Approach

Due to discriminatory laws and attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ individuals in China, MSM are likely to be affected by mental health issues. To address this, Dr. Liying Wang partnered with SCMC, a Shanghai-based organization providing HIV-related services, and employed a community-based participatory approach to be culturally sensitive within this study. Participants expressed a greater need for practical strategies, such as accessing HIV treatment, rather than cognitive techniques. To bridge this gap, Dr. Wang engaged participants in discussions about their coping mechanisms and presented cognitive strategies, assessing their perceived feasibility and relevance. By adopting a community-based approach, the project is able to comprehend the needs of the community in order to meet the mental health needs of newly diagnosed HIV-positive MSM in China.