Psychiatric morbidity, risk-taking behavior, internalized stigma and perceived social support in men having sex with men: A cross-sectional study

Background: Research has shown a high prevalence of mental health disorders in homosexuals with high risk-taking behavior. Sexual minority groups are often prey to many psychosocial stressors such as harassment, victimization, and fear of rejection. Aim: To understand the occurrence of psychiatric morbidity, risk-taking behavior, stigma, and social support in the men having sex with men (MSM) population and correlate its relation with each other. Materials and Methods: One hundred participants were selected via randomized sample selection from the existing list of registered MSM accessing services from MDACS, and a detailed psychiatric interview was taken with diagnoses as per ICD10 criteria. Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were applied for further evaluation. Results: Forty-eight study participants had psychiatric morbidity with substance use and mood disorders being more common. High risk-taking behavior was found to be less in the sample. Internalized stigma was high on identity and social discomfort subscale. The total mean MISS-G score was found to be 35.64 ± 35.57. Social support was more from significant others. MSPSS scale had a total mean score of 58.59 ± 20. There was a negative correlation between stigma and social support. Psychiatric morbidity was associated with high stigma and poor social support. Conclusion: This study shows that MSM is at higher risk for psychiatric illnesses like depression and internalized sexual stigma. The social support experienced by them is also poor. Hence, there is a need to spread awareness and address the mental health issues of this minority.