Sexualized drug use, risky sexual behaviors, and prevention strategies among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men

AimsThis study aimed to analyze the prevalence of sexualized drug use (SDU) and determine its association with a comprehensive set of sociodemographic characteristics, risky sexual behaviors, prevention measures for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), and STI diagnosis in Spain.MethodsThe sample consisted of 493 men who have sex with men between 18 and 78 years old (M age = 32.58, SD = 11.05).FindingsApproximately 37.9% of the participants had participated in SDU. Participants who practiced SDU were significantly more likely to be older and have more casual sexual partners and engage in less conventional sexual practices than those who did not. In addition, SDU was associated with less consistent condom use and greater use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) compared to participants who did not practice SDU. Finally, the STI diagnosis was also significantly related to SDU. However, when condom use and PrEP was included and controlled in the model along with STI diagnosis, SDU was no longer related to a higher likelihood of STI diagnosis.ConclusionsThese results reveal the need to strengthen programs to foster risk-reduction behaviors and reduce the incidence of health implications associated with SDU.