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Bailey S, Newton N, Perry Y, Grummitt L, Goldbach J, Barrett E. It's time for change: inequities and determinants of health-related quality of life among gender and sexually diverse young people in Australia. Qual Life Res 2024; 33:1647-1662. [PMID: 38605187 PMCID: PMC11116229 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-024-03633-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was guided by three research aims: firstly, to examine the longitudinal trends of health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) among gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQA2S+) young people through adolescence (ages 14-19); secondly, to assess longitudinal associations between poor mental health and HR-QoL among LGBTQA2S+ young people through adolescence; and thirdly, to examine differences in HR-QoL among LGBTQA2S+ young people during early adolescence (ages 14 and 15) depending on select school-, peer-, and parent-level factors. METHODS This study used three of nine available waves of data from a large population-level, probability sample-based, longitudinal cohort study, namely the K' cohort: children aged 4-5 years old at time of study enrolment followed-up biennially (~ 61% retention rate). HR-QoL weighted means and standard deviations were calculated using Child Health Utility 9D (CHU-9D) scores for LGBTQA2S+ participants at ages 14 and 15 (Wave 6), ages 16 and 17 (Wave 7), and ages 18 and 19 (Wave 8). To strategically identify policy-relevant modifiable behavioural factors suitable for prevention and early intervention, non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank tests tested differences in mean CHU-9D ranks at ages 14 and 15 (Wave 6) between groups (gender identity: trans vs. cis; identity-level sexuality: gay, lesbian, bisexual, or other diverse sexuality vs. heterosexual; group-level sexuality: sexually diverse vs. not sexually diverse) and selected school factors (school acceptance, belonging, freedom of expression), peer factors (peer relationship quality, trust, respect), and family factors (parental acceptance, understanding, trust), with Hedge's g correction statistics computed for effect sizes. Longitudinal associations between gender, sexuality, and poor mental health (depressive symptoms, anxiety, symptoms, self-harm thoughts/behaviour, and suicidal thoughts/behaviour) and HR-QoL were tested using mixed-effects models with random intercepts and random slopes for nested clustering (participants within postcodes). RESULTS HR-QoL disparities disproportionately affecting LGBTQA2S+ groups relative to their cisgender, heterosexual peers, were well-established by age 14 to 15 relatively steeper reductions in HR-QoL were observed throughout adolescence among all LGBTQA2S+ groups, with HR-QoL widening the most for trans participants. Poor mental health was significantly associated with HR-QoL declines. LGBTQA2S+ participants with positive school- and parent factors related to feelings of acceptance, belonging, and freedom of self-expression, reported significantly higher HR-QoL during early adolescence. CONCLUSION Evidence-based public health policy responses are required to address the dire HR-QoL inequities among LGBTQA2S+ young people, particularly trans young people. Prioritising the promotion of school- and family-based interventions which foster LGBTQA2S+ inclusivity, acceptance, and a sense of belonging from early adolescence through young adulthood, represents a feasible, evidence-based, and cost-effective response to address these HR-QoL disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Bailey
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nicola Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yael Perry
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lucinda Grummitt
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeremy Goldbach
- The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Emma Barrett
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Corcoran E, Althobaiti A, Lewis G, Solmi F, McCloud T, Lewis G. The association between sexual orientation and psychotic like experiences during adolescence: a prospective cohort study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02636-y. [PMID: 38771351 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02636-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Psychotic like experiences (PLEs) are relatively common during adolescence and associated with a range of negative outcomes. There is evidence that sexual minorities are at increased risk of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidality. However, no study has investigated the association between sexual orientation and psychotic experiences during adolescence. We compared trajectories of PLEs in sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents from 12 to 24 years of age. METHODS We used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Participants provided data on sexual orientation at age 16 and PLEs at ages 12, 17 and 24. We used multi-level logistic regression models to test associations between sexual orientation and PLEs, before and after adjusting for covariates. We investigated whether the association differed according to time-point and sex using interaction terms. RESULTS We found evidence that the odds of PLEs were 2.35 times (95% Confidence Interval 1.79-3.06, p < 0.0001) higher among sexual minority compared with heterosexual adolescents, across all ages, after adjusting for covariates. There was no evidence that the association between sexual orientation and PLEs differed according to time-point (p = 0.50) or sex (p = 0.29). CONCLUSION We found an increased risk of psychosis in sexual minorities compared with heterosexuals, which was present from around 12 years of age and persisted until age 24. Early interventions to prevent this mental health inequality could include universal interventions to promote inclusivity and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Corcoran
- The Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, The Oxford Centre for Psychological Health, Isis Education Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Amal Althobaiti
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W17 7NF, UK
| | - Glyn Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W17 7NF, UK
| | - Francesca Solmi
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W17 7NF, UK
| | - Tayla McCloud
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W17 7NF, UK
| | - Gemma Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W17 7NF, UK.
