NCJ Number
216601
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: 2006 Pages: 105-123
Date Published
2006
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examined racial and ethnic differences in drug use among gay and bisexual men in New York City (NYC) and Los Angeles (LA), CA.
Abstract
The findings revealed that levels of recent drug use among gay and bisexual men were relatively consistent between NYC and LA, although some racial and ethnic differences did emerge. Asian/Pacific Islander men in both the NYC and LA samples were least likely to report the use of cocaine, marijuana, and poppers. Black men in LA were least likely to report ever using methamphetamine, ketamine, and GHB. No significant racial or ethnic differences emerged for the recent use of cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, or poppers for the NYC sample. Comparing NYC and LA, findings indicated that cocaine and MDMA might be more prevalent among gay and bisexual men in NYC. In comparison to a United States-based, predominantly heterosexual sample, the gay and bisexual men in this study reported significantly higher rates of drug use. The results suggest the need for targeted health education and prevention initiatives in both NYC and LA. Data were obtained from gay and bisexual men attending large-scale gay, lesbian, and bisexual community events in NYC and LA during 2003 and 2004. This cross-sectional brief street-intercept survey method netted 1,654 participants in NYC and 681 participants in LA. Participants, all gay and bisexual men, completed surveys that assessed demographic characteristics, drug use patterns, and race/ethnicity. Data were statistically analyzed. Future research should explore differences in the frequency and quantity of drug use among gay and bisexual men. Tables, references