The study looks at loneliness among Brazilian men who have sex with men through a public-health and social-determinants lens. Rather than treating loneliness only as an individual emotional state, the article places it within material vulnerability, community belonging, social networks, and behavioral health.
The sample included 1,196 participants, and more than half reported moderate or high loneliness.
Key findings
- 52.7% of participants reported moderate or high loneliness.
- Greater economic vulnerability and problematic substance use were associated with higher loneliness.
- Being in a romantic relationship, stronger community belonging, and LGBTQIA+-centered networks were associated with lower loneliness.
- HIV serostatus was not significantly related to loneliness in the adjusted model.
The findings point to material security, identity-affirming networks, and community-based social support as levers for reducing loneliness. For methods, full models, and limitations, see the article.
Citation
Alckmin-Carvalho, F., Teixeira, I., Proença, C., Martins, N., Wendt, G., Santos, M., & Pereira, H. (2026). Social determinants of loneliness in Brazilian men who have sex with men. Social Sciences, 15(6), 360. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15060360