The relationship of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors in a predominantly Hispanic sample of men who have sex with men

Am J Mens Health. 2008 Dec;2(4):314-21. doi: 10.1177/1557988307312883. Epub 2008 Jan 23.

Abstract

Despite public health campaigns and safer sex messages, many men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to participate in high-risk sexual behaviors, which may make them vulnerable to HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors in a predominantly Hispanic sample of MSM. This correlational study sampled 205 MSM (M = 37 years of age, SD = +/-8) representing the diverse ethnic composition of South Florida. This sample consisted of ethnic minorities (79%) with a large number of foreign-born men (69%). Participants completed measures of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors. Results indicated that higher levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of self-esteem had a statistically significant relationship to lower levels of safer sexual behaviors. Lower income, lower educational level, and preference for Spanish language were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms; lower income was associated with lower levels of self-esteem; and foreign birth and a preference for Spanish language were associated with lower levels of safer sex behaviors. Higher levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of self-esteem were associated with high-risk sexual behaviors in this sample of MSM. Further research needs to be directed at culturally specific mental health and HIV prevention strategies for these vulnerable MSM.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / ethnology*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking
  • Self Concept*
  • Sexual Behavior / ethnology*
  • Sexual Partners
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Unsafe Sex / prevention & control
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult