Stress and social stigma among men who have sex with men: An observational study
Rupak Chatterjee, Shatavisa MukherjeeAbstract
Background:
Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a diverse population, including gay, bisexual, and other men who engage in same-sex sexual behaviors, regardless of how they choose to identify themselves. In many societies, MSM remain subject to stigma, discrimination, and social isolation, which can intensify levels of stress and mental health problems. This study aimed to explore stress indicators and associated social factors among MSM attending a healthcare facility.
Material and Methods:
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending a specialized sexual health clinic in an urban Indian setting. Thirty-five eligible participants were recruited through convenience sampling and interviewed using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, disclosure status, stress-related symptoms, coping mechanisms, and social functioning. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies and proportions.
Results:
A total of 35 individuals who self-identified as MSM or had a history of same-sex behavior participated. Their ages ranged from 21 to 51 years, with a diverse range of occupations, education levels, and presenting health conditions. The results underscore that stress was pervasive: participants frequently reported somatic symptoms (headaches and poor sleep), psychological distress (nervousness and feelings of worthlessness), and social challenges (reduced social capital and limited family support). In particular, nondisclosure of their MSM status correlated with selected mental health complaints, suggesting the burden of concealment. Higher income and education levels offered some protective factors, such as a greater sense of control over irritations and the ability to handle personal problems, yet stigma persisted across the social strata.
Conclusion:
These findings mirror the minority stress theory, which posits that external prejudice and internalized homophobia yield heightened stress levels among MSM. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions that address psychosocial determinants of health in addition to biomedical concerns, ensuring that MSM can seek comprehensive care without fear of prejudice or loss of confidentiality.