Psychological Consequences in Men Who Have Sex with Men Newly Diagnosed with HIV: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The risk of acquiring HIV is 28 times higher in men who have sex with men (MSM), a group identified by UNAIDS as a key population. The extant literature indicates that this population experiences significant psychosocial problems in the form of discrimination and stigmatization, which would serve to exacerbate the impact of an HIV diagnosis. The objective of this research was to present the findings of studies conducted between 2012 and 2022 on the psychological effects of a recent HIV diagnosis among men who have sex with men (MSM). To this end, a scoping review was conducted to examine the psychological consequences of a recent HIV diagnosis in men who have sex with men (MSM). In accordance with the PRISMA method, a total of 27 articles were identified for review, upon which a thematic analysis was conducted. The majority of the studies were published in journals with a focus on sexuality and/or HIV/AIDS, with the majority of these studies originating from China. The analysis provides information on the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders and the psychosocial changes that MSM experience after diagnosis, including the development of clinical and subclinical symptoms. Furthermore, the emergence of post-traumatic growth has been documented, with the potential for this to be influenced by psychological variables preceding the acquisition of the virus. Resilience, disease perception, and self-stigma related to sexual activity with men and HIV represent significant sociocultural factors in the psychological impact. These findings suggest that psychological intervention is a crucial aspect of care and necessitates social and cultural sensitivity.