Psychosocial and behavioral characteristics of HIV-infected men who have sex with men
Objective. Identification of psychosocial characteristics, attitudes toward their own HIV status, and the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM).Chirskaya M.A., Khalezova N.B., Monakhov N.E., Sereda E.Zh., Myagkova O.S., Rusina E.A., Vinogradova T.N.
Materials and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study among 114 men infected with HIV through homosexual contact was conducted. Clinical and anamnestic (analysis of medical records), clinical and laboratory methods, and questionnaires were used.
Results. 86 (76%) men had higher or secondary specialized education, and 102 (90%) were employed. The duration of follow-up at the AIDS Center was 5.2 ± 4.5 years. 78% of the men had previously been treated for STIs, of whom 61% had at least one history of syphilis. Almost all men—104 (93%)—were informed about the possibility of post-exposure prophylaxis for STIs, but only 32 (29%) patients used it. A psychiatrist at the AIDS Center monitored 77 patients (68%). The most common psychiatric diagnoses were substance dependence syndromes (27%), neurotic and stress-related disorders (22%), and organic mental disorders (20%). Forty-four (38%) MSM had a history of drug use. Currently, 23 (20%) men were active drug users (61% used synthetic cathinones).
Conclusion. HIV-infected MSM represent a heterogeneous group within the HIV epidemic, characterized by a range of specific psychosocial and behavioral characteristics.
Keywords
MSM
STIs
HIV infection
substance abuse
chemsex
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About the Authors
Maria A. Chirskaya, Cand. Med. Sci., Dermatovenereologist, Head, Outpatient Somatic Department; Infectious Disease Specialist, Outpatient Infectious Diseases Department №. 1; Saint Petersburg Center for the Prevention and Control AIDS and Infectious Diseases, Saint Petersburg, Russia; mariya-gezej@yandex.ru; http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9659-8649Nadezhda B. Khalezova, Cand. Med. Sci, Psychiatrist-Narcologist, Saint Petersburg Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases; Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia; khalezo@gmail.com; http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3461-1128
Nikita E. Monakhov, Infectiologist, Head, Outpatient Infectious Diseases Department № 3, Saint Petersburg Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases, Saint Petersburg Russia; kitt_898989@mail.ru; http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8935-7863
Emanuel Zh. Sereda, Infectiologist, Saint Petersburg Center for AIDS and Infectious Diseases; Therapist, 9th Differential Diagnostic Department for Adults, Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of Infectious Diseases, Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Saint Petersburg, Russia; do-one@yandex.ru; http://orcid.org/0009-0003-0726-0147
Olga S. Myagkova, Infectiologist, Outpatient Infectious Diseases Department № 3, Saint Petersburg Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases, Saint Petersburg, Russia; puginoli@gmail.ru
Elena A. Rusina, Student, Pavlov First Saint. Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia; die_heard@mail.ru.
Tatyana N. Vinogradova, Cand. Med. Sci., Chief Physician, Saint. Petersburg Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases, Saint Petersburg, Russia; vino75@mail.ru; http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1995-4755
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