Queer binge: harmful alcohol use among sexual minority young people in Australia

Community Connectedness as a Moderator of the Association between Intersectional Microaggressions and Alcohol Use among Sexual and Gender Minoritized People of Color

Background: Researchers have documented associations between discrete conceptualizations of microaggressions (e.g., sexual identity, gender identity, and racial identity microaggressions) and alcohol use among sexual and gender minoritized people of color (SGM-POC). However, little is known about the association between intersectional microaggressions and alcohol use among SGM-POC. Moreover, protective factors such as community connectedness have been examined via similar discrete conceptualizations instead of examining SGM-POC community connectedness with other SGM-POC individuals. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the association between intersectional microaggressions and alcohol use among SGM-POC and test whether different types of community connectedness moderated this association. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 267 SGM-POC individuals. Four moderation analyses were done to analyze whether different types of community connectedness (sexual identity, racial identity, gender identity, and SGM-POC identity community connectedness) were moderators of the association of intersectional microaggressions and alcohol use. Results: Intersectional microaggressions were significantly positively correlated with alcohol use. Furthermore, SGM-POC community connectedness moderated this association such that the association was stronger for individuals with higher levels of SGM-POC community connectedness, but not lower levels of SGM-POC community connectedness. Conclusions: These findings showcase the importance of assessing for intersectional microaggressions as a risk factor for alcohol use. Similarly, the findings suggest that SGM-POC community connectedness may be a protective factor against alcohol use for SGM-POC.

Drug use and perceived social support in a sexual minority

AIM

To evaluate the perception of social support in a sexual minority and to associate it with the risk of drug addiction.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study, with 254 self-declared gay, bisexual, lesbian, or transsexual participants in the city of Fortaleza, between October and December 2019. Data analyzed by descriptive statistics and likelihood ratio tests.

RESULTS

Most were satisfied with social support between low and medium (74.4%). The most commonly used drugs were alcohol (91.5%), tobacco (67.4%) and marijuana (66.9%). Assessing the risk of addiction, 28.7% scored it as low, 46.9% as moderate, and 9.8% as high risk. There was significance between satisfaction of social support and years of study.

CONCLUSION

We found a level of satisfaction between low and medium, and it was possible to report the most consumed drugs. There was no association between social support and drug use, although the weaknesses and strengths of social support have been highlighted.

The impact of discrimination on substance use disorders among sexual minorities

This paper aimed to review the literature regarding the impact of discrimination on substance use disorders among Sexual Minorities (SM), with a focus on alcohol, opioids, stimulants, polydrug use, chemsex, cannabis and tobacco, as well as inequalities in the access to health care services. It is alarmingly clear that SM report higher rates of morbidity if compared to the general population. Health care delivery inequalities have also been reported in this special population. Also, the lack of data from low- and middle-income countries on substance use among SM is a major concern. Certainly, discrimination play a key-role among leading factors to substance abuse, continued use, disorders, and lower levels of preventive and treatment interventions. However, it may be difficult to estimate the impact of discrimination because of the lack of research data and different methodologies of literature studies. Moreover, SM are differently categorized and defined and evidences may be not comparable between studies. There is an urgent need of strategic guidelines and research investments aimed at prioritizing these populations disproportionately impacted by substance use. Equity-oriented policies and programs can facilitate opportunities and decrease substance use in these vulnerable subgroups, including community- and peer-led initiatives and nonjudgmental and inclusive health services.

Consumo de drogas e suporte social percebido por minoria sexual

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a percepção de suporte social em minoria sexual e associá-la com o risco de dependência de drogas. Método Estudo transversal, com 254 participantes autodeclarados gays, bissexuais, lésbicas ou transexuais na cidade de Fortaleza, entre outubro e dezembro de 2019. Dados analisados por estatística descritiva e teste de razão de verossimilhança. Resultados A maioria apresentou satisfação com suporte social entre baixa e média (74,4%). Acerca do uso de drogas, as mais utilizadas foram álcool (91,5%), tabaco (67,4%) e maconha (66,9%). Quanto ao risco de dependência, 28,7% pontuaram como baixo, 46,9% como moderado e 9,8% como alto. Houve significância entre satisfação do suporte social e anos de estudo. Conclusão Encontrou-se nível de satisfação entre baixo e médio e foi possível reportar as drogas mais consumidas. Não foi encontrada associação entre o suporte social e o consumo de drogas, embora as fragilidades e potencialidades do suporte social tenham sido evidenciadas.