Situation of the mental health status of men who have sex with men at SHP Hanoi clinic in 2021 and some related factors

Abstract

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are considered a high - risk group for HIV transmission. Mental health problems among MSM also contribute to increased HIV transmission activities. The study aims to describe the mental health research of the MSM group using services at the SHP clinic in Hanoi in 2021 and related factors. A cross - sectional descriptive study on 348 MSM between January 2021 and December 31, 2021, using the DASS-21 questionnaire. The proportion of MSM with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress is 18.7%; 8.9% and 19.5%. Marijuana use increased the risk of depressive symptoms (OR: 2.3; 95%CI: 1.2 - 5.0 (OR: 2.3 (95%CI: 1.1 - 5.0)). Cocaine, hallucinogens, and sedatives increase the risk of depressive symptoms (OR: 2.5; 96%CI 1.1 - 5.9 and anxiety (OR: 22.4; 95%CI: 1.0 - 5.6). MSM older than 25 years old were less likely to have mental health symptoms than younger MSM (younger than 25 years old). Similar studies should be conducted in various MSM populations to provide additional valid evidence.