Assessment of Sexual Risk Behavior and Mental Health Status Among Urban Slum Dwellers in Bangladesh: A...

Sexual risk behavior (SRB) and mental health are critical components of overall well-being, with a complex interplay between the two. This study explored the prevalence and associated factors of SRB and mental health among urban slum dwellers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study is the first of its kind to simultaneously examine SRB and mental health status among urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh, addressing a crucial gap in the existing literature.

A cross-sectional survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews in urban slum areas of Dhaka during October and November 2023, involved 453 participants aged 18 or above years. Participants were selected using convenience sampling (a non-probability method), and data were gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire that was developed based on previous studies. Measures included socio-demographic factors, SRB, depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7). Statistical analysis utilized SPSS and Stata.

The prevalence of risky sexual practices, depression, and anxiety among the participants was 43.0%, 32.7%, and 15.5%, respectively. SRB positively associated with factors such as having STDs, alcohol intake, and narcotic drug usage. Depression associated with STDs, obesity, and increased social media usage. Anxiety was positively associated with STDs, unemployment, physical inactivity, and social media usage. Unique findings included the negative association between normal BMI and varying anxiety levels in the urban slum dwellers.

This study contributes valuable insights into the relationship between SRB and mental health among urban slum dwellers in Dhaka. The findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions, such as community-based STD awareness programs, alcohol and drug abuse reduction initiatives, and integrated mental health counseling recognizing the unique context of urban slums. Although generalizability is limited due to nonrandom sampling and the focus on a single urban area, this study provides a foundation for public health initiatives targeting vulnerable populations.