Material resources are associated with depression among young men who have sex with men: The P18 Cohort Study

Background: A poor understanding and appreciation of socioeconomic status (SES) as a determinant of LGB mental health may hamper implementation of effective HIV prevention programming.

Methods: We aimed to explore the relationship between SES and depression among young MSM (YMSM) with data from the 36-month follow-up visit of an ongoing prospective study in New York City (NYC).  SES was measured with an 18-item material resource scale (MRS, α=0.91).  Depression was measured with the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI, α=0.92).  Multivariable zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were constructed to examine the relations between material resources and depression. 

Results: The mean age of YMSM in the sample was 21.3 (SD=0.5); 37.4% were Hispanic/Latino, 30.6% were White, 15% were Black, and 17.1% were Asian, Pacific Islander, or some other race/ethnicity.  Most (72.6%) reported incomes ≤$10,000; the mean MRS score was 4.1 (SD=0.9, range=0-5; 4 is equivalent to having resources more than half the time). The BDI rated 17.6% as depressed. In zero-inflated negative binomial regression models, a one point increase in the MRS score was associated with a lower incidence rate ratio (IRR) of depression (IRR=0.98, 95% CI=0.98, 0.99) after controlling for age, race, and education.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that employing a measure of material resources may provide a more nuanced understanding of SES among YMSM.  The availability of material resources is related to mental health, particularly depression.  Better understanding the relationship between SES and mental health may impact programs aimed at improving health and well-being, including HIV prevention efforts.