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A Description of Common Mental Disorders in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Referred for Assessment and Intervention at an MSM Clinic in Cape Town, South Africa

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Abstract

Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a higher prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD), as compared with heterosexual men. HIV infection is independently associated with higher rates of CMD. Given this context, and the high background community prevalence of HIV in South Africa, MSM are at even greater risk of developing CMD. The aim of this research was to investigate neuropsychiatric symptoms and disorders in MSM who were referred for assessment and management of mental health problems, in an MSM Clinic in urban Cape Town, South Africa. Twenty-five men were screened using the MINI, AUDIT, DUDIT, and IPDE Screener. Depression, suicidality, as well as alcohol and drug use disorders were highly prevalent in this group (44, 56, 48, and 56 % respectively). The personality disorder screening was suggestive of a high prevalence of personality disorders. The high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders in this sample supports the idea that integrated mental health services are needed to address the complex needs of this population. Adequate input into the mental health needs of this population could reduce the potential for HIV acquisition and transmission, improve adherence to treatment and care, and ensure the provision a comprehensive health service for MSM.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by PEPFAR through USAID under the terms of Award No. 674-A-00-08-00009-00. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Kevin Stoloff, John A. Joska & Dorothy Feast

  2. Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa

    Glenn De Swardt, Johan Hugo, Helen Struthers, James McIntyre & Kevin Rebe

  3. Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    James McIntyre

  4. Department of Psychiatry and Mental health, Groote Schuur Hospital, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, South Africa

    Kevin Stoloff

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  1. Kevin Stoloff
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  2. John A. Joska
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  3. Dorothy Feast
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  4. Glenn De Swardt
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  5. Johan Hugo
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  6. Helen Struthers
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  7. James McIntyre
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  8. Kevin Rebe
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Correspondence to Kevin Stoloff.

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Stoloff, K., Joska, J.A., Feast, D. et al. A Description of Common Mental Disorders in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Referred for Assessment and Intervention at an MSM Clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. AIDS Behav 17 (Suppl 1), 77–81 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0430-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0430-3

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