BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) report drug use more frequently than non-MSM, however data are lacking that examine the disparity within racial and ethnic groups.
METHODS: Using a nationally representative sample of men in the US stratified by race and ethnicity, we present prevalence estimates of self-reported drug use comparing MSM to non-MSM.
RESULTS: Prevalence of self-reported drug use was greater among MSM compared to non-MSM, with the exception of heroin. White MSM reported greatest drug use overall, with amphetamine use representing the greatest disparity compared to black or Hispanic MSM. Hispanic MSM reported the greatest crack/cocaine and heroin use. Men who reported using drugs were younger then men who did not report using drugs; there were no age patterns of reported drug use among MSM.
CONCLUSION: Drug use is a public health concern among MSM, compounding a racial and ethnic disparity. Intersectionality is a useful framework for identifying subgroups with highest reported rates of drug use.