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Dumont R, Lorthe E, Richard V, Loizeau A, Fernandez G, De Ridder D, Pennacchio F, Lamour J, Zaballa ME, Baysson H, Posfay-Barbe KM, Barbe RP, Stringhini S, Guessous I. Prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal ideation in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Swiss Med Wkly 2024; 154:3461. [PMID: 38679958 DOI: 10.57187/s.3461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pandemic-related life changes may have had a deleterious impact on suicidal behaviours. Early detection of suicidal ideation and identification of subgroups at increased risk could help prevent suicide, one of the leading causes of death among adolescents worldwide. Here, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal ideation in adolescents using a population-based sample from Switzerland, two years into the pandemic. METHODS Between December 2021 and June 2022, adolescents aged 14 to 17 years already enrolled in a population-based cohort study (State of Geneva, Switzerland) were asked about suicidal ideation over the previous year. In addition to a regression model, we conducted a network analysis of exposures which identified direct and indirect risk factors for suicidal ideation (i.e. those connected through intermediate risk factors) using mixed graphical models. RESULTS Among 492 adolescents, 14.4% (95% CI: 11.5-17.8) declared having experienced suicidal ideation over the previous year. Using network analysis, we found that high psychological distress, low self-esteem, identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual, suffering from bullying, extensive screen time and a severe COVID-19 pandemic impact were major risk factors for suicidal ideation, with parent-adolescent relationship having the highest centrality strength in the network. CONCLUSION Our results show that a significant proportion of adolescents experience suicidal ideation, yet these rates are comparable with pre-pandemic results. Providing psychological support is fundamental, with a focus on improving parent-adolescent relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Dumont
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elsa Lorthe
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Viviane Richard
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Loizeau
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Guillaume Fernandez
- Institute of Sociological Research, Faculty of Sociology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David De Ridder
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Group of Geographic Information Research and Analysis in Population Health, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Pennacchio
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julien Lamour
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - María-Eugenia Zaballa
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Helene Baysson
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Klara M Posfay-Barbe
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Woman, Child, and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Remy P Barbe
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Woman, Child, and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- University Center for General Medicine and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Idris Guessous
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division and Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Tepman A, Wong ML. The role of victimisation and sleep quality in self-harm and depression among sexual minority adolescents. A prospective cohort study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02444-4. [PMID: 38671245 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02444-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Sexual minority adolescents (SMA) have a disproportionately high prevalence of victimisation, self-harm, and depressed mood, relative to the general population. Yet, the contributing and mechanistic factors are unclear. We aim to explore the directional relationship between victimisation and self-harm and depressed mood, with poor sleep quality as a possible mediator. A secondary data analysis was conducted using a nationally representative birth cohort in the United Kingdom, where participants self-identified as sexual minority (N = 1922, aged 11-13, 67.1% female) and their parents completed questionnaires and interviews when the participants were aged 11, 14 and 17. Logistic and linear regression were used to test whether victimisation prospectively predicted self-harm and depressed mood with mediation analyses conducted to assess if sleep onset latency and nocturnal awakening mediated their relationships. After adjusting for demographic factors and baseline self-harm and depressed mood, victimisation at age 11 significantly predicted self-harm (OR = 1.40, p < .01) and depressed mood (B = 0.024, SE = 0.01, p < .05) at age 17. In the mediation analyses, frequent nocturnal awakening at age 14, but not sleep onset latency, significantly mediated the effect of victimisation at age 11 on self-harm (indirect effect B = 0.008, SE = 0.004, 95%CI = 0.001-0.017) and depressed mood (indirect effect B = 0.005, SE = 0.002 95%CI = 0.001-0.010) at age 17. Our findings supported that victimisation contributed to negative mental health among SMA. Poor sleep quality could be an indicator of maladjustment with victimisation, which further increased vulnerability to negative mental health. Victimisation and sleep quality could be important assessment targets in mental health campaign among sexual minority adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Lawrence Wong
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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5
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McDermott E, Eastham R, Hughes E, Johnson K, Davis S, Pryjmachuk S, Mateus C, McNulty F, Jenzen O. "What Works" to Support LGBTQ+ Young People's Mental Health: An Intersectional Youth Rights Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES 2024; 54:108-120. [PMID: 38385356 PMCID: PMC10955791 DOI: 10.1177/27551938241230766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Despite overwhelming international evidence of elevated rates of poor mental health in LGBTQ+ youth compared to their cis-heterosexual peers, we know relatively little about effective mental health services for this population group. This study aims to produce the first early intervention model of "what works" to support LGBTQ+ youth with emerging mental health problems. Utilizing a mixed method case study, we collected data across 12 UK mental health service case study sites that involved: (a) interviews with young people, parents, and mental health practitioners (n = 93); (b) documentary analysis; (c) nonparticipant observation. The data analysis strategy was theoretical using the "explanation-building" analytical technique. Our analysis suggests an intersectional youth rights approach with 13 principles that must be enacted to provide good mental health services as advocated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and World Health Organization. This approach should address the multiple forms of marginalization and stigmatization that LGBTQ+ youth may experience, enable informed independent decision-making, and uphold the right to freedom of safe self-expression. A rights-based approach to mental health services for LGBTQ+ young people is not prominent. This needs to change if we are to tackle this mental health inequality and improve the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachael Eastham
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Elizabeth Hughes
- School of Health and Social Policy, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Stephanie Davis
- School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Steven Pryjmachuk
- School of Health Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ceu Mateus
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Felix McNulty
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Olu Jenzen
- School of Art and Media, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
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6
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Tetkovic I, Parsons S, White SR, Bowes L. Same sex-attraction as a predictor of suicide and self-harm behaviours: The role of bullying and social support. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:396-402. [PMID: 38220098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Sexual minority youth are at higher risk of self-harming than heterosexual adolescents. Understanding why sexual minority youth are more vulnerable to poor mental health and identifying factors that might buffer against this risk is important for developing targeted interventions. We used the Millennium Cohort Study to investigate whether same-sex attraction at age 14 is associated with suicide attempts and self-harm at age 17. Additionally, we tested whether bullying victimisation might mediate any observed associations, and whether social support might protect against any increased risk. Sexual minority youth were 2.44 times more likely to attempt suicide and 2.59 times more likely to self-harm aged 17. There was no evidence for an association between greater social support and lower levels of self-harm. However, greater social support in sexual minority youth is associated with reduced risk for suicide attempt. Bullying partially mediated the relationship between same-sex attraction and mental health. Greater levels in bullying in sexual minority youth were associated with 1.32 times higher risk for suicide and 1.30 times higher risk for self-harm. Social support was not associated with reduced risk of suicide attempt or self-harm among bullied sexual minority youth. Sexual minority youth in the UK are at higher risk for suicide attempt and self-harm. To address this disparity, health and educational practitioners should understand this heightened risk for poor mental health, and address bullying as one risk factor. Further interventions are needed to assist sexual minority youth beyond social support provision through friends and family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Tetkovic
