SURVEY GAUGES DRUG-SEX CONNECTION

PROVINCETOWN - A unique survey looking at how drug use may increase HIV risk
is
underway here.

A research study conducted by the University of Massachusetts is
looking for qualified gay men to answer questions about their drug use
and how it affects their sexual behavior, specifically if "partying"
leads to unsafe sexual practices. Based on the research done to date,
according to Dr. Edward Boyer from the UMass Medical School, there is
"clearly" a link between drugs and unsafe sex.

However, the study is also looking at what is actually in the illegal
recreational drugs favored by some gay men. The survey asks
respondents to list the drugs they have taken, then give a urine
sample. The sample is then tested for over 1,000 substances. Based on
results thus far, drug users are often ingesting drugs they did not
know they were taking.

For example, Boyer said, the drug ecstasy is often cut with a variety
of other drugs unbeknownst to the user, including heroin. Cocaine is
also mixed with other substances, including crystal
methamphetamine.

"Nobody really knows what they take. The drugs in Provincetown are of
a very low purity," Boyer said, meaning they are mixed with a variety
of other drugs.

"The plan is to come up with community-specific intervention. We can't
stop drug use but we can educate people on what they are taking and
the impact of those drugs," specifically on unsafe sexual practices,
said Richard Fay, the field research director for the survey, entitled
Project Apollo.

Several researchers wearing "Project Apollo" shirts have been asking
gay men on Commercial Street to participate in the anonymous survey.
If a candidate qualifies - if they have had sex with a man in the last
12 months and have taken drugs such as marijuana, crystal meth, GHP,
cocaine or heroin within the last seven days - they are asked to go to
the Project Apollo office near Spiritus Pizza to participate in a
longer survey. Qualified candidates receive $20 in
compensation.

Fay said that the project has completed 135 surveys so far this
summer. Last year researchers screened approximately 10,000 people in
Provincetown to find 314 who qualified for the longer survey.

"That may indicate that drug use isn't as prevalent as people think,"
he said.

Boyer said he hopes to have initial survey results analyzed by
Christmas. The information will be released on the UMass-Project
Apollo website. Survey results also will be publicized to health care
professionals so they can better assist their gay patients who use
drugs.