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Trends in Methamphetamine Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in New York City, 2004–2017

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Abstract

Methamphetamine (meth) use among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been documented to be associated with HIV transmission among those who are HIV-negative and worsening HIV outcomes among those who are HIV-positive. Recent media reports have suggested recent increases in meth use in New York City (NYC), particularly among Hispanic/Latino and Black MSM. Using serial cross-sectional data from 2004 to 2017, we aim to describe trends in meth use and describe racial/ethnic patterns among MSM in NYC. Overall, we observed a decrease in meth use among MSM from 2004 to 2011 and an increase from 2011 to 2017. When stratified by race/ethnicity, use among White MSM decreased. Beginning in 2008, use among both Hispanic/Latino and Black MSM increased over time. These data provide more evidence that meth use may be increasing in Hispanic/Latino and Black MSM. Culturally-tailored and status-neutral interventions should be explored.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by CDC grant 1U62PS005086-01. The authors would like to acknowledge Alan Neiagus, PhD, former NYC NHBS Principal Investigator, and former NHBS-MSM data collection staff. We would like to acknowledge Jelani Cheek, MPH, Matthew Feldman, PhD, and Frances Silva, MPH for providing data and their work on NYC DOHMH’s Recharge program. We would also like to thank Willi McFarland, Henry Fisher Raymond, and Glenn-Milo Santos on their insight on meth use in San Francisco.

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  1. Bureau of HIV, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY, USA

    Alexis V. Rivera, Graham Harriman, Sidney A. Carrillo & Sarah L. Braunstein

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  1. Alexis V. Rivera
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Rivera, A.V., Harriman, G., Carrillo, S.A. et al. Trends in Methamphetamine Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in New York City, 2004–2017. AIDS Behav 25, 1210–1218 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-020-03097-5

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