Psychosocial correlates of substance use among young and adult gay-bisexual men [Correlati psicosociali dell'uso di sostanze negli uomini omo-bisessuali giovani e adulti]

This study investigated the relation between psychosocial variables and substance use in a sample of young and adult gay and bisexual men. The sample was composed of 4,458 males between 15 and 54 years old, who participated in the MODI DI survey. The data obtained show that substance use was more prevalent among gay and bisexual men, if compared to the results of surveys on a national male reference sample. Men with greater substance use declare they are more visible regarding their sexual orientation, to visit clubs for the purpose of a sexual encounter, to have experienced more homophobic episodes and to have had unsafe sex in the last 12 months. In conclusion, gay-bisexual men tend to consume more illegal substances compared to the general male population. Substance use among gaybisexual men has multiple psychosocial functions.