Minority Stress in the Lives of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Cape Town,South Africa |
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| Authors: | Ayesha McAdams-Mahmoud Rob Stephenson Christopher Rentsch Hannah Cooper Kimberly Jacob Arriola Geoffrey Jobson |
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| Institution: | 1. Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA;2. Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA;3. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA;4. Anova Health Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa |
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| Abstract: | The mental health outcomes of men who have sex with men (MSM) living in sub-Saharan Africa are understudied, despite evidence that discrimination and stigma are widespread. This article examines the occurrence and mental health effects of minority stress in a sample of diverse South African MSM. Twenty-two MSM living in Cape Town took part in exploratory qualitative in-depth interviews and completed mental health questionnaires. Results indicate that the majority of participants experienced minority stress, which affected their sexual relationships and coping strategies. Concealment behaviors and perceived discrimination levels were high and were associated with race, religion, SES, and geographical location. |
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| Keywords: | minority stress MSM homophobia qualitative South Africa |
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