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First published on January 23, 2008, doi:10.1177/1557988307312883
A more recent version of this article appeared on June 6, 2008
 © 2008 SAGE Publications

Article

The Relationship of Depressive Symptoms, Self-Esteem, and Sexual Behaviors in a Predominantly Hispanic Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men

Joseph P. De Santis, PhD, ARNP, ACRN*, Jessie M. Colin, PhD, RN, Elias Provencio Vasquez, PhD, NP. FAAN, FAANP, and Gail C. McCain, PhD, RN, FAAN

University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jdesantis{at}miami.edu.


  Abstract
Despite public health campaigns and safer sex messages, many men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to participate in high-risk sexual behaviors, which may make them vulnerable to HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors in a predominantly Hispanic sample of MSM. This correlational study sampled 205 MSM (M = 37 years of age, SD = ±8) representing the diverse ethnic composition of South Florida. This sample consisted of ethnic minorities (79%) with a large number of foreign-born men (69%). Participants completed measures of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors. Results indicated that higher levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of self-esteem had a statistically significant relationship to lower levels of safer sexual behaviors. Lower income, lower educational level, and preference for Spanish language were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms; lower income was associated with lower levels of self-esteem; and foreign birth and a preference for Spanish language were associated with lower levels of safer sex behaviors. Higher levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of self-esteem were associated with high-risk sexual behaviors in this sample of MSM. Further research needs to be directed at culturally specific mental health and HIV prevention strategies for these vulnerable MSM.


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