Use of PrEP, sexual behaviors and mental health correlates in a sample of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men

Abstract

We sought to document the correlates of mental health and sexual behaviors of PrEP using and non-using gay, bisexual, and other MSM. Depression, anxiety and internalized homophobia scores were all significantly lower for PrEP users compared to HIV-negative non-PrEP users. PrEP use was found to moderate the relationship between anxiety and condomless anal intercourse (CAI), such that rates of anxiety were higher for non-PrEP users reporting greater numbers of CAI partners, while remaining stable for PrEP users. Use of PrEP was associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and internalized homophobia.

Keywords:

• PrEP
• sexual behavior
• men who have sex with men
• internalized homophobia
• mental health

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Daniel Siconolfi for his assistance with the study and review of the manuscript.

Conflicts of interests

The authors have no conflicts to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

Research support was provided by the Middlebury College Faculty Professional Development Fund.