METHODS: Individuals who met DSM-IV criteria for lifetime methamphetamine dependence and current (≤ 18-months) methamphetamine abuse or dependence (METH+ n = 56) were compared to those without severity and recency of methamphetamine use (METH- n = 59). These groups did not differ on social network size or proportion of people with HIV (∼58% HIV+). Participants completed the NIH Toolbox Loneliness Scale and the Sexual Risks Scale\'s \"Norms\" and \"Intentions\" subscales.
RESULTS: METH+ individuals were significantly lonelier than METH- controls (t(113) = 2.45, p = .02). Methamphetamine dependence remained significantly associated with greater loneliness, after controlling for HIV status and other relevant covariates (e.g., neurocognitive impairment, history of mood disorder, social network size; F = 3.70, Adjusted R2 = 0.18, p = .0009). Loneliness, above and beyond the aforementioned covariates, was significantly associated with riskier beliefs and intentions to practice safer sex among METH+, but not METH-, individuals (β = 2.92, p = .02).
CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness is prevalent among individuals dependent on methamphetamine, and is uniquely associated with riskier beliefs and intentions regarding practicing safer sex. Findings may aid in identifying individuals at-risk of engaging in riskier sexual behaviors and guide risk prevention strategies.
方法:将符合DSM-IV终生甲基苯丙胺依赖和当前(≤18个月)甲基苯丙胺滥用或依赖标准的个体(METHn=56)与没有严重程度和新近使用甲基苯丙胺的个体进行比较(MEH-n=59)。这些群体在社交网络规模或HIV感染者比例上没有差异(~58%HIV+)。参与者完成了NIH工具箱孤独量表和性风险量表的“规范”和“意图”子量表。
结果:METH+个体明显比MES-对照组更孤独(t(113)=2.45,p=0.02)。甲基苯丙胺依赖仍然与更大的孤独感显着相关,在控制艾滋病毒状况和其他相关协变量后(例如,神经认知障碍,心境障碍史,社交网络规模;F=3.70,调整后R2=0.18,p=.0009)。孤独,在上述协变量之上和之外,与METH+中进行安全性行为的风险较高的信念和意图显着相关,但不是什么-,个体(β=2.92,p=0.02)。
结论:孤独感在依赖甲基苯丙胺的个体中普遍存在,并且与进行安全性行为的风险较高的信念和意图有关。研究结果可能有助于识别有从事高风险性行为的个人,并指导风险预防策略。