Psychosocial Challenges and Protective Factors Among MSM Living with HIV: An Integrative Review of the Literature Using an Intersectional Framework

Abstract

Objective: Given the emerging data on intersecting identities involving men who have sex with men (MSM) with respect to various factors, there lies a need to include one’s human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status in this intersection, given the experience of stigmatization and inequalities. This integrative review covers psychosocial risk and protective factors experienced by MSM of HIV-positive status, while also considering other intersecting identities (e.g., ethnicity, older age). Method: Following a standardized search inquiry, 2139 records were identified and narrowed down to 24 peer reviewed articles. Results: Psychological and social protective factors such as positive mental health outcomes; lessened or resolved internalized homophobia; social networks in younger and older MSM, with a discussion on the contextually relevant impact that religion has among Black MSM. Some risk factors such as co-occurring stigmas, psychological distress, exposure to violence, and trauma are explained.Implications: These immediate findings highlight factors that contribute to resilient pathways among ethnic minorities, and of other intersections among sexual minority men. In order to mitigate risks, developing tailoredinterventions with a focus on co-occurring and syndemic stigmas is crucial, to help ensure the psychological and social well-being of diverse HIV-positive MSM. An adapted version to the minority stress model is thus presented.