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Interpersonal Sensitivity and Loneliness among Chinese Gay Men: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Dongdong Jiang

    (School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yitan Hou

    (School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Xiangfan Chen

    (School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China)

  • Rui Wang

    (School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China)

  • Chang Fu

    (Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China)

  • Baojing Li

    (School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China)

  • Lei Jin

    (Department of Sociology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, RM 431, Sino Building, Shatin, Hong Kong, China)

  • Thomas Lee

    (Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA)

  • Xiaojun Liu

    (School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China
    Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, China)

Abstract

To understand the current status of, and factors related to interpersonal sensitivity (IS) and loneliness among Chinese gay men. The Chinese version SCL-90-R was used to evaluate the status of IS, and the short-form UCLA Loneliness scale (ULS-8) was used for assessing loneliness level. Associations between demographics and IS were examined by chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regress analysis. Linear regression was used to assess the correlations between demographic factors and IS and loneliness. Dating practices and venues were summarized by multiple responses. Gay men who screened positive IS was identified in 36%. Age (OR 25–29 = 8.731, 95% CI 2.296 to 33.139), education level (OR college = 0.037, 95% CI 0.046 to 0.911), being the only-child at home (OR yes = 4.733, 95% CI 2.293 to 9.733), monthly income (OR >7000 = 0.228, 95% CI 0.055 to 0.944), numbers of current sexual partners (OR 1 = 0.285, 95% CI 0.129 to 0.629; OR 2 = 0.109 95% CI 0.027 to 0.431) were related to IS. IS was also associated with a higher score of ULS-8 (β = 6.903, p < 0.001). Other variables associated with the score of ULS-8 included: living in a non-nuclear family (β = 0.998, p = 0.020), being a college student (β = −1.556, p = 0.044), having a higher monthly income (β for 3000–5000 yuan = −1.177, p = 0.045; β for over 7000 yuan = −2.207, p = 0.002), having sexual partners (all β < 1, p < 0.001), being the only-child (β = 1.393, p = 0.005). Nearly half of the sample (46.78%) reported that they looked for dating partners on the Internet or dating apps. IS and loneliness are positively correlated. Our study suggests that more humanistic care and social support should be given to Chinese gay men.

Suggested Citation

  • Dongdong Jiang & Yitan Hou & Xiangfan Chen & Rui Wang & Chang Fu & Baojing Li & Lei Jin & Thomas Lee & Xiaojun Liu, 2019. "Interpersonal Sensitivity and Loneliness among Chinese Gay Men: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:11:p:2039-:d:238194
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xiaojun Liu & Dongdong Jiang & Xiangfan Chen & Anran Tan & Yitan Hou & Meikun He & Yuanan Lu & Zongfu Mao, 2018. "Mental Health Status and Associated Contributing Factors among Gay Men in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-11, May.
    2. Han, Xi & Li, Bei & Qu, Jiabin & Zhu, Qinghua, 2018. "Weibo friends with benefits for people live with HIV/AIDS? The implications of Weibo use for enacted social support, perceived social support and health outcomes," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 157-163.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dongdong Jiang & Yitan Hou & Jinwei Hao & Jiayi Zhou & Junfeng Jiang & Quan Wang, 2020. "Association between Personal Social Capital and Loneliness among Widowed Older People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-11, August.

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