Associated factors of self-reported psychopathology and health related quality of life among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV/AIDS in Dalian, China: a pilot study

Background:Despite the availability of Anti-Retroviral Therapy(ART),the health-related quality of life(HRQoL)among HIV-positive men who have sex with men(HIVMSM)in China remains poor.This study aimed to explore the relationship between self-reported psychopathology and HRQoL among HIVMSM in Dalian,China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in 112 HIVMSM.Symptom check list 90(SCL 90):a measure of psychopathology and World Health Organization quality of life in HIV infection(WHOQOL-HIV-Bref):a measure of HRQoL were used.Correlation and multiple regression analysis were employed to explore the association between self-reported psychopathology and HRQoL in HIVMSM.Results:Out of the total 112 HIVMSM cases,9(8%)cases were homosexuals and 103(92%)ones were bisexuals.The participants who had low family income(P=0.001),perceived discrimination(P=0.001)and lack of regular attendance in medical follow-ups(P=0.014)reported poorer HRQoL than their counterparts.Somatization,obsession,depression,phobia and overall SCL 90 scores in self-reported psycholpathology had a negative impact on the domains of HRQoL among HIVMSM.Conclusions:Total quality of life was predicted by family income,perceived discrimination,and medical follow-up attendance.Self-reported psychopathology was negatively correlated with HRQoL in HIVMSM.The Strategies that target MSM focusing on linking and engaging HIV-positive patients in medical care is the key step to improve their HRQoL.More emphasis is needed on the newly diagnosed HIVMSM in Dalian in order to develop a more targeted intervention to prevent perceived discrimination and lack of proper medical follow-up services.Trial registration:The trial registration number does not require for this manuscript.The study is cross-sectional design that do not involve intervention at all,it is not a clinical trial.