Earlier Sexual Debut as a Risk Factor for Substance Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Kazakhstan
Laughney C.I. Lee Y.G. Mergenova G. Vinogradov V. Zhakupova G. Paine E.A. Primbetova S. Terlikbayeva A. Wu E.
September 2024Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Global Social Welfare
2024#11Issue 3225 - 232 pp.
Background: Limited research have examined predictors of illicit use of drugs and binge drinking among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. This study examines earlier sexual debut as a risk factor for lifetime and recent substance use behaviors among MSM in Kazakhstan. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of self-reported data from a NIDA-funded HIV prevention trial including 902 adult cisgender MSM in Kazakhstan who completed structured screening interviews. Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between earlier sexual debut (ages 16 and older as the reference group) and lifetime and recent substance use, with covariance adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: The majority of MSM in our sample reported lifetime binge drinking behavior (73%) and illicit use of drugs (65%). Participants with an earlier sexual debut before 13 years old had significantly higher odds of lifetime binge drinking and any illicit use of drugs (aOR = 2.3, 95%CI: 1.2–4.5; aOR = 3.0, 95%CI: 1.6–5.8). MSM who reported an earlier sexual debut between 13–15 years old had significantly higher odds of lifetime binge drinking and illicit use of any drugs (aOR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.1–2.3; aOR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.1–2.3); as well as recent binge drinking behavior (aOR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2–2.3). Conclusion: Future research should examine pathways between earlier sexual experiences and substance use behaviors among sexually diverse populations. Earlier sexual experiences during childhood and adolescence may be relevant contextual information for interventions aimed at substance use risk prevention, treatment, and recovery among MSM populations.
Binge drinking , Earlier sexual debut , Kazakhstan , Men who have sex with men , MSM , Substance use
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Columbia School of Social Work, New York, 10027, NY, United States
Social Intervention Group, Columbia School of Social Work, New York, 10027, NY, United States
Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, 10032, NY, United States
Columbia School of Social Work
Social Intervention Group
Global Health Research Center of Central Asia
HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies
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