Psychiatric morbidity, risk-taking behavior, internalized stigma and perceived social support in men having sex with...

Research has shown a high prevalence of mental health disorders in homosexuals with high risk-taking behavior. Sexual minority groups are often prey to many psychosocial stressors such as harassment, victimization, and fear of rejection.

To understand the occurrence of psychiatric morbidity, risk-taking behavior, stigma, and social support in the men having sex with men (MSM) population and correlate its relation with each other.

One hundred participants were selected via randomized sample selection from the existing list of registered MSM accessing services from MDACS, and a detailed psychiatric interview was taken with diagnoses as per ICD10 criteria. Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were applied for further evaluation.

Forty-eight study participants had psychiatric morbidity with substance use and mood disorders being more common. High risk-taking behavior was found to be less in the sample. Internalized stigma was high on identity and social discomfort subscale. The total mean MISS-G score was found to be 35.64 ± 35.57. Social support was more from significant others. MSPSS scale had a total mean score of 58.59 ± 20. There was a negative correlation between stigma and social support. Psychiatric morbidity was associated with high stigma and poor social support.

This study shows that MSM is at higher risk for psychiatric illnesses like depression and internalized sexual stigma. The social support experienced by them is also poor. Hence, there is a need to spread awareness and address the mental health issues of this minority.