Full metadata record
| DC Field | Value | Language |
|---|---|---|
| dc.contributor | Department of Applied Social Sciences | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Yan, Elsie (APSS) | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Ku, Ben (APSS) | en_US |
| dc.creator | Chan, Siu Wing Alex | - |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13513 | - |
| dc.language | English | en_US |
| dc.publisher | Hong Kong Polytechnic University | en_US |
| dc.rights | All rights reserved | en_US |
| dc.title | An integrative psychosocial pathway model of discrimination effects on sexual risk behaviors among older men who have sex with men (OMSM) in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Background: The global population is aging rapidly, with projections indicating a significant increase in the proportion of people aged 65 or above by 2050. While there is a growing focus on promoting healthy aging worldwide, the experiences and needs of older men who have sex with men (OMSM) are often overlooked. OMSM face unique challenges due to discrimination based on both age and sexual orientation, which can impact their sexual risk behaviors and overall well-being. Research on these issues is particularly scarce in Chinese-speaking societies, where discussions about sexuality and aging are often taboo. This lack of attention creates a critical gap in understanding how to promote healthy aging for all segments of the population. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Objectives: This study aims to investigate regional differences in discrimination, psychosocial factors, and sexual risk behaviors among OMSM in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China, and to examine the complex relationships between discrimination and sexual risk behaviors in this population, including potential mediating factors. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Methods: In 2021, a multi-regional cross-sectional exploratory comparative study was conducted with N=453 participants evenly distributed across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China (N=151 participants per region). Participants responded to an online survey voluntarily. The study utilized various measures to assess various aspects of the participants' experiences, including discrimination (EDS), social capital (PSCS), sense of control (SCS), psychological distress (GHQ-12), resilience (CDRISC), sexual risk behaviors (SRS), social acceptance (PAS), and legal inclusion (GIRLHO). An integrative psychosocial pathway model of DIScrimination effects on Sexual Risk behaviors in OMSM (DIS-SR Model) was constructed to explain the pathways from discrimination to sexual risk behaviors. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Results: Regional analyses revealed substantial variations in the experiences and well-being of OMSM across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. OMSM in mainland China faced greater constraints on their sense of control, lower social capital, and lower resilience, but reported the lowest psychological distress and highest social acceptance. In contrast, Taiwan and Hong Kong showed higher levels of discrimination and psychological distress, as well as more sexual risk behaviors, but also greater social capital and legal inclusion. The DIS-SR Model revealed significant relationships between discrimination, psychological factors, and sexual risk behaviors among OMSM. Experiencing greater discrimination was associated with better sense of control, higher social capital, and increased resilience, suggesting that OMSM may develop coping mechanisms and social networks in response to discrimination. However, discrimination was also linked to higher psychological distress, indicating its negative impact on mental health. Higher resilience was associated with a better sense of control and higher social capital. Surprisingly, higher psychological distress was related to both greater discrimination and higher social capital, aligning with the minority stress model. OMSM who experienced greater discrimination, had an enhanced sense of control, and higher psychological distress were more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors. The DIS-SR Model yielded a good fit for the data (χ² = 3.77, p = .152; CFI = .99; RMSEA = .04; SRMR = .01). Analysis of indirect effects revealed that psychological distress significantly mediated the relationship between discrimination and sexual risk behaviors. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Conclusions: This study offers key insights into OMSM experiences in Chinese societies, highlighting regional differences and complex relationships between discrimination, psychological distress, and sexual risk behaviors. These findings will guide the development of culturally sensitive interventions and policies, enabling researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to improve OMSM well-being across diverse contexts. The goal is to reduce sexual risk behaviors while fostering psychological growth and social integration for this population. | en_US |
| dcterms.extent | 151 pages : illustrations | en_US |
| dcterms.isPartOf | PolyU Electronic Theses | en_US |
| dcterms.issued | 2024 | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | Ph.D. | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | All Doctorate | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Older men --Sexual behavior | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Older gay men -- China -- Social conditions | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Older gay men --Taiwan -- Social conditions | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Older gay men -- China -- Hong Kong --Social conditions | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations | en_US |
| dcterms.accessRights | open access | en_US |
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