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Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Short report

Financial hardship and drug use among men who have sex with men

Authors: Su Hyun Park, Yazan Al-Ajlouni, Joseph J. Palamar, William C. Goedel, Anthony Estreet, Brian Elbel, Scott E. Sherman, Dustin T. Duncan

Published in: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Little is known about the role of financial hardship as it relates to drug use, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). As such, this study aimed to investigate potential associations between financial hardship status and drug use among MSM.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 580 MSM in Paris recruited using a popular geosocial-networking smartphone application (GSN apps). Descriptive analyses and multivariate analyses were performed. A modified Poisson model was used to assess associations between financial hardship status and use of drugs (any drugs, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, inhalant nitrites, and club drugs).

Results

In our sample, 45.5% reported that it was somewhat, very, or extremely difficult to meet monthly payments of bills (high financial hardship). In multivariate analyses, a high level of financial hardship was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of reporting use of any substance use (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.05–1.27), as well as use of tobacco (aRR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.19–1.78), marijuana (aRR = 1.48; 95% CI =1.03–2.13), and inhalant nitrites (aRR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.03–1.50).

Conclusions

Financial hardship was associated with drug use among MSM, suggesting the need for interventions to reduce the burden of financial hardship in this population.

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Title: Financial hardship and drug use among men who have sex with men
Authors: Su Hyun Park
Yazan Al-Ajlouni
Joseph J. Palamar
William C. Goedel
Anthony Estreet
Brian Elbel
Scott E. Sherman
Dustin T. Duncan
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1747-597X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-018-0159-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Financial hardship and drug use among men who have sex with men

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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