BACKGROUND: Viagra may be used medically to treat erectile dysfunction or used recreationally to enhance sexual performance. Little is known about predictors of Viagra use among HIV-seropositive (HIV+) men who have sex with men (MSM), whether it is used with contraindicated substances, and the relationship with sexual risk. METHODS: A community-based sample of 1168 HIV+ MSM (55% men of color) from two large cities in the U.S. completed an A-CASI interview about their sexual practices and substance use in the past 3 months. In univariate analyses, Viagra use was associated with demographics, health status, substance use, and sexual risk. Logistic regression was conducted to predict Viagra use, with significant univariate predictors entered. RESULTS: One in eight men (12%) used Viagra, and many reported using contraindicated illicit substances (inhalants=53%) or HIV medications (indinavir=19%). In logistic regression, predictors of Viagra use were being older (OR, 1.06, 95% CI, 1.03-1.09), having education beyond high school (OR, 2.25, 95% CI, 1.16-4.36), taking HIV medications (OR, 1.98, 95% CI, 1.05-3.72), using any illicit substance (OR, 1.92, 95% CI, 1.16-3.18), using ketamine (OR, 2.82, 95% CI, 1.09-7.32), engaging in unprotected oral insertive intercourse (UOI) with HIV-negative or unknown serostatus non-main partners (OR, 1.88, 95% CI, 1.15-3.09), and engaging in unprotected anal insertive intercourse (UAI) with HIV-positive non-main partners (OR, 2.39, 95% CI, 1.33-4.31). CONCLUSIONS: Many HIV+ MSM used Viagra, particularly substance using men. Use of contraindicated illicit and prescribed medications was common. Viagra use was associated with UOI (but not UAI) with non-main partners who might be at risk of contracting HIV. With HIV+ non-main partners, Viagra users were more likely to engage in UAI. Providers should educate HIV+ Viagra users about potential interactions with other substances and provide counseling to reduce HIV and STD risks. Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Male
- Piperazines
- Sexual Behavior
- Substance-Related Disorders
- United States
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