Amsterdam 2015
Amsterdam 2015
Abstract book - Abstract - 2056
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Abstract #2056  -  Cape to Casablanca: MSM in Africa
Session:
  20.6: Cape to Casablanca: MSM in Africa (Parallel) on Wednesday @ 16.30-18.00 in C104 Chaired by Theo Sandfort,
Mike Ross

Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr Hycienth Ahaneku - University of Texas School Of Public Health, United States
 
  Additional Authors:   
Aim:
Introduction: Depression is an important public health problem and a leading cause of disability and morbidity and is the fourth leading cause of disease burden in the world. Men who have sex with men (MSM) have shown higher rates of depression than the general population. Depression is also associated with higher levels of HIV risk behavior. While there have considerable research on depression among MSM in developed countries, very few research of such work have been done among African MSM. Objective: The objectives of this research are to assess the burden of depression among a sample of MSM in Tanzania and to identify factors that significantly associate with depression in our sample.
 
Method / Issue:
Following a cross-sectional epidemiologic design, respondent driven sampling method (RDS) was used to recruit subjects from two cities in Tanzania. Participants included MSM aged 18 years or older who reported having had sex with men within six months of the study participation. Demographic, behavioral and knowledge attitude and perceptions data were collected using a structured questionnaire. HIV and STI data were collected using serologic and urine tests. Depression scores were based on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). For the analysis depression was dichotomized as depressed (PHQ >4) and not depressed (PHQ <=4). Initial data analyses included simple descriptive and frequency analyses. Subsequently bivariate and multiple Poisson regression analysis were conducted to assess factors associated with depression infection among the study sample.
 
Results / Comments:
A total of 300 MSM participated in the study. The prevalence of depression in the study was 46.3%. With regard to age, the mean and standard deviation of the sample was 25 years and 5 years respectively. Most of the respondents indicated they were exclusively gay/homosexual (71%),had at least a secondary education(66%) and have had a meaningful sexual relationship with a female(67%). 25% ,28% and 42% reported ever experiencing any form of sexual, physical and verbal abuse respectively. In the bivariate analysis, depression was significantly associated with self-identifying as gay (p=0.001), being HIV positive (p<0.001) and having a high number of sexual partners in the last 6 months (p=0.001).Depression was also associated with having ever experienced any form of sexual (p=0.007), physical (p=0.003) and verbal (p<0.001) abuse. In the multiple Poisson regression analysis, depression was only significantly associated having ever been verbally abused. Those who have ever experienced verbal abuse had about twice the prevalence of depression compared to those who have never been verbally abused (APR=1.908, CI =1.295 – 2.812).
 
Discussion:
The study showed a high burden of depression among our sample and an association with abuse, sexual risk behavior and HIV infection. These associations demonstrate a need for addressing mental health needs of MSM. We suggest the co-location of mental health and HIV preventive services as a cost effective means of addressing both HIV risk behavior and depression among MSM.
 
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