TY - JOUR
T1 - A pilot study to evaluate ethnic/racial differences in depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men
AU - de Santis, Joseph P.
AU - Vasquez, Elias Provencio
PY - 2011/4
Y1 - 2011/4
N2 - Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for certain physical and psychological health conditions. Ethnic minority MSM are at an increased risk related to the combination of sexual minority and ethnic minority status. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the levels of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors by ethnicity in a sample of MSM (N = 70) residing in South Florida. More than one-third of the sample (N = 26; 37%) had high levels of depressive symptoms. Using non-parametric statistics, statistically significant differences were noted in the levels of depressive symptoms as African-American MSM had higher levels of depressive symptoms when compared to the other ethnic groups. Statistically significant differences were not found when self-esteem and sexual behaviors were compared by ethnicity. Regardless of ethnicity, MSM in this study were at risk for the sequela of depressive symptoms and infections with HIV and/or sexually transmitted infections because of the high levels of unsafe sexual behaviors. More research is needed to explore the relationship of mental health and sexual behaviors among the various ethnic groups of MSM.
AB - Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for certain physical and psychological health conditions. Ethnic minority MSM are at an increased risk related to the combination of sexual minority and ethnic minority status. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the levels of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors by ethnicity in a sample of MSM (N = 70) residing in South Florida. More than one-third of the sample (N = 26; 37%) had high levels of depressive symptoms. Using non-parametric statistics, statistically significant differences were noted in the levels of depressive symptoms as African-American MSM had higher levels of depressive symptoms when compared to the other ethnic groups. Statistically significant differences were not found when self-esteem and sexual behaviors were compared by ethnicity. Regardless of ethnicity, MSM in this study were at risk for the sequela of depressive symptoms and infections with HIV and/or sexually transmitted infections because of the high levels of unsafe sexual behaviors. More research is needed to explore the relationship of mental health and sexual behaviors among the various ethnic groups of MSM.
KW - Depression
KW - Ethnicity
KW - Homosexuality
KW - Self-esteem
KW - Sexual behaviors
KW - Vulnerable populations
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U2 - 10.1080/10538720.2011.557853
DO - 10.1080/10538720.2011.557853
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:79958703738
VL - 23
SP - 147
EP - 164
JO - Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services
JF - Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services
SN - 1053-8720
IS - 2
ER -