K. Doraivelu * (1), D. Camp (1), S. Moore (1), A. Kalokhe (1,2), M. Ali (1,2), E. Farber (2), S. Hussen (1,2) (1) Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Hubert Department of Global Health, Atlanta, United States, (2) Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, United States
BACKGROUND: Mental health (MH)comorbidities are prevalent amongyoung Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men(YB-GBMSM) living with HIV. However, it remains unclear what factors are associated with utilization of MH services among YB-GBMSM engaged in HIV care.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of YB-GBMSM from two HIV clinics. Utilization of MH services was defined as at least one self-reported MH visit in their lifetime. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder assessment-7, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen, and self-reported substance use in the last six months. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate covariates of lifetime MH care utilization.
RESULTS: Among 100 YB-GBMSM, over half (51%) reported utilizing MH services, and 40% had been referred to a MH provider in the past year. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, non-organizational religious activity (OR: 1.33, CI: 1.01-1.77), severe anxiety (OR: 5.23, CI: 1.08-25.26), and homelessness in the past three months (OR: 4.03, CI: 1.08-15.07) were associated with MH care utilization. HIV stigma, discrimination in medical settings, and other psychological symptoms (depression, trauma, substance misuse) were not associated with utilization of MH services.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings that MH utilization was associated with homelessness, NORA, and severe anxiety suggest that service providers should consider promoting MH services to a wider range of YB-GBMSM clients, specifically to clients that do not present with psychological symptom complexes. Additionally, future research should explore the complex relationships between religiosity and MH.