Binge drinking, stimulant use and HIV risk in a sample of illicit drug using heterosexual Black men

•Recent alcohol use associated with current HIV status•Association between stimulant use and current HIV status•Substance use and HIV examined in heterosexual Black male sample•Call to examine these associations to tailor interventions for this group

BackgroundRelatively little research has examined the effects of binge drinking and HIV risk in heterosexual Black men. Even less research has explored this relationship in illicit drug using heterosexual Black men who are at an elevated risk of contracting and transmitting HIV through various vectors, including risky sexual behavior, in the Black community.PurposeThe purpose of the current study is to examine the associations between binge drinking, drug use and HIV status in a community-based sample of 127 self-identified heterosexual Black men.ResultsOverall, 17% reported binge drinking in the past month. Both stimulant use (AOR 7.29; 95%; CIs, 2.07, 25.70), and binge drinking (AOR = 5.28; 95% CIs, 1.34, 20.91) were associated with HIV status.ConclusionThese findings will inform prevention interventions to reduce the HIV risk among Black heterosexual men.