Coping, drug use, and religiosity/spirituality in relation to HIV serostatus among gay and bisexual men.
Cross-sectional data were collected on a sample of 259 gay and bisexual, male-identified individuals as part of a larger study of the psychosocial functioning of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. Analyses considered differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative men in relation to active and religious coping strategies; avoidant coping strategies (specifically, illicit drug use); and the psychosocial states of anxiety, hostility, and depression in relation to self-reported HIV-status of the participants. As compared with HIV-negative men, the HIV positive participants indicated a greater likelihood of engaging in illicit substance use within the previous 3 months, as well as higher levels of both active and religious coping strategies. Illicit substance use also was found to be related to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and hostility. A multivariate model indicated a significant difference in substance-based and active coping strategies among the men surveyed, with persons with a self-reported HIV-positive serostatus endorsing higher levels of both strategies. These results and their implications for prevention and future research are discussed, rooted in the understanding that a complex reality for coping is often enacted by HIV-positive men.
Center for Health, Identity, Behavior, and Prevention Studies, Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, USA.
Melvin C
MC
Hampton
Perry N
PN
Halkitis
Jacqueline S
JS
Mattis
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001727:Bisexuality; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009518:New York; D029181:Spirituality; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D055815:Young Adult