Number of Psychosocial Strengths Predicts Reduced HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors Above and Beyond Syndemic Problems Among Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract

Syndemics research shows the additive effect of psychosocial problems on high-risk sexual behavior among gay and bisexual men (GBM). Psychosocial strengths may predict less engagement in high-risk sexual behavior. In a study of 470 ethnically diverse HIV-negative GBM, regression models were computed using number of syndemic psychosocial problems, number of psychosocial strengths, and serodiscordant condomless anal sex (CAS). The number of syndemic psychosocial problems correlated with serodiscordant CAS (RR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.18-1.92; p = 0.001). When adding the number of psychosocial strengths to the model, the effect of syndemic psychosocial problems became non-significant, but the number of strengths-based factors remained significant (RR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.86; p = 0.002). Psychosocial strengths may operate additively in the same way as syndemic psychosocial problems, but in the opposite direction. Consistent with theories of resilience, psychosocial strengths may be an important set of variables predicting sexual risk behavior that is largely missing from the current HIV behavioral literature.

How Might Social Distancing Impact Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Trans and Two-Spirit Men in Canada?

“…However, potential unintended consequences of self-imposed or legally-enforced social distancing in response to COVID-19 are the potential to negative impacts on mental, social, sexual, and physical health [2]. This is especially true for marginalized populations, such as gay, bisexual, queer, trans, Two-Spirit, and other men who have sex with men (GBQT2+), who already have elevated rates of mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness [3][4][5].…”

“…Given that social support from friends, family, and partners is a known protective factor against negative mental health outcomes and sexual risk behavior among GBQT2+ [4], social distancing may exacerbate negative mental health consequences. Questions are also being raised about how social distancing will impact the sexual behavior of GBQT2+.…”

Trabajadores sexuales masculinos: entre el sexo seguro y el riesgo. Etnografía en una sauna gay de Barcelona, España

“…In this regard, it is essential to consider a syndemic approach that allows explaining behaviors from different levels, as well as the social determinants of health 27 . From this perspective, the importance of having the social support of family and friends has been shown, since the absence of social capital is a factor that promotes risky sexual practices and, thus, the vulnerability to contracting HIV and other STIs 28 . It should also be noted that STIs are perceived, unlike HIV, as part of a man's sexual life.…”

HIV Prevention Research on Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews, 1988–2017

“…Synthesizing topics such as the influence of religion/spirituality and resilience on risk behaviors may indicate the emergence of a more holistic approach to HIV prevention for MSM. Moreover, exploring topics such as social support, reduction of experienced and internalized stigma, and other protective factors such as feeling part of a community may be beneficial because these factors may reduce HIV risk (Hart et al, 2017) and have a role in increasing access to HIV care, treatment, and prevention. LIMITATIONS First, to narrow the scope, we excluded reviews focused on mixed populations with MSM data as a subgroup.…”