SUBSTANCE USE AND UNSAFE SEX AMONG GAY MEN - GLOBAL VERSUS SITUATIONAL USE OF SUBSTANCES

Although an association exists between global substance use and high-risk sexual behavior, there have been fewer relationships identified within individual sexual episodes. Using logistic regression, we tested both associations of substance use with risky sex. Measures of sexual behaviors, substance use, and sexual self-control were obtained from 106 men. The predicted dichotomous variable was whether or not men had unprotected anal intercourse. Use of alcohol and use of poppers before sex entered the equation over and above demographic and psychological variables, correctly classifying 86.27% of the sample. Higher global substance use distinguishes men who drank before sex and engaged in unprotected anal intercourse from those who drank prior to sex but did not have unprotected sex. Implications for developing HIV-prevention interventions are discussed.