- University of Oxford, Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, OX2 6GG Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Sam Parsons
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Simon R White
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucy Bowes
- University of Oxford, Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, OX2 6GG Oxford, United Kingdom
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7
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Moreno-Agostino D, Woodhead C, Ploubidis GB, Das-Munshi J. A quantitative approach to the intersectional study of mental health inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic in UK young adults. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:417-429. [PMID: 36692519 PMCID: PMC9872068 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02424-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mental health inequalities across social identities/positions during the COVID-19 pandemic have been mostly reported independently from each other or in a limited way (e.g., at the intersection between age and sex or gender). We aim to provide an inclusive socio-demographic mapping of different mental health measures in the population using quantitative methods that are consistent with an intersectional perspective. METHODS Data included 8,588 participants from two British cohorts (born in 1990 and 2000-2002, respectively), collected in February/March 2021 (during the third UK nationwide lockdown). Measures of anxiety and depressive symptomatology, loneliness, and life satisfaction were analysed using Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA) models. RESULTS We found evidence of large mental health inequalities across intersectional strata. Large proportions of those inequalities were accounted for by the additive effects of the variables used to define the intersections, with some of the largest gaps associated with sexual orientation (with sexual minority groups showing substantially worse outcomes). Additional inequalities were found by cohort/generation, birth sex, racial/ethnic groups, and socioeconomic position. Intersectional effects were observed mostly in intersections defined by combinations of privileged and marginalised social identities/positions (e.g., lower-than-expected life satisfaction in South Asian men in their thirties from a sexual minority and a disadvantaged childhood social class). CONCLUSION We found substantial inequalities largely cutting across intersectional strata defined by multiple co-constituting social identities/positions. The large gaps found by sexual orientation extend the existing evidence that sexual minority groups were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Study implications and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darío Moreno-Agostino
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, 55-59 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0NU, UK.
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, Melbourne House, 44-46 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LL, UK.
| | - Charlotte Woodhead
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, Melbourne House, 44-46 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LL, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - George B Ploubidis
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, 55-59 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0NU, UK
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, Melbourne House, 44-46 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LL, UK
| | - Jayati Das-Munshi
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, Melbourne House, 44-46 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LL, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
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Booth C, Fitzsimons E. The onset of mental health disparities in sexual minority and majority youth: evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38374604 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Decades of research shows that sexual minority youth (SMY) display heightened risk for mental health problems, although the onset of such disparities remains unclear. The Millennium Cohort Study is the largest nationally representative longitudinal study of adolescents in the United Kingdom. In this study, participants (N = 10,047, 50% female) self-reported their sexual identity at age 17 and had parent-reported mental health data, from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, reported across five waves at ages 5, 7, 11, 14, and 17. Multilevel linear spline models, stratified by sex, were used to examine mental health trajectories between sexual identity groups (completely heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, SMY). SMY showed heightened peer problems from the baseline assessment at age five, increasing over time, and heightened emotional problems from age 11, increasing over time. Mostly heterosexual youth showed heightened emotional problems at age 11 in males, and at age 17 in females. Findings are discussed in light of the literature on minority stress and gender conformity in youth. The use of parent-reported mental health data means that estimates are likely to be conservative. We conclude that interventions supporting SMY should start early and be available throughout adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Booth
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emla Fitzsimons
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, University College London, London, UK
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Bailey S, Newton N, Perry Y, Davies C, Lin A, Marino JL, Skinner RS, Grummitt L, Barrett E. Minority stressors, traumatic events, and associations with mental health and school climate among gender and sexuality diverse young people in Australia: Findings from a nationally representative cohort study. J Adolesc 2024; 96:275-290. [PMID: 38018791 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Population-level, nationally representative data on the prevalence of minority stressors and traumatic events, mental ill-health effects, and the preventative utility of school climate, among gender and sexuality diverse young people in Australia, is significantly lacking. In this study, we estimated the prevalence and distribution of minority stressors and traumatic events among young people by sexuality identity (gay/lesbian, bisexual, other sexuality, heterosexual), sexuality diversity (sexuality diverse, not sexuality diverse), and gender identity (transgender, cisgender) and assessed associations with mental ill-health and the moderating role of school climate factors. METHODS Using Wave 8 (2018) follow-up data from a population-level, nationally representative longitudinal cohort study, the sample comprised 3037 young people aged 17-19 years in Australia. Prevalence ratios for minority stressors and traumatic events were calculated for gender and sexuality diverse categories using logistic regression models. Linear regression models were used to test associations between traumatic events and minority stressors, and mental ill-health. Multivariate linear regression tested school climate factors as effect modifier between minority stressors and mental ill-health among sexuality diverse young people. RESULTS Rates of traumatic events and minority stressors were highest among bisexual and gay/lesbian young people and were significantly associated with mental ill-health among all gender and sexuality diverse young people. Highest mental ill-health effects were observed among trans young people. Among sexuality diverse young people, positive and negative feelings toward school climate were associated with decreased and increased mental ill-health, respectively. After accounting for sexuality diversity, positive overall school climate appeared protective of mental ill-health effects of sexuality-based discrimination. DISCUSSION Minority stressors, traumatic events, and associated mental ill-health are prevalent among gender and sexuality diverse young people in Australia, especially trans, bisexual, and gay/lesbian young people. Promotion of affirmative, safe, and inclusive school climate demonstrates significant promise for the prevention and early intervention of mental ill-health among gender and sexuality diverse young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Bailey
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicola Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yael Perry
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Cristyn Davies
- School of Medicine, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Marino
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Rachel S Skinner
- School of Medicine, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lucinda Grummitt
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emma Barrett
