Depression and homonegativity disparities in Brazilian gay men: The importance of HIV-status

This study examines the association between HIV status, depressive symptoms, and homonegativity among Brazilian gay men. A total of 410 participants, 217 (52.9%) living with HIV and 193 (47.1%) without HIV, completed the Beck Depression Inventory II, the Internalized Homophobia Scale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results indicated high prevalence of depressive symptoms in both groups (52.2% among those living with HIV and 62.6% among those without). Mean BDI-II scores were lower among participants living with HIV (<i>M</i> = 11.48, SD = 9.00) compared to those without HIV (<i>M</i> = 13.92, SD = 9.62; <i>p</i> = 0.008). Homonegativity also differed, with lower scores among participants living with HIV (<i>M</i> = 25.78, SD = 8.83) than those without HIV (<i>M</i> = 30.92, SD = 3.65; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Homonegativity contributed to the association between HIV status and depression. These findings highlight the need for policies against stigma, expanded mental health care, and tailored interventions.