Network Analysis of Sexual Sensation Seeking, Internalized Homophobia, and Social Norms Among Men Who Have Sex with Men with Different Sexual Partner Types

Factors associated with having a steady homosexual partner among men who have sex with men, based on internet recruitment

Objective

This study analyzed the status and factors associated with having a steady homosexual partner (HP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) to provide a scientific basis for developing prevention and control strategies for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in this population.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted among study participants who were MSM recruited online by a non-governmental organization in May 2024. The participants were divided into two groups based on whether they had a steady HP. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the factors influencing whether the participants had a steady HP.

Results

We surveyed 604 participants;211 (34.93%) had a current steady HP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older participants having a steady HP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.07)was associated with an average monthly income >6,000 Chinese yuan (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.01-2.16), a belief that using enhancers such as Rush Popper increases the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection risk (aOR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.02-2.41), identification as purely homosexual (aOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.37-2.99), having engaged in anal sex with a HP in the previous 6 months (aOR: 4.13; 95% CI:2.51-6.90), and knowing the HIV status of their HP (aOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.17-3.06). Participants less likely to have a steady HP had used condoms consistently during anal sex with a HP in the prior 6 months (aOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.35-0.90) and engaged in one-night stands with HPs (aOR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.29-0.65).

Conclusion

A low proportion of participants had steady HPs (34.93%). Therefore, public education for MSM should be promoted to encourage individuals to improve their awareness of HIV infection risks. Sexual responsibility, including correct use and risks of enhancers like Rush Popper, and avoiding high-risk behaviors, such as one-night stands, is crucial to reducing the risks of HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

Exploring Interrelationships between Mental Health Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Aging People Living with HIV in China

INTRODUCTION

Mental health symptoms and cognitive impairment are highly prevalent and intertwined among aging people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to assess the interrelationships and strength of connections between individual mental health symptoms and cognitive impairment. We sought to identify specific symptoms linking mental health and cognitive impairment in aging PLWH.

METHODS

Participants in the Sichuan Older People with HIV Infections Cohort Study (SOHICS) were recruited between November 2018 and April 2021 in China. Mental health symptoms, including depression and anxiety, were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Cognitive impairment was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B). Partial correlation networks were used to depict the interrelationships between mental health symptoms and cognitive impairment, and bridge strength was used to identify specific symptoms linking mental health and cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Of the 1,587 recruited participants with a mean age of 63.0 years old, 47.0% had mild or severe cognitive impairment. Network analysis revealed that cognitive function, visual perception, and problem-solving task of the MoCA-B were negatively correlated with appetite, energy, and motor of the PHQ-9, respectively. Based on their interrelationships, problem-solving task and motor acted as bridge symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Problem-solving task and motor may be potential intervention targets to reduce the overall risk of mental health symptoms and cognitive impairment. Future research could assess the feasibility and effectiveness of specific interventions designed for the two symptoms of aging PLWH.