- Autores: Emerson Lucas Silva Camargo, Bruna Isabela Adolpho de Oliveira, Igor Fessina Siffoni, Anderson Reis de Sousa, Jules Ramon Brito Teixeira, Isabel Amélia Costa Mendes, Álvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa
- Ano de Publicação: 2021
- Journal: Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 19(1), pp 391 - 400
- Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00550-5
ABSTRACT
‘Introduction:’
Little is known about how sheltering in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 over extended periods affects individuals’ psychological well-being. This study’s objective was to analyze the factors associated with MSM’s (men who have sex with men) low psychological well-being in the COVID-19 pandemic context.
‘Method:’
This cross-sectional study was conducted online across Brazil (26 states and federal district) in April and May 2020. The participants were recruited using snowball sampling and Facebook posts. Data were collected using social media and MSM dating apps. We estimated the prevalence, crude prevalence ratio (PR), and the respective confidence intervals (CI95%).
‘Results:’
The prevalence of low psychological well-being found in the sample was 7.9%. Associated factors were belonging to the youngest group (PR 2.76; CI95% 1.90–4.01), having polyamorous relationships (PR 2.78; CI95% 1.51–5.11), not complying with social isolation measures (PR 6.27; CI95% 4.42–8.87), not using the social media to find partners (PR 1.63; CI95% 1.06–2.53), having multiple sexual partners (PR 1.80; CI95% 1.04–3.11), having reduced the number of partners (PR 2.67; CI95% 1.44–4.95), and group sex (PR 1.82; CI95% 1.23–2.69)
‘Conclusion:’
The well-being of MSM living in Brazil was negatively affected during the social distancing measures intended to control the spread of COVID-19. The variables that contributed the most to this outcome include social isolation, relationships established with partners, and sexual behavior.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Planning and implementing public policies and actions to promote psychological well-being are needed to improve MSM’s resilience by adopting safe strategies and behavior.
KEYWORDS
Psychological well-being; Well-being; Men who have sex with men; Gay man; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2.