Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grants - Institute/Initiative Community Support

Crystal methamphetamine (CM) use has increased in the general population and is estimated to be up to 20 times higher among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). CM use patterns range from occasional to intensive use, and while many GBM can and do use CM safely, greater frequency of use is linked to higher risks of physical and mental health concerns. Research also shows that CM use and bacterial sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) are interconnected, forming part of a broader "syndemic," or overlapping set of health challenges shaped by social and structural inequities. Our team represents a national partnership of researchers, public health decision-makers, and community leaders working to advance policy-relevant research on CM use and bacterial STBBIs among Canadian GBM. Findings from our previous multisite longitudinal study (Engage Cohort Study; 2017-2023) informed community-level prevention programs and led to national changes in blood donation policy. With data collection completed, we are now launching a follow-up study, Men's Experiences of Substances and Sexual Health, across Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg. To ensure its success, we will gather key interest-holders to plan future research activities and interventions. We will host a one-day in-person meeting to 1) share early findings; 2) discuss how to study evolving changes in CM use patterns in PnP/chemsex settings and their relationship to STBBI risk and prevention; and 3) plan community and clinical interventions to reduce problematic substance use related STBBI prevalence and incidence. The meeting will strengthen interdisciplinary networks, identify research priorities to inform and develop provincial and national substance use and HIV/STBBI prevention programs, and better understand the diverse and evolving needs of Canadian GBM. It will be held in Winnipeg in April 2026 as an ancillary event to the 35th Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research.