Distress and Depression in men who Have sex With men: the Urban Men’s Health Study

This study estimates the prevalence of depression & describes the correlates & independent associations of distress & depression among American men who have sex with men. A household-based probability sample of 2,881 men who have sex with men was interviewed between 1996-1998 in 4 large American cities. The 7-day prevalence of depression in men who have sex with men was 17.2%, higher than in adult American men in general. Depression was associated with histories of attempted suicide, child abuse, & recent sexual dysfunction. These high rates of distress & depression have important public health ramifications. Results suggest prevention efforts that might be effective for this population. (52 refs)