Causes of suicidal behaviors in men who have sex with men in China: a national questionnaire survey

Abstract

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) have become a high-risk group of HIV infection in China. To date, little is known regarding the psychological characteristics in Chinese MSM, especially the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on 2,250 MSM recruited from gay bars in 9 large cities in mainland China. Data on the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts as well as the underlying causes in the respondents were analyzed.ResultsA total of 1530 MSM responded to the question regarding previous suicidal ideation and attempts. Of these respondents, 26.01% had ever considered suicide and 12.55% actually attempted suicide at least once. Romantic gay relationship breakup was the number one cause of suicide behaviors, followed by self-objection to homosexuality, difficulties in finding gay partners or in getting used to heterosexual marriage life, sudden emotional hurts from unexpected events, illegal status of gay marriage in China and disclosure of homosexuality.ConclusionsThe survey study has led to a better understanding of the factors contributing to suicide behaviors of MSM in China, which may have significant implications in developing preventive strategies against suicide behaviors in this unique group of individuals.

Association of recent gay‐related stressful events and emotional distress with suicidal behaviors over 12 months in Chinese men who have sex with men

“…The 12‐month prevalences of suicidal ideation (9.7%), plan (4.0%), and attempt (3.0%) in our cohort of Chinese MSM were similar to the 12‐month rates from a recent survey of young Chinese LGBs in Shanghai (ideation: 9.43%, attempt: 2.53%) (Lian, Zuo, Lou, Gao, & Cheng, ), the 6‐month rates of Chinese MSM in Mianyang City (ideation: 9.0%, plan: 4.5%, attempt: 3.5%) (Wang et al, ), and Hefei City (ideation: 10.5%, attempt: 3.9%) (Zhang et al, ), but lower than the lifetime prevalences of MSM in 9 large cities in China (ideation: 26.0%, attempt: 12.6%) (Chen, Li, Wang, & Zhang, ), and the 6‐month prevalence in Wuhan City (ideation: 18.6%, attempt: 10.7%) (Zheng et al, ). However, it is difficult to compare these previous results with our results because the study populations had major differences in age structure and used different definitions of suicidal behaviors.…”

Pathways from sexual stigma to incident HIV and sexually transmitted infections among Nigerian MSM

“…Psychological processes resulting from sexual stigma may maintain or exacerbate poor mental health, ultimately influencing behaviors that put MSM at risk of new infections. [5–7] Understanding the mental health processes in these pathways may allow an intervention point to prevent further transmission.…”

“…A number of studies have shown a direct relationship between sexual stigma and suicidal ideation[4–7] and there is growing evidence that suicidal ideation is a significant problem for MSM across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). [8–10] Suicidal ideation is often associated with cognitive processes including hopelessness, pessimism, negative self-perceptions, and poor problem-solving skills that may hinder protective health behavior.…”

Association between a syndemic of psychosocial problems and unprotected anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in Shanghai, China

“…Most research on MSM in China has focused on demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and HIV infection [34, 35]; only a small number of studies have explored the psychosocial context [36, 37], and even fewer have considered the interacting and overlapping effects of psychosocial factors [11, 12]. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of psychosocial problems in MSM in Shanghai, to determine if a syndemic of psychosocial problems could increase high-risk sexual behaviors and HIV infection in this population.…”