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Marquez J, Humphrey N, Black L, Cutts M, Khanna D. Gender and sexual identity-based inequalities in adolescent wellbeing: findings from the #BeeWell Study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2211. [PMID: 37946184 PMCID: PMC10636841 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16992-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender and sexual minority adolescents experience greater symptoms of psychological distress than their peers, but little is known about broader aspects of their wellbeing. This study examines wellbeing inequalities relating to gender and sexual identity among adolescents from Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom. METHOD 37,978 adolescents (aged 12-15, attending 165 secondary schools) completed surveys of life satisfaction, positive and negative affect (hedonic framework); autonomy, self-esteem, optimism, and positive relationships (eudaimonic framework); and, symptoms of distress and mental wellbeing (complete state framework). Structural correlated factors models were used to assess gender and sexual identity wellbeing inequalities. RESULTS The magnitude of wellbeing inequalities pertaining to gender and sexual identity were routinely substantially greater than those concerning other characteristics (e.g., socio-economic disadvantage). Gender identity wellbeing inequalities followed a consistent pattern, with the largest disparities evident between gender diverse adolescents and boys. Sexual identity wellbeing inequalities also followed a consistent pattern, with the largest disparities evident between sexual minority youth (both gay/lesbian and bi/pansexual) and their heterosexual peers. Finally, variation was evident across wellbeing domains. For example, observed gender identity (boys vs. girls) and sexual identity (heterosexual vs. sexual minority) disparities were substantially greater for symptoms of distress than for mental wellbeing in the complete state model. CONCLUSIONS LGBTQ + adolescents experience lower wellbeing than their peers, and this is evident across a range of wellbeing domains. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for the prioritisation of improved prevention and intervention efforts that can better meet the needs of gender diverse and sexual minority youth, and future research should be conducted to improve understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the wellbeing inequalities observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Marquez
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Neil Humphrey
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Louise Black
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Megan Cutts
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Devi Khanna
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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Komlenac N, Langmann F, Hochleitner M. Explorative Questionnaire Study About Education with Regard to the Health of Sexual Minorities at an Austrian Medical University. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:2955-2977. [PMID: 35700380 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2085937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Physicians can play a critical role in helping lesbian, gay, and bisexual-identified (LGB) individuals face minority stress. The current questionnaire study among 305 medical students (62.6% women/37.4% men; Mage = 23.4, SD = 3.2) assessed whether medical students learn about LGB-specific concepts at an Austrian medical university. Students reported that their education contained little content about LGB-specific concepts. The majority of students did not hold negative attitudes toward homosexuality and they would like a larger range of courses concerning LGB-specific topics. The barrier most strongly associated with the intention to ask future patients about their sexual orientation was the belief that sexual orientation was irrelevant for clinical practice. Future education programs on LGB-specific topics may not need to focus on reducing negative attitudes toward sexual minorities, but should contain more facts on LGB individuals' specific healthcare needs and explain to students why a patient's sexual orientation is important to healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Komlenac
- Gender Medicine Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Flora Langmann
- Gender Medicine Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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12
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Baams L, Kaufman TML. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression in Adolescent Research: Two Decades in Review. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:1004-1019. [PMID: 37307300 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2219245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is a long history of research among adolescents who are minoritized and marginalized for their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression (SOGIE). However, it remains unclear how we can best conceptualize and assess SOGIE in adolescence, resulting in different subpopulations and findings across studies. Addressing this issue, we present a narrative literature review of the conceptualization and assessment of SOGIE, and provide recommendations for conceptualizing and operationalizing these concepts. Our review indicated that most research with adolescent populations still almost exclusively assesses isolated dimensions of sexuality and gender (e.g., attraction but not identity). We argue that to make research inclusive and equitable, scholars are required to make clear substantiated decisions and be transparent about the SOGIE dimensions and, thus, subpopulations they represent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baams
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen
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13
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Black L, Humphrey N, Marquez J. The influence of minority stress-related experiences on mental wellbeing for trans/gender-diverse and cisgender youth: a comparative longitudinal analysis. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221230. [PMID: 37501657 PMCID: PMC10369031 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Trans and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents are likely to experience poorer mental health and wellbeing than their cisgender peers. Minority stress theory has developed as a possible explanation for some of this disadvantage: factors such as increased bullying and discrimination lead to excess stress and reduced wellbeing. However, the evidence base remains limited. This study drew on secondary data analysis of the #BeeWell longitudinal cohort over 2 years (N = 26 042, aged 12-13 at time one, T1). We report two unregistered hypotheses relating to T1 (autumn 2021) data which was available at the time of stage-one submission: H1, mean differences in T1 wellbeing; H2, mean differences in T1 minority-related stressors. These are followed by two registered hypotheses relating to T2 (autumn 2022) data: H3, replication of T1 mean differences in T2 wellbeing; H4, predictions were made about the strength of the association between T1 minority-related stressors, controlling for sexuality and T2 wellbeing across T1 gender identity groups. At both time points cis-females, TGD and those who preferred not to say their gender had lower wellbeing than cis-males (CM), with the largest effect evident for the TGD group. TGD adolescents also showed the largest disadvantage (mean difference) compared with CM for minority stressors. Counter to H4 and minority stress theory, gender was not found to moderate the effect of minority stressors on later wellbeing. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of the TGD group in terms of wellbeing and minority stressors and are discussed with relevance for policy and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Black
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Neil Humphrey
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jose Marquez
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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14
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Chan RCH, Lam MS. Sexual orientation disparities in developmental assets among youth: The mediating role of bullying victimization. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 143:106254. [PMID: 37348322 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Navigating the developmental transition from adolescence to young adulthood while simultaneously integrating the emergence of a sexual minority identity can be overwhelming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth as the developmental tasks pose tremendous challenges to the cultivation of developmental assets, which are the building blocks necessary for fostering positive youth development and thriving. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to estimate the sexual orientation disparities in bullying victimization and developmental assets, investigate whether these sexual orientation differences varied by sex assigned at birth, and examine the mediating role of bullying victimization in the association between sexual orientation and developmental assets. METHODS This study included a national sample of 3020 Chinese youth (51.5 % assigned male at birth; 48.5 % assigned female at birth) with a mean age of 15.71 years. They completed a self-report questionnaire on experiences of bullying victimization and developmental assets. RESULTS Sexual minority and questioning youth showed significantly lower levels of developmental assets than heterosexual youth. The sexual orientation differences in developmental assets did not significantly differ by sex assigned at birth. In addition, sexual minority youth were at heightened risk of relational bullying than heterosexual youth. The results obtained from the structural equation modeling indicated that bullying victimization mediated the association of sexual orientation with developmental assets. Compared to heterosexual youth, sexual minority youth were more likely to be subjected to bullying, which was linked to lower levels of developmental assets. CONCLUSIONS The study shows sexual orientation disparities in developmental assets among youth in China and reveals that the positive development of sexual minority youth may be hindered by their experiences of bullying victimization. The implications for positive psychological interventions and anti-bullying policies in Chinese educational settings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph C H Chan
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong.
