Low Psychological Well-being in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) During the Shelter-in-Place Orders to Prevent the COVID-19 Spread: Results from a Nationwide Study

• Published in: Sexuality research & social policy Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 391 - 400
• Main Authors: Camargo, Emerson Lucas Silva, de Oliveira, Bruna Isabela Adolpho, Siffoni, Igor Fessina, de Sousa, Anderson Reis, Teixeira, Jules Ramon Brito, Mendes, Isabel Amélia Costa, de Sousa, Álvaro Francisco Lopes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-03-2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Cross-sectional studies; Men who have sex with men; Original Research; Pandemics; Polyamory; Psychological well being; Psychology; Resilience; Sexual Behavior; Snowball sampling; Social isolation; Social media; Social networks; Social Sciences; Well being; Brazil; Gay man; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Well-being; Psychological well-being; Men who have sex with men
• ISSN: 1868-9884; 1553-6610
• DOI: 10.1007/s13178-021-00550-5

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.