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

doi:10.1192/bjpo.bp.116.003574

BJPsych Open (May 2017)

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

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjpo.bp.116.003574
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 3
pp. 127 – 137

Abstract

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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.

Published in BJPsych Open

ISSN: 2056-4724 (Online)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry: Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system: Psychiatry
Website: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-open

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