AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #164 - Mental health and HIV risk among Chinese migrant men who have sex with men
Authors: Presenting Author: Miss Yan Guo - Wayne State University School of Medicine
Additional Authors: Prof. Xiaoming Li, Dr. Shuming Li, Dr. Yingjie Liu, Dr. Xiaoyi Fang,
Aim: Previous studies in the US and other Western nations have documented interconnections between psychosocial factors and HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). Psychosocial health problems are related to HIV sexual risk taking. However, such studies are limited among this most-at-risk population in developing countries including China. The current study intends to explore the relationship between measures of mental health and various HIV-related risk behaviors among young Chinese migrant MSM.
Method / Issue: We recruited 307 MSM in Beijing, China in 2009. Participants were 18-30 years old, migrant (not having permanent household registration status in Beijing), having had sex with men in the past, and willing to provide blood specimens for HIV and Syphilis test. Mental health assessment included the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and questions on frequencies of seriously thinking about suicide and suicide attempt in the past six months.
Results / Comments: Among the 307 MSM, 112 (37%) showed symptoms of depression (with a cut score of 20 in CES-D), 45 (20%) experienced major depressive disorder (MDD) (with a cut score of 24 in CES-D), 73 (24%) had seriously thought about suicide and 35 (11%) had had suicide attempt. Measures of suicide (seriously thought about suicide and suicide attempt) were strong indicators of HIV risk behaviors, including inconsistent condom use in anal sex in the past (p<0.001), commercial sex (sell sex to or buy sex from men and women, p<0.001), and substance use (alcohol drinking, p<0.05, and drug use, p<0.001). Symptoms of depression were also related to increased inconsistent condom use in anal sex (p<0.05) and drinking in the past year (p<0.001).
Discussion: Results in the current study indicate that young Chinese migrant MSM in Beijing had high rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal intentions and behavior. These mental health problems are associated with high HIV-related risk behaviors. The effect of existing and future HIV prevention interventions among MSM may be compromised without addressing their mental health in the context of HIV sexual and other behavioral risk.
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