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Title Experiences of minority stress among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Nigeria, Africa: The intersection of mental health, substance use, and HIV sexual risk behavior.
Full text https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0s25m303
Date 2021
Author(s) Ogunbajo, Adedotun; Iwuagwu, Stella; Williams, Rashidi; Biello, Katie B; Kahler, Christopher W; Sandfort, Theodorus GM; Mimiaga, Matthew J
Abstract Nigerian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience social marginalisation, discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation and same-sex attraction, which may affect mental health, substance use, and HIV sexual risk behavior. The goal of the current study was to conduct formative qualitative research to gain better understanding of these issues among GBMSM in Lagos, Nigeria. Face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 GBMSM in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were analysed using a deductive content analysis approach. We found that Nigerian GBMSM experienced both general life stressors as well as proximal and distal sexual minority identity stressors, including rejection by family members, harassment, and physical violence perpetrated by the general public and police officers. Participants described dealing with mental health problems within the context of family rejection, experienced stigma due to sexual orientation, and feelings of social isolation. Substance use was described as occurring within the context of social settings. Lastly, some participants mentioned that they engaged in risky sexual behaviour while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. These findings call for comprehensive and innovative, GBMSM-affirming behavioural healthcare, substance cessation services, and innovative HIV prevention interventions specifically designed and tailored for Nigerian GBMSM.
Subject(s) Humans; HIV Infections; Substance-Related Disorders; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Homosexuality; Male; Mental Health; Nigeria; Female; Male; Sexual and Gender Minorities; GBMSM; Minority stress; mental health; substance use; Infectious Diseases; Substance Misuse; Behavioral and Social Science; Violence Research; HIV/AIDS; Prevention; Clinical Research; Prevention of disease and conditions; and promotion of well-being; 3.1 Primary prevention interventions to modify behaviours or promote wellbeing; 2.3 Psychological; social and economic factors; Aetiology; Mental health; Good Health and Well Being; Public Health and Health Services; Public Health
Coverage 1696 - 1710
Publisher eScholarship, University of California
Type of publication article
Format application/pdf
Source Global public health, vol 16, iss 11
Rights public
Identifier qt0s25m303
Repository Berkeley - University of California
Added to C-A: 2023-07-12;10:08:57