Psychoactive Substance Use and the Impact on the AIDS Epidemic Among the MSM Population:a Meta-Analysis—Worldwide,2014-2023

What is already known about this topic?There is a correlation between psychoactive substance use and heightened human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)susceptibility in men who have sex with men(MSM)populations,although the precise impact on transmission risk remains unclear.What is added by this report?In MSM populations,rush poppers and amphetamines are widely used,with rates of 10.91%and 9.97%.In China,rush poppers usage is notably higher at 47.26%.For other regions and coutries,amphetamines(12.86%),rush poppers(3.62%),and GHB(3.34%)are most common.Overall,17%of MSM use psychoactive substances,with higher HIV risk from amphetamines[Odds ratio(OR)3.06]compared to rush poppers(OR 1.51)and general substances(OR 1.76).What are the implications for public health practice?This study supports the idea that targeting specific regions and types of psychoactive substances for reduction among MSM populations can help decrease HIV transmission as well as promote prevention strategies.