Exploring the mental health of black men who have sex with men.
Current research indicates that black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately burdened by depressive distress and anxiety disorders as compared to their white gay and heterosexual counterparts. This study utilizes focus groups to qualitatively explore issues surrounding the mental health status of this population in an attempt to shed light on potential influencing and determinant factors. Twenty-two self-identified black, or multi-racial including black, MSM residing in Atlanta, Georgia participated in two focus groups--11 subjects each, respectively. Categories that emerged from data analysis include: knowledge/experiences, attitudes/beliefs, societal action/behavior, identity development, relationship functionality, and mental health status. Overarching themes for each category were delineated.
Graham
Louis F
LF
Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, NC 27402, USA. lfgraham@uncg.edu
Braithwaite
Kisha
K
Spikes
Pilgrim
P
Stephens
Charles F
CF
Edu
Ugo F
UF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D017144:Focus Groups; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult