Self-Disclosure of HIV Status, Social Support, and Mental Health among HIV-positive Young Black Men who have Sex with Men (YBMSM)

Abstract

Background: Young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are a particularly vulnerable group for HIV infection. HIV-positive YBMSM often suffer from mental health challenges as a result of discrimination based on their HIV status, race, and sexual preferences. Potential associations among HIV self-disclosure, social support, and mental health have been reported in several studies. The aim of this study is to explore the associations among self-disclosure, social support and mental health, including depression and anxiety. Methods: Cross-sectional secondary data, with a sample size of 199 HIV-positive YBMSM, was retrieved from the baseline data of an on-going study. Qualitative interviews were conducted at three sites in North Carolina. Linear regression and content analysis were used in the quantitative and qualitative analysis respectively to explore the associations among self-disclosure, social support, and mental health. Results: In linear regression models for depression and anxiety, social support was significantly associated with depression (p<0.01) and anxiety (p<0.05). Self-disclosure was not significantly associated with depression or anxiety in regression analyses. Qualitative analysis showed connections between social support and mental health as well as self-disclosure and mental health. Conclusions: Both self-disclosure and social support could affect mental health in YBMSM. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms linking self-disclosure, social support, and mental health to develop effective and tailored mental health interventions for this marginalized population.