Intersecting health implications: HIV/AIDS and mental health among men who have sex with men in the United States during COVID-19 pandemic

The intersecting health implications of HIV/AIDS and mental health among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been of significant concern, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the relationship between these two health domains is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support services. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HIV/AIDS and mental health among MSM in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring the predictors of the mental health index and their implications for this population. A regression analysis was conducted using a dataset of (N = 366) MSM participants. The variables examined included HIV prevalence, COVID-19 cases, deaths, testing rate, new HIV infections, and the mental health index. The regression analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the predictor variables and the mental health index (multiple R = 0.9555, R2 = 0.9129). HIV prevalence emerged as a significant predictor, indicating that for every unit increase in HIV prevalence, there was an estimated increase of 532.7836 in the mental health index among MSM (p < 0.0001). However, COVID-19 cases, deaths, testing rate, and new HIV infections did not demonstrate significant relationships with the mental health index (p > 0.05). The findings highlight the significance of HIV/AIDS as a crucial factor influencing the mental health outcomes of MSM during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 91.29% of the variability in the mental health index can be explained by the included variables. Tailored interventions and support services that integrate HIV prevention and mental health promotion are needed to address the unique challenges faced by this population. Efforts should be made to reduce stigma, promote inclusivity, and provide comprehensive healthcare services that encompass both HIV/AIDS management and mental health support.