Correlates of sex trading among drug-using men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES

We examined correlates of trading sex for money, drugs, and shelter, or food among drug-using men who have sex with men (MSM).

METHODS

Audio computer-assisted self-interviewing questionnaires were completed by 387 MSM. The association of predictors with sex trading was assessed with chi(2) tests and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Sex-trading prevalence was 62.5% (95% confidence interval=57.7%, 67.4%). Sex trading was associated with crack use, injection drug use, childhood maltreatment, non-gay self-identification, and homelessness (adjusted odds ratios=3.72, 2.28, 2.62, 2.21, and 1.88, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple risk factors are associated with sex trading among MSM. Interventions may need to address crack and injection drug use, homelessness, and childhood maltreatment and target non-gay-identified MSM who engage in sex trading.