Minority stress and health: A grounded theory exploration among men who have sex with men in China and implications for health research and interventions

摘要

Rationale: Men who have sex with men (MSM) in China are disproportionately affected by HIV and mental health issues. Although predominately western-based research suggests a minority stress perspective to explain health disparities, how Chinese MSM experience stress related to being a sexual minority and how such experiences affect their health have not been carefully examined. Objective: This study was a qualitative investigation of how stress related to sexuality (e.g., stigma, discrimination, and oppression) are experienced among MSM in China and how these experiences affect their psychological and behavioral health.