(672) Sexual Quality of Life and Sexual Dysfunction in Italian MSM: The Role of Psychosocial Factors

Introduction Sexual dysfunction (SD) and Sexual Quality of Life (SQoL) remain understudied among men who have sex with men (MSM), despite their significant impact on overall well-being. MSM face unique psychological challenges, including minority stress, stemming from stigma and prejudice, and intraminority stress, arising from within-group competition. While these factors are recognized as influential, research exploring their interplay with sociodemographic variables in shaping SD and SQoL is limited. Addressing this gap is crucial for developing targeted interventions that improve both clinical and subjective aspects of sexual health in this population. Objective This study aims to investigate the sociodemographic and psychological predictors of SD and SQoL among Italian cisgender MSM. Specifically, it examines how age, employment, sexual orientation, relationship status, depression, anxiety, and intraminority stress contribute to SD and SQoL. Methods The study employed an observational, cross-sectional design with a sample of 688 Italian cisgender MSM, aged 18 to 69 (M = 34.7). Data were collected via a Qualtrics™ survey, utilizing validated scales to assess SD, SQoL, depression, anxiety, and intraminority stress. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 29, with sociodemographic variables entered in Block 1 and psychological variables in Block 2. Results For the Sexual Dysfunction (SD) model, sociodemographic variables alone accounted for 2.8% of the variance, though the model was not statistically significant. Higher age was associated with lower dysfunction (b = −0.087, p = 0.036). The inclusion of psychological variables significantly increased the explained variance to 13.5% (ΔR2 = 0.108, p < 0.001), revealing that depression (b = 0.264, p = 0.004) and intraminority stress (b = 0.036, p = 0.012) were significant predictors of greater dysfunction. Employment status also emerged as a significant predictor when psychological factors were considered (b = 2.037, p = 0.031). In the Sexual Quality of Life (SQoL) model, sociodemographic variables explained 5.9% of the variance, with relationship status predicting better SQoL (b = −5.160, p < 0.001). The addition of psychological variables substantially increased the explained variance to 27.6% (ΔR2 = 0.217, p < 0.001). Depression (b = 0.347, p = 0.010), anxiety (b = 0.419, p = 0.004), and intraminority stress (b = 0.097, p < 0.001) were all associated with poorer SQoL, while higher social status was protective (b = −1.120, p < 0.001). Conclusions Psychological distress, particularly depression and intraminority stress, is the primary driver of both SD and poor SQoL among MSM. Sociodemographic factors, such as employment and relationship status, influence SD and SQoL differently, underscoring the need for tailored interventions. To comprehensively address sexual health in MSM, interventions should integrate mental health support and address social determinants, such as relationship dynamics and workplace stress. This study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to sexual health care that goes beyond clinical dysfunction to include subjective well-being. Disclosure No