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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Association of recent gay-related stressful events with depressive symptoms in Chinese men who have sex with men

Authors: Yunyong Liu, Chao Jiang, Siyao Li, Yuan Gu, Yan Zhou, Xiaoxia An, Li Zhao, Guowei Pan

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

To assess the association of different gay-related stressful events (GRSEs) with depressive symptoms in Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM).

Method

A total of 807 MSM were recruited using respondent-driven sampling from four cities in northeastern China. GRSEs were measured using the Gay Related Stressful Life Events Scale, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).

Results

A total of 26.0% of study participants experienced GRSEs in the past three months, and the average SDS score was lower than the previously reported national average for China. The study participants had significantly elevated risks of depression (SDS score ≥ 53) due to recent troubles with a boss (OR = 4.92, 95% CI = 1.87–12.97) or a workmate (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.52–8.88), loss of a close friend (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.39–4.18), argument with a close friend (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.33–3.22), and being physically assaulted (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 0.98–4.43). Arguments with family members or classmates had no significant effect on depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the number of GRSEs, a lower level of education, more advanced age, and HIV infection significantly increased the risk of depression.

Conclusions

There are large differences in the associations of different types of GRSEs with depressive symptoms. Reducing the stigmatization and discrimination toward MSM in all social environments and improving the capability of MSM to cope with different types of GRSEs may improve their emotional wellbeing.
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Metadata
Title
Association of recent gay-related stressful events with depressive symptoms in Chinese men who have sex with men
Authors
Yunyong Liu
Chao Jiang
Siyao Li
Yuan Gu
Yan Zhou
Xiaoxia An
Li Zhao
Guowei Pan
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1787-7

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