This study identified sociodemographic factors, drug using practices, sexual behaviors, and motivational factors associated with binge (a period of uninterrupted) methamphetamine (MA) use among heterosexual MA users. Sample and Method The FASTLANE study provided cross-sectional data collected by audio-CASI between June 2001 and August 2004 from 451 HIV-negative MA users in San Diego, CA USA who had engaged in unprotected sex and used MA in the previous two months. Results The study sample was 67.8% male, 49.4% Caucasian, 26.8% African-American, and 12.8% Hispanic with a mean age of 36.6 years; 183 (40.5%) reported binge use in the past 2 months. Compared with non-binge users, binge users of MA were more likely to report risky drug use and sex behaviors and differed in motivations to initiate and currently use MA. The final logistic regression model for binge use included more days of MA use in the last month, ever treated for MA use, injection drug use, higher Beck Depression Inventory score, “experimentation” as a motivation for initiating MA use, and engaging in sex marathons while high on MA. HIV prevention efforts should differentiate and address these differences in motivations for MA use and the associated HIV-risk sex and drug use behaviors as key targets for effective intervention.

OBJECTIVE -Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in U.S adults, which may be an underestimate because of under-reporting on death certificates. In this study we examined death certificate sensitivity and specificity for diabetes, as well as the factors related to better reporting, in a community-based sample.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -Death certificates were obtained for 3,209 decedents who were enrolled in the Rancho Bernardo cohort in 1972-1974 and followed through 2003. Diabetes status was reassessed at periodic clinic visits and annual mailed surveys during an average follow-up of 15.2 Ϯ 7.6 years. Diabetes reported anywhere on death certificates was abstracted. Sensitivity and specificity calculations among diabetic participants were stratified by age, sex, year, place, cause of death, and diabetes medication use.RESULTS -Among 1,641 men and 1,568 women, 378 decedents had a history of diabetes, 168 of whom had diabetes listed anywhere on their death certificates. The sensitivity and specificity were 34.7 and 98.1%. Diabetes reporting on death certificates did not improve over time or vary significantly by age and sex, but sensitivity for diabetes reporting was better for recent (1992)(1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003) cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths compared with any other causes of death (48.9 vs. 28.6%, respectively, P Ͻ 0.05).CONCLUSIONS -Although diabetes reporting on death certificates did not improve over time, sensitivity was better for diabetes in the context of CVD deaths, probably reflecting the increasing recognition that diabetes is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Diabetes Care 31:279-284, 2008

Background-Despite increased awareness and attention towards methamphetamine (MA) use among men who have sex with men (MSM), few studies have examined behaviors and effects of MA use among heterosexual populations.