Abstract
BackgroundTo assess the association of different gay-related stressful events (GRSEs) with depressive symptoms in Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodA total of 807 MSM were recruited using respondent-driven sampling from four cities in northeastern China. GRSEs were measured using the Gay Related Stressful Life Events Scale, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).ResultsA total of 26.0% of study participants experienced GRSEs in the past three months, and the average SDS score was lower than the previously reported national average for China. The study participants had significantly elevated risks of depression (SDS score ≥ 53) due to recent troubles with a boss (OR = 4.92, 95% CI = 1.87–12.97) or a workmate (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.52–8.88), loss of a close friend (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.39–4.18), argument with a close friend (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.33–3.22), and being physically assaulted (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 0.98–4.43). Arguments with family members or classmates had no significant effect on depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the number of GRSEs, a lower level of education, more advanced age, and HIV infection significantly increased the risk of depression.ConclusionsThere are large differences in the associations of different types of GRSEs with depressive symptoms. Reducing the stigmatization and discrimination toward MSM in all social environments and improving the capability of MSM to cope with different types of GRSEs may improve their emotional wellbeing.
Highlights
To assess the association of different gay-related stressful events (GRSEs) with depressive symptoms in Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM)
We have described the selection of MSM of the study previously [8]
A total of 71.3% were younger than 30 years-old, 13.4% were married to females, 11.4% lived with male partners, 40.3% were bisexual, and 47.2% were gay, and 3.47% were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive
Summary
To assess the association of different gay-related stressful events (GRSEs) with depressive symptoms in Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). Homosexuality has been traditionally stigmatized and prejudiced in many countries, men who have sex with men (MSM) have been identified as a higher risk group for depression as compared with general populations [1,2,3]. Many studies reported that MSM experience high levels of gay-related stressful events (GRSEs) from multiple life domains (e.g.,family, work, school, relationship) because of their gay behaviors or orientation [4,5,6]. Few studies have assessed the associations between different types of GRSEs and depressive symptoms in Chinese MSM. A better understanding of characteristics of the relationships between various types GRSEs and emotional distress in these men has clear implications for reducing their stress and improving their mental health
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