The Intent to Seek Mental Health Services Among BMSM in Jackson, MS
Vernaldo Wilson1, Jalyn Norwood2, Shantoni Holbrook, MPH3
1Mississippi INBRE Service Scholar, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
2Mississippi INBRE Service Scholar, Holmes Community College, Ridgeland, MS
3My Brother’s Keeper, Inc., Jackson, MS
A reported 44 million, 18%, of American adults have a mental health condition. However, no demographic is more affected by mental health than black men who have sex with men (BMSM). It is hypothesized that when educational conversations about mental health issues and services are initiated, there can be an increase in intent to seek mental health services among BMSM in Jackson, MS. Data was obtained using reports from baseline, pre, and post intervention surveys in 8 sessions of year three, quarter three of the Connect with Us - ManDate program in Jackson, MS. There was a total of 67 participants identifying as BMSM ranging from 18-58 years of age. The Baseline survey measured ways to understand the current state of mental health, and mental health seeking behaviors. In the Pre and Post-Intervention surveys, the intent to seek mental health services every 3 months was reported by participants and measured. The Pre-Intervention survey ascertained initial intent and the Post-Intervention survey evaluated intent after the ManDate sessions. In the Baseline survey, 60.7% of participants reported having not considered speaking with a mental health professional. The Pre and Post-Intervention surveys revealed 27% (pre) and 37.3% (post) reported the intent to seek mental health services every 3 months. Participants’ intent to seek mental health services every 3 months increased by 10.3%. Therefore, these findings show an increase in the intent of BMSM seeking mental health services due to educational conversations on mental health through the ManDate Intervention program. Acknowledgement: This work was funded by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the NIGMS under grant number P20GM103476.