Sexual Behavior and Age Differences in Methamphetamine Dependent and Non-Dependent Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)

Objective: methamphetamine consumers use can have more efficient practices, be hyperactive, and take sexual risk-taking behaviors. these behaviors are particularly remarkable in homosexuals. methods: the present study was conducted based on casual-comparative method in the field of descriptive studies. since 1 march to 25 june 2015, a total of 62 msm subjects were selected based on chain method and divided into two groups of methamphetamine dependent (n=30) and non-dependent ones (n=32). sexual behaviors were examined by sexual behavior questionnaire based on 3 dimensions of sexual thoughts, sexual pleasure, and sexual hyperactivity. high-risk sexual behavior were evaluated by sexual behavior questionnaire, their relation with participants’ educational status, occupation, age, income, and number of sexual partners in the last 3 months were analyzed using the parametric t-test. results: data analysis showed that methamphetamine dependent msm were significantly higher (p<0.01) in all 3 components of sexual thoughts and pleasure, hyperactivity, and sexual behavior compared to non-dependent group. however, regarding age, there was no significant difference between age and sexual risk behavior (p=0.05). conclusion: methamphetamine dependent msm have a unique experience of thoughts, pleasure, and aspirations and have high tendency to high-risk sexual behavior. these findings are consistent with the previous research on the importance of stimulant consumption and specifically methamphetamine in creating high-risk sexual behavior. controlling methamphetamine use plays an important role in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases.