Abstract
BackgroundDespite the availability of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIVMSM) in China remains poor. This study aimed to explore the relationship between self-reported psychopathology and HRQoL among HIVMSM in Dalian, China.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 112 HIVMSM. Symptom check list 90 (SCL 90): a measure of psychopathology and World Health Organization quality of life in HIV infection (WHOQOL-HIV-Bref): a measure of HRQoL were used. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were employed to explore the association between self-reported psychopathology and HRQoL in HIVMSM.ResultsOut of the total 112 HIVMSM cases, 9 (8 %) cases were homosexuals and 103 (92 %) ones were bisexuals. The participants who had low family income (P = 0.001), perceived discrimination (P = 0.001) and lack of regular attendance in medical follow-ups (P = 0.014) reported poorer HRQoL than their counterparts. Somatization, obsession, depression, phobia and overall SCL 90 scores in self-reported psycholpathology had a negative impact on the domains of HRQoL among HIVMSM.ConclusionsTotal quality of life was predicted by family income, perceived discrimination, and medical follow-up attendance. Self-reported psychopathology was negatively correlated with HRQoL in HIVMSM. The Strategies that target MSM focusing on linking and engaging HIV-positive patients in medical care is the key step to improve their HRQoL. More emphasis is needed on the newly diagnosed HIVMSM in Dalian in order to develop a more targeted intervention to prevent perceived discrimination and lack of proper medical follow-up services.Trial registrationThe trial registration number does not require for this manuscript. The study is cross-sectional design that do not involve intervention at all, it is not a clinical trial.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-016-0204-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Despite the availability of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (HIVMSM) in China remains poor
The HIV incidence had increased in Liaoning Province from 5.1 to 10.2 % during 2007–2009 [8], and the HIV infection rate among MSM increased from 4.48 % in 2009 to 12.00 % in Dalian in 2012 [9]
All HIVMSM who visited the Center for Disease Control (CDC) between December 2012 and December 2013, who were returning to the CDC for antiretroviral treatment follow-up were invited to participate
Summary
Despite the availability of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIVMSM) in China remains poor. Sexual orientation among men who have sex with men (MSM) is culturally and psychologically considered abnormal in China, and highly discriminated against, as it is considered a high risk for HIV infection. The HIV incidence had increased in Liaoning Province from 5.1 to 10.2 % during 2007–2009 [8], and the HIV infection rate among MSM increased from 4.48 % in 2009 to 12.00 % in Dalian in 2012 [9]. It’s beautiful beaches and close proximity to Korea and Japan make it both a domestic and international tourist destination in summer. This flow of people carves and modifies the disposition of local Dalian cultural morays along with the associated sex business with increasing connections via the internet. The Chinese society is relatively conservative on sexual issues, the increased number of visitors may impact the culture of the society at large
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
