Psychosocial and sexual health among men with and without HIV who have sex with men: A cross-sectional nationwide study in Denmark

Ditte Scofield*, Morten Frisch, Mikael Andersson, Merete Storgaard, Gitte Pedersen, Isik S. Johansen, Terese L. Katzenstein, Christian Graugaard, Lars H. Omland, Nina Weis, Ellen Moseholm

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men (MSM) since its onset. Despite important medical advancements in treatment, the enduring effects of living with HIV continue to adversely impact the health and well-being of this population. This cross-sectional nationwide study examined psychosocial and sexual health among MSM in Denmark, comparing those living with and without HIV.

METHODS: Data from MSM living with HIV were collected from the SHARE study, a Danish nationwide survey that investigated psychosocial, sexual and reproductive health among people with HIV, and compared with data from MSM without HIV, retrieved from the nationally representative cohort study, Project SEXUS. Associations between HIV status and psychosocial and sexual health outcomes were examined using logistic regression models while controlling for potentially confounding variables.

RESULTS: Among 369 MSM with HIV and 1002 MSM without HIV, logistic regression analyses revealed that living with HIV was significantly associated with having current symptoms of anxiety and depression and greater dissatisfaction with one's body. Additionally, MSM with HIV significantly more often than MSM without HIV reported low sexual desire, sexual inactivity, a lack of sexual needs in the last year and erectile dysfunction. Having received payment for sex was more frequently reported by MSM with HIV, as was sexualised drug use, including chemsex drugs.

CONCLUSION: Compared with MSM without HIV, MSM with HIV in Denmark report a higher burden of mental health and sex life challenges.

Original languageEnglish
JournalHIV Medicine
Volume25
Issue number11
Pages (from-to)1203-1217
Number of pages15
ISSN1464-2662
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024

Bibliographical note

© 2024 The Author(s). HIV Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British HIV Association.

Keywords

  • HIV
  • chemsex
  • men who have sex with men
  • mental health
  • sexual health

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