Abstract
The objectives of this study were to describe the patterns of alcohol and recreational drug use of HIV-seropositive homosexual men and to determine the effect of alcohol use on HIV risk-taking behaviour. Of particular interest was the effect of knowledge of HIV status on these behaviours. Information on alcohol and drug use was obtained from 485 HIV-seropositive homosexual and bisexual men presenting to a HIV-antibody testing and medical management clinic. Heavy alcohol use was common, with 46.2% reporting consumption of six or more standard drinks on one day recently. Men who knew that they were HIV infected drank significantly more than those men who had yet to learn of their HIV status at the time of interview. There was clear evidence in this study for a role of alcohol use in HIV risk-taking behaviour. Almost one-third (27%) of the HIV-seropositive men reported unprotected anal intercourse during the previous 3 months with approximately one-third of these (27/76, 35·5%) nominating alcohol as contributing to their high HIV-risk behaviour.