet is collapsing the spatial and temporal distance between people, which can lead to an increase in the rate of transmission of STDs. Sex-for-drugs or money appears to be increasing among MSM. And, while antiretroviral therapy is extending the lives of the highest risk members of subpopulations, it is also helping to keep them sexually active. Yet, while the convergence of these and other factors may be important for understanding the dynamics of HIV risks among drug-using MSM, it is equally important to recognize that MSM are diverse, and not all at equal risk. Recognizing variations in risk among MSM is important for formulating improved HIV interventions that are targeted, effective, and cost efficient. The need for HIV interventions that are seamless in offering both substance abuse and HIV treatment simultaneously is needed. As an entity in and of itself, the community also holds great promise for community-wide HIV outreach prevention campaigns that focus on the diffusion of pro-social norms, positive behavior change, and preventing drug use and high-risk sexual behaviors.

Most of the workshop participants are finishing current studies, will submit or have submitted new research applications that address HIV & other infectious diseases among high-risk, drug-using MSM. 

Resulting Publications

A special issue of the Journal of Urban Health is now in preparation as a result of Workshop. This journal reaches a broad and multidisciplinary audience that shares a common interest in understanding dynamic patterns of disease and the social, environmental, biological, and behavioral factors that influence them. The special issue is intended to provide national and international epidemiologists, drug abuse researchers, and healthcare professionals with current perspectives on new dynamics of risks for HIV/AIDS and other infections among drug-using men who have sex with men, while also informing the future HIV/AIDS and drug abuse research agenda.