Nitrite Inhalant Use Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men in Vancouver
Author Information
Author(s): Thomas M Lampinen, Kelly Mattheis, Keith Chan, Robert S Hogg
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and correlates of nitrite inhalant use among young gay and bisexual men in Vancouver during a period of increasing HIV incidence?
Conclusion
Nitrite inhalant use is common among young gay and bisexual men and is strongly associated with engaging in anal intercourse with casual partners.
Supporting Evidence
- 31.6% of surveyed MSM reported any use of nitrite inhalants during the previous year.
- 22.9% reported using nitrite inhalants during sexual encounters.
- Users of nitrite inhalants were more likely to have casual partners and engage in anal intercourse.
Takeaway
Many young men who have sex with men use nitrite inhalants, which can increase their chances of getting HIV, especially when they have casual partners.
Methodology
Self-administered questionnaires were completed as part of an open cohort study of HIV-seronegative young MSM.
Potential Biases
The sample was not random, which may introduce selection bias.
Limitations
The study may not apply to older or HIV-seropositive MSM, and high-risk behaviors were self-reported, which could lead to under-reporting.
Participant Demographics
66.4% white, 13.6% Canadian-Aboriginal, 51.3% completed college, 51.1% employed full-time, 7.0% HIV-seropositive.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.2 – 4.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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