This study describes factors associated with methamphetamine initiation in a racially diverse sample of methamphetamine-using, HIV-positive gay and bisexual men. A factor analysis was conducted on reasons for initiation, and four factors were identified: to party, to cope, for energy, and to improve self-esteem. Methamphetamine to party accounted for more than one-third of the variance in the factor analysis. Methamphetamine to cope captured almost 9% of the variance, methamphetamine for energy accounted for approximately 8% of the variance, and methamphetamine for self esteem accounted for approximately 7% of the variance. Regression analyses revealed differential associations between methamphetamine initiation factors and HIV risk behaviours. Methamphetamine for self esteem predicted binge methamphetamine use, while methamphetamine to cope was associated with injecting methamphetamine. Using methamphetamine for energy was associated with number of illicit drugs used and using methamphetamine to party was associated with having a greater number of STIs. These findings suggest that methamphetamine initiation among gay and bisexual men is multifaceted, which could have implications for intervention development.

Date Submitted: 2021-01-13