Prevalence and Behavioral Correlates of Depression and Anxiety Among Male Sex Workers in Vietnam

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Objectives: This study assessed depression and anxiety symptoms and their association with high-risk sexual and drug behaviors among male sex workers in 3 Vietnamese cities. Methods: Male sex workers ages 16 to 35 years old completed an interview that included the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale to assess depressive symptoms and the Beck Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety symptoms, as well as questions assessing drug and sexual risk practices. Results: A majority of participants reported depressive symptomatology, although fewer reported symptoms of anxiety. Risky sexual and drug use practices predicted both types of symptoms. Conclusions: Mental distress is associated with drug and sexual risk among male sex workers.

KEYWORDS:

• Depression
• anxiety
• male sex workers
• Vietnam

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to acknowledge the effort of the research teams in Hanoi, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City and the men who participated in the study.

FUNDING

This project was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (R01DA022170, M. Clatts, principal investigator).