Gay, bisexual, queer, trans, Two-Spirit and other men who have sex with men (GBQT2+) comprise over half of people living with HIV in Canada. From a public health perspective, crystal meth use contributes to this persisting epidemic given associations with poor treatment adherence for GBM living with HIV and HIV acquisition among HIV-negative GBM. From a clinical perspective, there are no pharmacological treatment options for crystal meth and only a few effective psychological options (e.g. cognitive-behavioural therapy, contingency management, motivational interviewing). From a community-based perspective, there has been a lack of research that centres the voices and lived experience of GBQT2+ who use meth.
In order to inform future intervention work with GBQT2+, the main study aims are to determine a feasible and acceptable intervention and trial design, and to characterize and design future study outcomes, particularly those of importance to GBQT2+. Across BC, we purposively recruited over 30 GBQT2+ who recently used crystal meth to complete in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews. These were analyzed and also used to inform a subsequent cross-sectional online survey currently recruiting GBQT2+ who recently used crystal (see www.pnpstudy.ca). Both interviews and surveys ask participants about their substance use, the acceptability of various potential interventions, and their willingness and preferences for participation in future intervention research. Study results will be presented to community, published in academic journals and conference proceedings, and used to inform a future grant application and protocol to implement a community-informed crystal meth intervention project.
Partners: CBRC
Methods:
Mixed Methods: Qualitative Interviews & Online Quantitative Survey
Funder: HIV Clinical Trial Network
Current Status: Interview data collection and online quantitative survey are complete. Analysis and reporting ongoing.
Project Outputs:
- Does Treatment Readiness Shape Service-Design Preferences of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use Crystal Methamphetamine? A Cross Sectional Study, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022.