O7 Depression and sexual behaviour among men who have sex with men in the UK. (18th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miltz, Ada; Rodger, Alison; Sewell, Janey; Speakman, Andrew; Phillips, Andrew; Sherr, Lorraine; Gilson, Richard; Asboe, David; Nwokolo, Nneka; Scott, Christopher; Day, Sara; Fisher, Martin; Clarke, Amanda; Anderson, Jane; O'Connell, Rebecca; Lascar, Monica; Apea, Vanessa; Dhairyawan, Rageshri; Gompels, Mark
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 91(2015)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A3
• Page End: A3
• Publication Date: 2015-05-18
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052126.7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Background/introduction: In the UK, HIV transmission remains ongoing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Data on mental health and sexual behaviour is limited among MSM whose HIV-status is negative/unknown. Aim(s)/objectives: To describe the association of depressive symptoms with measures of condomless sex (CLS). Methods: AURAH (Attitudes to, and Understanding of, Risk of Acquisition of HIV) is a cross-sectional questionnaire study in 20 UK STI clinics. We included MSM recruited from May 2013–January 2014 who reported anal sex in the past three months. Depressive symptoms were defined as a PHQ-9 score ≥10. We examined the association of depressive symptoms with: CLS in the past three months with (i) ≥2 partners (ii) discordant status partner(s) (unknown/HIV-positive) and self-reported STI diagnosis in the past year, using logistic regression. Results: Of 457 MSM included (20% non-white, mean[IQR] age 33[13]), 130 (29%), 167 (37%) and 184 (40%) reported ≥2 CLS partners, discordant CLS and diagnosed STI respectively. Fifty-nine men (13%) had depressive symptoms; 78% of whom were not receiving treatment for depression. Adjusting for age, non-white ethnicity, university education, having a stable partner and recruitment region, depressive symptoms were associated with ≥2 CLS partners [adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.83 (1.01, 3.31), p = 0.048], discordant CLS [2.67 (1.49, 4.77), p = 0.001] and diagnosed STI [2.03 (1.13, 3.63), p = 0.017]. Discussion/conclusion: Depressive symptoms are associated with CLS and recent STI among MSM. Management of mental health may play a role in HIV/STI prevention, although causality cannot be inferred and other factors may influence both sexual behaviour and depression.