|
|
Abstract
Depressive symptoms among MSM in Chennai, India
S. Safren1, B. Thomas2, M. Mimiaga3, S. Menon4, S. Swaminathan2, K. Mayer5
Background: MSM in India are a hidden population, facing unique environmental stressors and cultural pressures that place them at risk for depression. Depressive symptoms have been shown to be a predictor of HIV risk in prior studies of MSM. Depression in MSM in India, however, has been largely under-studied.
Methods: 210 MSM in Chennai completed an interviewer-administered behavioral assessment battery (adapted and translated into Tamil from U.S. standard scales), which included the CES-D (cutoff for depression= 16), demographics, sexual identity, and other psychosocial variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression procedures were used to examine behavioral and demographic associations with depressive symptoms.
Results: The mean age was 28.9 years old (SD=7.83); MSM described themselves as Kothi (effeminate identity, usually receptive partner)(25.7%), Panthi (masculine identity/insertive partner) (37.6%), and Double-decker (bisexual) (36.7%). CES-D scores ranged from 0 to 58, with a mean of 19.6 (SD=11.1). Over half (55%) of the sample exceeded the cutoff for clinically significant depression; this was associated with having had unprotected anal sex (OR=1.97; p=.05) and number of male partners (OR=1.04; p=.02; M=11.7; SD=33.2). Significant bivariate predictors of exceeding the cutoff for clinical severity included sexual identity (Kothi >Panthi; OR=4.9; p=.001), not being married (OR=3.4; p=.0005), not having a child (OR=4.4; p=.0001), family knowing about MSM status (OR=2.3; p=.02), having been paid for sex (OR=5.1; p<.0001), perceiving that one is at risk for acquiring HIV (OR=1.1; p=.01; continuous). In a multivariable logistic-regression model unique predictors of clinically significant depression included not being married (OR=3.3; p=.01), having been paid for sex (OR=3.5; p=.0006) and their perception of increased HIV risk (OR=1.1; p=.001; continuous).
Conclusions: Depression among MSM in Chennai is of great concern and should be considered while developing HIV prevention interventions with this population. Unmarried men, sex workers, and those who perceive they are at risk for HIV seem are most likely to be clinically depressed.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDD0321
Suggested Citation
"S.Safren, et al.
Depressive symptoms among MSM in Chennai, India.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDD0321"
|
|
|