| | - Marcus Shengkai Lam
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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15
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Meads C, Zeeman L, Sherriff N, Aranda K. Prevalence of alcohol use amongst sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) communities in the UK: a systematic scoping review. Alcohol Alcohol 2023:7145918. [PMID: 37114766 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND globally, alcohol use rates vary by sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), but UK government statistics on alcohol use in the LGBTQ+ population are missing. AIM this systematic scoping review determined the prevalence of alcohol use amongst gender and sexual minority people in the UK. METHODS empirical UK studies from 2010 onwards reporting the prevalence of alcohol use in SOGI compared with heterosexual/cisgender people were included. Searches in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Google, charity websites and systematic reviews were conducted in October 2021, using SOGI, alcohol and prevalence terms. Citation checking was done by two authors, with disagreements resolved through discussion. Data extraction was done by one author (CM) and checked by another (LZ). Quality assessment was performed by study design, sample type and statistical analysis of results. A narrative synthesis was qualitatively combined with a tabular presentation of results. RESULTS database and website searches found 6607 potentially relevant citations, and 505 full texts were reviewed with 20 studies included, found in 21 publications and grey literature reports. Most were on sexual orientation, including 12 from large cohort studies. Harmful alcohol use is higher in LGBTQ+ people than heterosexual people in the UK, a result similar to that found in other countries. Qualitative data reflected alcohol's role as emotional support. Fewer asexual people drank alcohol compared with allosexual people, and there were no data available regarding intersex people. CONCLUSION funded cohort studies and service providers should routinely collect SOGI data. Standardized reporting of SOGI and alcohol use would improve comparability across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Meads
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 2LZ, UK
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, BN2 0JG, Brighton, UK
| | - Laetitia Zeeman
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, BN2 0JG, Brighton, UK
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Nigel Sherriff
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, BN2 0JG, Brighton, UK
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Kay Aranda
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, BN2 0JG, Brighton, UK
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, BN1 9PH, UK
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16
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White J, Borgia S, Rehkopf DH. Socioeconomic inequalities in the risk of suicide attempts among sexual minority adolescents: Findings from the UK's Millennium Cohort Study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 26:100570. [PMID: 36619211 PMCID: PMC9813783 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Both sexual minority and socioeconomically deprived young people are at an increased risk of making a suicide attempt. Intersectionality theory predicts these risk factors will interact synergistically to create unique vulnerabilities. We investigated the risk of suicide attempts in sexual minority socioeconomically deprived young people in a contemporary national cohort. Methods The Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) is a birth cohort study in the UK following children born 2000-2002. Children in the MCS have been followed up over seven sweeps to date at ages 9 months, 3, 5, 7, 11, 14 and 17 years. The relative risk (RR) of self-reported suicide attempts at 17 years by sexual minority status and parental unemployment was estimated using multivariable log-binomial regression. Additive interaction, representing the synergistic effect, was estimated using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). Findings Between January, 2018 and March, 2019, 10,247 adolescents provided their sexuality and parents their employment status. 758 (7.4%) of 10,247 adolescents had made a suicide attempt. Relative to heterosexual young people living with no unemployed parents, the RR for sexual minorities living with no unemployed parents/carers was 2.93 (95% CI 2.26-3.79), one unemployed was 4.46 (95% CI 2.94-6.77), and two was 6.35 (95% CI 3.62-11.14). There was evidence of a positive additive interaction. The RERI for having one unemployed parent was 1.08 (95% CI -0.54 to 2.69) and two was 3.10 (95% CI -1.58 to 7.78). Sensitivity analyses using housing tenure and in a sample with no missing data generated comparable results. Interpretation To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that socioeconomically deprived sexual minority adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to making a suicide attempt. Health and educational practitioners need to be aware of the increased risk of suicide attempts in socioeconomically deprived sexual minority adolescents. Funding Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
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Affiliation(s)
- James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- DECIPHer, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sophie Borgia
- DECIPHer, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David H. Rehkopf
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Department of Sociology, Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
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17
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Wu C, Chau PH, Choi EPH. Quality of Life and Mental Health of Chinese Sexual and Gender Minority Women and Cisgender Heterosexual Women: Cross-sectional Survey and Mediation Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e42203. [PMID: 36811941 PMCID: PMC9996424 DOI: 10.2196/42203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-related research on sexual minority populations in China is lacking, and research on sexual and gender minority women (SGMW, including transgender women and persons of other gender identities assigned female at birth of all sexual orientations, and cisgender women with nonheterosexual orientations) is even less. Currently, there are limited surveys related to mental health in Chinese SGMW, but there are no studies on their quality of life (QOL), no studies comparing the QOL of SGMW with that of cisgender heterosexual women (CHW), and no studies on the relationship between sexual identity and the QOL as well as associated mental health variables. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the QOL and mental health in a diverse sample of Chinese women and make comparisons between SGMW and CHW and then investigate the relationship between sexual identity and the QOL through the role of mental health. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from July to September 2021. All participants completed a structured questionnaire containing the World Health Organization Quality of Life-abbreviated short version (WHOQOL-BREF), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). RESULTS In total, 509 women aged 18-56 years were recruited, including 250 (49.1%) CHW and 259 (50.9%) SGMW. Independent t tests showed that the SGMW reported significantly lower levels of QOL, higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, and lower self-esteem than the CHW. Pearson correlations showed that every domain and the overall QOL were positively associated with mental health variables, with moderate-to-strong correlations (r range 0.42-0.75, P<.001). Multiple linear regressions found that participants belonging to the SGMW group, current smokers, and women with no steady partner were associated with a worse overall QOL. The mediation analysis found that depression, anxiety, and self-esteem significantly completely mediated the relationship between sexual identity and physical, social, and environment domains of the QOL, while the relationship between sexual identity and the overall QOL and psychological QOL was partially mediated by depression and self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS The SGMW had poorer levels of QOL and a worse mental health status than the CHW. The study findings affirm the importance of assessing mental health and highlight the need to design targeted health improvement programs for the SGMW population, who may be at higher risk of a poor QOL and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanchan Wu
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Pui Hing Chau
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
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18
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Schlief M, Stefanidou T, Wright T, Levy G, Pitman A, Lewis G. A rapid realist review of universal interventions to promote inclusivity and acceptance of diverse sexual and gender identities in schools. Nat Hum Behav 2023; 7:556-567. [PMID: 36781989 PMCID: PMC10129865 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01521-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Universal interventions to promote inclusivity and acceptance of diverse sexual and gender identities in schools could help to prevent mental health problems in this population. We reviewed evidence and developed programme theories to explain which universal interventions work, for whom, in which contexts and why. We conducted a rapid realist review and extracted data in context-mechanism-outcome configurations, to develop and refine programme theories. We included 53 sources and identified five intervention themes: student pride clubs, inclusive antibullying and harassment policies, inclusive curricula, workshops and staff training. Here, we show that these interventions could work by reducing discrimination, bullying and marginalization. Interventions appear to work best when school staff are trained and the school climate is supportive and may be less effective for boys, gender minority students and bisexual students. Our findings provide guiding principles for schools to develop interventions and should encourage primary research to confirm, refute or refine our programme theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle Schlief
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Theodora Stefanidou
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Talen Wright
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Grace Levy
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gemma Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
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19
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Katz CC, Gopalan G, Wall E, Leoni-Hughes H, Pargiter T, Collins D. Screening and Assessment of Suicidal Behavior in Transition-Age Youth with Foster Care Involvement. CHILD & ADOLESCENT SOCIAL WORK JOURNAL : C & A 2023:1-13. [PMID: 36687511 PMCID: PMC9838394 DOI: 10.1007/s10560-023-00913-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Transition-age youth with foster care involvement (TAY, ages 17-22) are at heightened risk for suicidal behavior. Despite this, mental health screenings are not standardized across child welfare (CW) systems and existing assessment tools are not designed for use with this specific population. As such, TAY are unlikely to be adequately screened for suicide risk and connected with needed services. In this paper, we sought to identify screening and assessment tools that could be effective for use with TAY in CW settings. Using PubMed and PsycINFO, we conducted a search of the current literature to identify some of the most commonly used screening and assessment tools for youth. We then narrowed our focus to those tools that met predefined inclusion criteria indicating appropriateness of use for TAY in CW settings. As a result of this process, we identified one brief screening tool (the ASQ) and four assessments (the SIQ-JR, the C-SSRS, the SHBQ, and the SPS) that demonstrated specific promise for use with TAY. The strengths and limitations of the tools are discussed in detail, as well as the ways that each could be used most effectively in CW settings. We highlight three key points intended to guide social work practice and policy: (1) systematic, routine assessment of mental health and suicide risk across CW settings is critical; (2) the protocol for assessing suicidal behavior in TAY must account for the wide variations in context and service provision; and (3) CW workers administering assessments must be thoughtfully trained on risk identification and the protocol implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen C. Katz
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY, 2180 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10035 USA
| | - Geetha Gopalan
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY, 2180 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10035 USA
| | - Eden Wall
- Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Hannah Leoni-Hughes
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY, 2180 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10035 USA
| | - Tamsin Pargiter
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY, 2180 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10035 USA
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20
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Khanolkar AR, Frost DM, Tabor E, Redclift V, Amos R, Patalay P. Ethnic and Sexual Identity-Related Inequalities in Adolescent Health and Well-Being in a National Population-Based Study. LGBT Health 2023; 10:26-40. [PMID: 36049061 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study employed an intersectional framework to examine impact of inequalities related to sexual minority (SM) and ethnic minority (EM) identities in risk for health, well-being, and health-related behaviors in a nationally representative sample. Methods: Participants included 9789 (51% female) adolescents aged 17 years from the U.K.-wide Millennium Cohort Study, with data on self-identified sexual and ethnic identities. Adolescents were grouped into White heterosexual, White-SM, EM-heterosexual, and EM-SM categories. Questionnaires assessed mental health (e.g., self-reported psychological distress, doctor-diagnosed depression, attempted suicide), general health (self-rated health, chronic illness, body mass index), and health-related behaviors (e.g., smoking, substance use). Associations were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: SM individuals (White: 18% and EM: 3%) had increased odds for mental health difficulties and attempted suicide, with higher odds for White-SM individuals than for EM-SM individuals. Compared with White heterosexual individuals, White-SM and EM-SM individuals had higher risk for psychological distress (adjusted odds ratios [OR] 3.47/2.24 for White-SM/EM-SM, respectively) and emotional symptoms (OR 3.17/1.65). They had higher odds for attempted suicide (OR 2.78/2.02), self-harm (OR 3.06/1.52), and poor sleep quality (OR 1.88/1.67). In contrast, the White heterosexual and White-SM groups had similarly high proportions reporting risky behaviors except for drug use (OR 1.45) and risky sex (OR 1.40), which were more common in White-SM individuals. EM-heterosexual and EM-SM individuals had decreased odds for health-related behaviors. Conclusion: SM (White and EM) individuals had substantially worse mental health compared with heterosexual peers. Adverse health-related behaviors were more common in White-SM individuals. Investigation into the mechanisms leading to these differences is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal R Khanolkar
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King' College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David M Frost
- UCL Social Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Rebekah Amos
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Praveetha Patalay
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Social Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
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21
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Dyar C. A Review of Disparities in Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder Affecting Sexual and Gender Minority Populations and Evidence for Contributing Factors. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022; 9:589-597. [PMID: 37637872 PMCID: PMC10449003 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) appear to be at elevated risk for cannabis use (CU) and cannabis use disorder (CUD) compared to cisgender heterosexuals. However, risk factors remain understudied among SGM. This review aims to summarize evidence for disparities in CU and CUD affecting SGM and factors contributing to these disparities. Recent Findings We found strong evidence that sexual minorities are at elevated risk for CU and CUD is elevated for sexual minority women. Evidence supports a concurrent association between minority stress and CUD symptoms. There is robust support for coping motives as a mechanism linking minority stress to subsequent CU and CUD. Studies also point to CU norms and contexts as potential risk factors. Summary SGM are at high risk for CU and CUD, and minority stress, CU norms, and contextual factors are implicated. Additional research is needed on CU among gender minorities, prospective effects of risk factors, and interventions for SGM.
