The consequences of substance use among gay and bisexual men : a consensual qualitative research analysis


Autoria(s): Mullens, Amy; Young, Ross McD.; Hamernik, Elisabeth; Dunne, Michael P.
Data(s)

18/05/2009

Resumo

- Background Substance use is common among gay/bisexual men and is associated with significant health risks (e.g. HIV transmission). The consequences of substance use, across the range of substances commonly used, have received little attention. The purpose of this study is to map participant’s beliefs about the effects of substance use to inform prevention, health promotion and clinical interventions. - Methods Participants were interviewed about experiences regarding their substance use and recruited through medical and sexual health clinics. Data were collected though a consumer panel and individual interviews. Responses regarding perceived consequences of substance use were coded using Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) methodology. - Results Most participants reported lifetime use of alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and amyl nitrite, and recent alcohol and cannabis use. A wide range of themes were identified regarding participant’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours (including sexual behaviours) secondary to substance use, including: cognitive functioning, mood, social interaction, physical effects, sexual activity, sexual risk-taking, perception of sexual experience, arousal, sensation, relaxation, disinhibition, energy/activity level and numbing. Analyses indicated several consequences were consistent across substance types (e.g. cognitive impairment, enhanced mood), whereas others were highly specific to a given substance (e.g. heightened arousal post amyl nitrite use). - Conclusions Prevention and interventions need to consider the variety of effects of substance use in tailoring effective education programs to reduce harms. A diversity of consequences appear to have direct and indirect impacts on decision-making, sexual activity and risk-taking. Findings lend support for the role of specific beliefs (e.g. expectancies) related to substance use on risk-related cognitions, emotions and behaviours.

Formato

application/pdf

Identificador

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/32095/

Publicador

C S I R O Publishing

Relação

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/32095/1/c32095.pdf

DOI:10.1071/SH08061

Mullens, Amy, Young, Ross McD., Hamernik, Elisabeth, & Dunne, Michael P. (2009) The consequences of substance use among gay and bisexual men : a consensual qualitative research analysis. Sexual Health, 6(2), pp. 139-152.

Direitos

Copyright 2009 CSIRO

Fonte

Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; School of Psychology & Counselling; School of Public Health & Social Work

Palavras-Chave #110309 Infectious Diseases #170106 Health Clinical and Counselling Psychology #Alcohol #Drugs #HIV Transmission #Sexual Behaviour #Health #MSM #Risk Taking
Tipo

Journal Article