Effect of stress and avoidant coping on depression and the moderating role of age among men who have sex with men: Findings from a 6-month prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of mental health problems. Few studies have examined the risk factors for mental health problems of Chinese MSM and identified potential moderators using a longitudinal design. OBJECTIVES The present study examined the effect of stress and avoidant coping on depression among MSM, and the moderating role of age on such relationship. METHODOLOGY A 6-month observational prospective cohort study was conducted among Chinese MSM. Respectively 592 and 402 MSM completed a survey at baseline and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS The prevalence of probable depression was 36.1% at baseline and 34.1% at 6-month follow-up. After adjusting for background characteristics and baseline depression score, both stress (β = .22, p<.05) and avoidant coping (β = .14, p<.05) showed significant positive relationship with depression at 6-month follow-up. The interaction effect of age and stress / avoidant coping was also significant. The effect of stress on depression was stronger among younger MSM, and the effect of avoidant coping on depression was significant among younger MSM but non-significant among older MSM. CONCLUSIONS Mental health promotion for MSM should reduce stress and avoidant coping, and specific intervention should be designed for younger MSM.