A Comparison of Psychosocial Factors, Substance Use Behaviors, and Sexual Behaviors by Self-Reported HIV Status Among Middle-Aged Hispanic Men Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a significant health issue among Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite existing research, no studies have compared psychosocial factors by self-reported HIV antibody status. Method: Participants ( n = 150) completed measures of social support, loneliness, depressive symptoms, substance use, and sexual behaviors. Results: Participants with a self-reported HIV-antibody positive status reported lower levels of social support and higher levels of illicit substance use. Hispanic MSM with an unknown HIV antibody status reported more sexual partners. Conclusion: More research is needed to address psychosocial factors (social support, loneliness, depressive symptoms), substance use, and sexual behaviors among Hispanic MSM.

Short-term binge drinking, marijuana, and recreational drug use trajectories in a prospective cohort of people living with HIV at the start of COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the United States

“…Many studies have investigated problematic alcohol and recreational drug use trajectories in PLHIV, particularly in the contexts of stress, coping, and sexual risk-taking ( Glynn et al, 2019 , Mimiaga et al, 2013 , Moitra et al, 2020 , Pence et al, 2008 , Rosen et al, 2017 , Wardell et al, 2018 ). Prior studies have found that problematic alcohol consumption and recreational drug use commonly co-occur with other adverse psychosocial conditions, including depressive symptoms, loneliness, and inadequate social support ( Javanbakht et al, 2020 , Mannes et al, 2016 , Rubtsova et al, 2017 , Siconolfi et al, 2013 , Valdes et al, 2021 ). Problematic alcohol, heavy marijuana, and recreational drug use are linked to suboptimal HIV outcomes and quality of life, including sexual risk-taking, impaired cognitive function, non-adherence to HIV care recommendations, weakened immunity, and premature mortality ( American Addiction Centers, 2021 , Bensley et al, 2018 , Brown et al, 2019 , Duko et al, 2019 , Millar et al, 2017 ).…”