Clinically significant depressive symptoms and sexual behaviour among men who have sex with men
Ada R. Miltz,
Alison J. Rodger,
Janey Sewell,
Andrew Speakman,
Andrew N. Phillips,
Lorraine Sherr,
Richard J. Gilson,
David Asboe,
Nneka C. Nwokolo,
Amanda Clarke,
Mark M. Gompels,
Sris Allan,
Simon Collins,
Fiona C. Lampe
Affiliations
Ada R. Miltz
HIV Epidemiology and Biostatistics Group, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
Alison J. Rodger
HIV Epidemiology and Biostatistics Group, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
Janey Sewell
HIV Epidemiology and Biostatistics Group, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
Andrew Speakman
HIV Epidemiology and Biostatistics Group, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
Andrew N. Phillips
HIV Epidemiology and Biostatistics Group, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
Lorraine Sherr
HIV Epidemiology and Biostatistics Group, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
Richard J. Gilson
Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Mortimer Market Centre, University College London, London, UK
David Asboe
John Hunter Clinic, London, UK
Nneka C. Nwokolo
56 Dean Street, London, UK
Amanda Clarke
Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, UK
Mark M. Gompels
Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
Sris Allan
City of Coventry Healthcare Centre, Coventry, UK
Simon Collins
HIV i-Base, London, UK
Fiona C. Lampe
HIV Epidemiology and Biostatistics Group, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK, for the AURAH Study Group
Background The relationship between depression and sexual behaviour among men who have sex with men (MSM) is poorly understood. Aims To investigate prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10) and the relationship between depressive symptoms and sexual behaviour among MSM reporting recent sex. Method The Attitudes to and Understanding of Risk of Acquisition of HIV (AURAH) is a cross-sectional study of UK genitourinary medicine clinic attendees without diagnosed HIV (2013–2014). Results Among 1340 MSM, depressive symptoms (12.4%) were strongly associated with socioeconomic disadvantage and lower supportive network. Adjusted for key sociodemographic factors, depressive symptoms were associated with measures of condomless sex partners in the past 3 months (≥2 (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.42, 95% CI 1.17–1.74; P=0.001), unknown or HIV-positive status (PR 1.43, 95% CI 1.20–1.71; P<0.001)), sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis (PR 1.46, 95% CI 1.19–1.79; P<0.001) and post-exposure prophylaxis use in the past year (PR 1.83, 95% CI 1.33–2.50; P<0.001). Conclusions Management of mental health may play a role in HIV and STI prevention.
