Abstract
To understand the current status of, and factors related to interpersonal sensitivity (IS) and loneliness among Chinese gay men. The Chinese version SCL-90-R was used to evaluate the status of IS, and the short-form UCLA Loneliness scale (ULS-8) was used for assessing loneliness level. Associations between demographics and IS were examined by chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regress analysis. Linear regression was used to assess the correlations between demographic factors and IS and loneliness. Dating practices and venues were summarized by multiple responses. Gay men who screened positive IS was identified in 36%. Age (OR25–29 = 8.731, 95% CI 2.296 to 33.139), education level (ORcollege = 0.037, 95% CI 0.046 to 0.911), being the only-child at home (ORyes = 4.733, 95% CI 2.293 to 9.733), monthly income (OR>7000 = 0.228, 95% CI 0.055 to 0.944), numbers of current sexual partners (OR1 = 0.285, 95% CI 0.129 to 0.629; OR2 = 0.109 95% CI 0.027 to 0.431) were related to IS. IS was also associated with a higher score of ULS-8 (β = 6.903, p < 0.001). Other variables associated with the score of ULS-8 included: living in a non-nuclear family (β = 0.998, p = 0.020), being a college student (β = −1.556, p = 0.044), having a higher monthly income (β for 3000–5000 yuan = −1.177, p = 0.045; β for over 7000 yuan = −2.207, p = 0.002), having sexual partners (all β < 1, p < 0.001), being the only-child (β = 1.393, p = 0.005). Nearly half of the sample (46.78%) reported that they looked for dating partners on the Internet or dating apps. IS and loneliness are positively correlated. Our study suggests that more humanistic care and social support should be given to Chinese gay men.
Highlights
Previous studies suggested that chronic loneliness may cause changes in the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems [1]
Chi-square tests illustrated that age (χ2 = 54.653, p < 0.001), educational level (χ2 = 29.118, p < 0.001), being the only-child at home (χ2 = 99.941, p < 0.001), monthly income (χ2 = 62.552, p < 0.001), current sexual partner numbers (χ2 = 69.885, p < 0.001) and situation of opening sexual orientation (χ2 = 75.155, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with interpersonal sensitivity (IS)
China usually havehave joined the workforce, considering young young sexual sexual minorities have arisk greater risk of experiencing continuous discrimination, and minorities have a greater of experiencing continuous discrimination, violence and violence rejection [40], rejection [40], and relationship at work is positively associated with mental health [41], gay men and relationship at work is positively associated with mental health [41], gay men may be afraid of disclosing their sexual orientation which could lead to IS
Summary
Previous studies suggested that chronic loneliness may cause changes in the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems [1]. The experience of loneliness can induce continual pain and is highly likely to turn into mental illness or exacerbate the psychological dysfunction [2,3,4]. Loneliness could be manifested through external behaviors, such as aggressive behavior [5], alcohol abuse and suicidal behavior [6]. Rokach et al found that loneliness was influenced by age and culture background [7]. Segrin et al proved that the reach of family influence on loneliness was still evident. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 2039; doi:10.3390/ijerph16112039 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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