Journal article
The consequences of substance use among gay and bisexual men: a Consensual Qualitative Research analysis
Sexual Health, Vol.6(2), pp.139-152
2009
PMID: 19457294
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title
- The consequences of substance use among gay and bisexual men: a Consensual Qualitative Research analysis
- Authors
- Amy B Mullens (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyRoss Young (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyElisabeth Hamernik (Author) - 61USC_INST___RBHMichael P Dunne (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Publication details
- Sexual Health, Vol.6(2), pp.139-152
- Publisher
- C S I R O Publishing
- Date published
- 2009
- DOI
- 10.1071/SH08061
- ISSN
- 1449-8987; 1448-5028
- PMID
- 19457294
- Copyright note
- Copyright (c) 2009. The author accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy. The final definitive version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1071/SH08061
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99551002702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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