Substance use, medications for sexual facilitation, and sexual risk behavior among traveling men who have sex with men. Sex Transm Dis 2006 Dec;33(12):706-11
Date
05/12/2006Pubmed ID
16688098DOI
10.1097/01.olq.0000218862.34644.0eScopus ID
2-s2.0-33751544174 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 49 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to examine correlates of sexual risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) traveling for leisure.
STUDY DESIGN: MSM (N = 304) visiting popular tourist areas completed a brief survey assessing sexual behavior and substances used while on vacation, including the use of erectile dysfunction medications (e.g., Viagra).
RESULTS: Forty-seven percent of the respondents were sexually active during their vacation, with a mean of 1.33 unprotected anal sex acts during their brief stay (mean = 3.6 days). More than half of the sexually active men reported sex with a partner of unknown HIV status. Individuals reporting substance use or taking erectile dysfunction medications reported higher rates of sexual risk behaviors.
CONCLUSION: Many MSM travelers report behaviors that may put their health at risk, including substance use and unprotected sexual activity. Interventions designed to reduce risk behaviors among MSM tourists are needed.
Author List
Benotsch EG, Seeley S, Mikytuck JJ, Pinkerton SD, Nettles CD, Ragsdale KMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultDelaware
Florida
HIV Infections
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Male
Piperazines
Purines
Risk-Taking
Sexual Behavior
Sildenafil Citrate
Substance-Related Disorders
Sulfones
Surveys and Questionnaires
Travel