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.