RESUMO
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are one of the populations most likely to be infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) worldwide. Sexual risk behaviors (SRB) are the main route of HIV transmission. Among the factors associated with SRB, internalized homophobia (rejection of one's sexuality) is a risk factor unique for MSM. However, how this factor influences SRB is not clear. Therefore, the present study attempts to clarify the mechanism of action of the relationship between internalized homophobia on SRB based on the mediating effects of sexual self-concept. A study was conducted with 124 MSM living in Chile over 18 years of age (M = 24.4 and SD = 4.19). Through path analysis, it was observed that internalized homophobia has slight inverse effects on SRBs (multiple sexual partners and sexual activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs) when the sexual self-efficacy dimension acts as a mediating variable. These findings suggest that developing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns focused on MSM must highlight the development of a healthy sexual self-concept and address self-stigma.
RESUMO
Resumen: El Suicidio es un grave problema de salud pública, por lo que evaluar su riesgo es fundamental para su prevención. Si bien existen múltiples factores relacionados, se cuentan con pocos instrumentos psicométricos para la medición conjunta de factores protectores y de riesgo, dificultando una comprensión multidimensional del comportamiento suicida. Sobre esta base, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo desarrollar una propuesta de evaluación multidimensional, de rápida aplicación, que permita evaluar tanto factores de riesgo como protectores. Se utilizó un diseño transversal, de tipo instrumental, junto a un muestreo no probabilístico, por disponibilidad, con dos muestras, de adultos jóvenes mayores de 18 años (n= 405 y n=117). El instrumento final se compone de 25 ítems y 5 dimensiones (i.e. ideación suicida, estrategias de afrontamiento enfocadas en la emoción, autoestima, apoyo social percibido y expectativas hacia el futuro). Los resultados indican buen ajuste del modelo, utilizando ESEM , adecuados niveles de fiabilidad (ω> .8) (α > 0.7). Además, se contó con evidencia de validez basada en la relación con otras variables e invarianza métrica entre hombres y mujeres. Los resultados obtenidos, sugieren que las puntuaciones son fiables y presentan evidencias de validez para su interpretación en población equivalente.
Abstract: Suicide is a major public health concern, making risk assessment essential for its prevention. Although there are multiple related factors, there are few psychometric tools for the joint measurement of both protective and risk factors, making a multidimensional understanding of suicidal behaviour difficult. On this basis, the present study aims to develop a quickly applicable, multidimensional assessment approach to evaluate both risk and protective factors. A cross-sectional, instrumental design was used, together with a non-probabilistic, availability sampling, with two samples of young adults over 18 years of age (n=405 and n=117). The final measure is composed by 25 items and 5 dimensions (i.e. suicidal ideation, emotion-focused coping strategies, self-esteem, perceived social support and expectations towards the future). Results show good model fit, using ESEM, adequate levels of reliability (ω> .8) (α > 0.7). In addition, there was evidence of validity based on the relationship with other variables and metric invariance between men and women. Results suggest that the scores are reliable and present evidence of validity for their interpretation in equivalent populations.