Behavioural emergencies among HIV-positive men who have sex with men
Abstract
Key take-home messages
- Behavioural emergencies are crises in which a person’s behaviour can become so out of control that he or she becomes a danger to others in their surroundings.
- Few studies have characterized behavioural emergencies among HIV-positive men who have sex with men; most explored mental illness, psychological distress or suicidal ideation in this population.
- In terms of mental health, sexual minorities — specifically men who have sex with men — are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempts.
- Studies among HIV-positive men found that psychological distress, specifically suicidal ideation, was commonly associated with substance use, being black, being heterosexual and living in a precarious financial situation (i.e. homelessness and unemployment).
- Among HIV positive men who have sex with men, the relationship between psychological distress and HIV-status is unclear; however psychological distress is associated with substance use and unemployment.
Authors
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network: Rapid Response Service
Year
2014
Topics
- Determinants of Health
- Employment
- Population(s)
- Men who have sex with men
- General HIV+ population
- Substance Use
- Nonmedicinal drugs
- Mental Health
- Depression
- Psychiatric disorders
