Correlates of heavy substance use among young gay and bisexual men: The San Francisco Young Men's Health Study

FRANÇAIS :
La population étudiée se compose de 428 hommes, jeunes, homo et bisexuels. 13,6% d'entre eux attestent d'une consommation importante et fréquente d'alcool et 43% d'une polyconsommation de substances. En comparant les catégories socio-professionnelles, on observe que les personnes du secteur tertiaire (vente et services) consomment plus d'alcool. La fréquentation courante des bars gay et les partenaires sexuels multiples sont en relation avec une forte consommation d'alcool et aussi avec la polyconsommation de drogues. Les multiconsommateurs ont une probabilité plus élevée d'être séropositifs ou de ne pas connaître leur statut sérologique. La contamination par le VIH est liée à un usage fréquent de produits.
ENGLISH:
Correlates of heavy substance use among a household-based sample of young gay and bisexual men (n = 428) were identified and the odds ratio (OR) was calculated. A total of 13.6% reported frequent, heavy alcohol use and 43% reported polydrug use. Compared with men employed in professional occupations, men in service positions (OR = 3.77) and sales positions (OR = 2.5 1) were more likely to be heavy alcohol consumers. Frequent gay bar attendance and multiple sex partners were related to heavy alcohol use, as well as to polydrug use. Polydrug users were more likely to be HIV seropositive (OR = 2.05) or of unknown HIV serostatus (OR = 2.78). HIV serostatus was similarly related to frequent drug use. These correlates of heavier substance use among young gay and bisexual men could be used to identify and intervene early with members of this population who are at risk of substance misuse, as well as HIV/AIDS risk. (Author's abstract.)