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22
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Suarez NA, Cooper AC, Kaczkowski W, Li J, Robin L, Sims VM. Associations of a Multilevel School Health Program and Health Outcomes Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:395-412. [PMID: 36181496 PMCID: PMC10009884 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.5.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents are often at higher risk than their heterosexual peers for adverse sexual health, violence, mental health, and substance use outcomes. Schools are a vital resource for enhancing protective behaviors and reducing risk behaviors. Sixteen school districts selected schools to implement a sexual health program (exposed) or usual programming (unexposed). We analyzed LGB student health outcomes using 2015 and 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Analyses compared LGB student health outcomes by exposure status across time points using a multilevel approach. Program exposure was associated with decreased odds of ever having sex, ever testing for HIV, and using effective hormonal birth control, and an increased odds of condom use. There were no significant findings among secondary violence, mental health, and substance use outcomes. This evaluation highlights the potential for schools to reduce sexual risk behaviors among LGB youth, and opportunities to improve access to health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas A Suarez
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adina C Cooper
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Wojciech Kaczkowski
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jingjing Li
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Leah Robin
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Valerie M Sims
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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23
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Town R, Hayes D, Fonagy P, Stapley E. A qualitative investigation of LGBTQ+ young people's experiences and perceptions of self-managing their mental health. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:1441-1454. [PMID: 33903961 PMCID: PMC8075021 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01783-w#abs1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that young people generally self-manage their mental health using self-care strategies, coping methods and other self-management techniques, which may better meet their needs or be preferable to attending specialist mental health services. LGBTQ+ young people are more likely than their peers to experience a mental health difficulty and may be less likely to draw on specialist support due to fears of discrimination. However, little is known about LGBTQ+ young people's experiences and perceptions of self-managing their mental health. Using a multimodal qualitative design, 20 LGBTQ+ young people participated in a telephone interview or an online focus group. A semi-structured schedule was employed to address the research questions, which focussed on LGBTQ+ young people's experiences and perceptions of self-managing their mental health, what they perceived to stop or help them to self-manage and any perceived challenges to self-management specifically relating to being LGBTQ+ . Reflexive thematic analysis yielded three key themes: (1) self-management strategies and process, (2) barriers to self-management and (3) facilitators to self-management. Participants' most frequently mentioned self-management strategy was 'speaking to or meeting up with friends or a partner'. Both barriers and facilitators to self-management were identified which participants perceived to relate to LGBTQ+ identity. Social support, LGBTQ+ youth groups and community support were identified as key facilitators to participants' self-management of their mental health, which merits further investigation in future research. These findings also have important implications for policy and intervention development concerning LGBTQ+ young people's mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Town
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Daniel Hayes
- The Evidence Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - Peter Fonagy
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Stapley
- The Evidence Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
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Thapar A, Eyre O, Patel V, Brent D. Depression in young people. Lancet 2022; 400:617-631. [PMID: 35940184 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Depression rates in young people have risen sharply in the past decade, especially in females, which is of concern because adolescence is a period of rapid social, emotional, and cognitive development and key life transitions. Adverse outcomes associated with depression in young people include depression recurrence; the onset of other psychiatric disorders; and wider, protracted impairments in interpersonal, social, educational, and occupational functioning. Thus, prevention and early intervention for depression in young people are priorities. Preventive and early intervention strategies typically target predisposing factors, antecedents, and symptoms of depression. Young people who have a family history of depression, exposure to social stressors (eg, bullying, discordant relationships, or stressful life events), and belong to certain subgroups (eg, having a chronic physical health problem or being a sexual minority) are at especially high risk of depression. Clinical antecedents include depressive symptoms, anxiety, and irritability. Evidence favours indicated prevention and targeted prevention to universal prevention. Emerging school-based and community-based social interventions show some promise. Depression is highly heterogeneous; therefore, a stepwise treatment approach is recommended, starting with brief psychosocial interventions, then a specific psychological therapy, and then an antidepressant medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Thapar
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Olga Eyre
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Brent
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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25
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Marchi M, Arcolin E, Fiore G, Travascio A, Uberti D, Amaddeo F, Converti M, Fiorillo A, Mirandola M, Pinna F, Ventriglio A, Galeazzi GM. Self-harm and suicidality among LGBTIQ people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:240-256. [PMID: 36151841 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2053070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Research evidence has consistently documented a higher risk of suicidality in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer (LGBTIQ) population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to report a detailed description of research data regarding the risk of Attempted Suicide (SA), Suicide Ideation (SI), and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) behaviours for LGBTIQ people and their subgroups. Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched for studies reporting a comparative estimation of SA, SI, and NSSI rates among LGBTIQ population and the general population (i.e. heterosexual/cisgender), without restrictions on participants' age and setting for the enrolment. Pooled analyses were based on odds ratios (ORs, with 95% CIs), estimated through inverse variance models with random effects. Fifty studies were selected for the quantitative synthesis and included fifty samples involving 3.735.601 controls and 87.252 LGBTIQ people. LGBTIQ people reported an increased risk of SA (OR:4.36[95%CI:3.32;5.71]), SI (OR:3.76[95%CI:3.02;4.69]), and NSSI (OR:4.24[95%CI:3.23;5.55]). Among LGBTIQ subgroups, the Bisexual group has shown the highest risk of suicidality (SA, OR:6.71; SI, OR:5.04; NSSI, OR: 5.03), followed by the Lesbian-Gay for attempted suicide (SA, OR:6.03), and the Transgender-Intersex-Queer for suicide ideation and non-suicidal self-injury (SI and NSSI, OR:3.42). The quality of the evidence ranged from low to moderate. Our findings have shown that LGBTIQ people report a higher risk of suicidality compared with their cisgender/heterosexual peers. This evidence may contribute to the public awareness on LGBTQI mental health needs and suggest supportive strategies as well as preventive interventions (e.g. supportive programs, counselling, and destigmatizing efforts) as parts of a tailored health-care planning aimed to reduce psychiatric morbidity and mortality in this at-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Marchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisa Arcolin
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Fiore
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio Travascio
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Uberti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Amaddeo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Mirandola
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,School of Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Federica Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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26
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Terra T, Schafer JL, Pan PM, Costa AB, Caye A, Gadelha A, Miguel EC, Bressan RA, Rohde LA, Salum GA. Mental health conditions in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual youth in Brazil: A call for action. J Affect Disord 2022; 298:190-193. [PMID: 34715179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Asexual (LGBTQA+) youth have a greater chance of experiencing stressful life events when compared to cisgender heterosexual peers, which can lead to mental health problems. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders among LGBTQA+ youths from two large cities in Brazil. METHODS Participants were 13-22 years old youths from the 3rd wave of the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Psychiatric Disorders (n = 1475). Mental disorders were assessed using the Development and Well-Being Behavior Assessment. Sexual orientation and gender identity were assessed using a self-report confidential questionnaire. Data were analyzed through logistic regressions (adjusting for sociodemographic) using sampling weights to account for attrition and our oversampling high-risk design. RESULTS 15.18% of the sample described themselves as LGBTQA+. The LGBTQA+ group presented higher rates of anxiety disorders (30.14% vs. 13.37%; OR = 3.37; 95%CI:2.51-4.50), depressive disorders (27.75% vs. 15.34%; OR = 2.17; 95%CI:1.60-2.93) and post-traumatic stress disorder (4.98% vs. 2.25%; OR = 4.20; 95%CI:2.24-7.82), if compared with the cisgender heterosexual group. No difference was found for conduct disorders (2.97% vs. 5.21%; OR = 0.82; 95%CI:0.35-1.65) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (5.92% vs. 3.28%; OR = 1.56; 95%CI:0.83-2.79). LIMITATIONS Although recruitment was performed at 57 schools in the two cities, sampling was non-probabilistic and included only urban areas, which might bias prevalence estimates and group comparisons. CONCLUSIONS Our results elucidate the mental health disparities between LGBTQA+ people and cisgender heterosexuals in Brazil. It highlights the need to promote the inclusion of this population in policy formulation and support actions to mitigate the suffering related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tauana Terra
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Section on Negative Affect and Social Processes, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria do Desenvolvimento para Crianças e Adolescentes (INPD), CNPq, Brazil.
| | - Julia L Schafer
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Section on Negative Affect and Social Processes, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria do Desenvolvimento para Crianças e Adolescentes (INPD), CNPq, Brazil
| | - Pedro M Pan
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria do Desenvolvimento para Crianças e Adolescentes (INPD), CNPq, Brazil; Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angelo Brandelli Costa
- Graduate Program in Psychology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Arthur Caye
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ary Gadelha
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eurípedes C Miguel
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria do Desenvolvimento para Crianças e Adolescentes (INPD), CNPq, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A Bressan
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis A Rohde
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Section on Negative Affect and Social Processes, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria do Desenvolvimento para Crianças e Adolescentes (INPD), CNPq, Brazil
| | - Giovanni A Salum
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Section on Negative Affect and Social Processes, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria do Desenvolvimento para Crianças e Adolescentes (INPD), CNPq, Brazil
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27
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Lucassen MFG, Samra R, Rimes KA, Brown KE, Wallace LM. Promoting Resilience and Well-being Through Co-design (The PRIDE Project): Protocol for the Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Prototype Resilience-Based Intervention for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e31036. [PMID: 35103613 PMCID: PMC8848231 DOI: 10.2196/31036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are at an increased risk of a range of mental health problems. However, few evidence-informed interventions have been developed specifically to support their mental well-being. Interventions that are evidence-informed for the general population and are fine-tuned specifically with SGMY in mind proffer considerable potential. A particular opportunity lies in the delivery of engaging interventions on the web, where the focus is on enhancing the coping skills and building the resilience of SGMY, in a way that is directly relevant to their experiences. On the basis of earlier work related to an intervention called Rainbow SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts), we seek to create a new resource, especially for SGMY in the United Kingdom. OBJECTIVE This project has 3 main objectives. First, together with SGMY as well as key adult experts, we aim to co-design a media-rich evidence-informed web-based SGMY well-being prototype toolkit aimed at those aged between 13 and 19 years. Second, we will explore how the web-based toolkit can be used within public health systems in the United Kingdom by SGMY and potentially other relevant stakeholders. Third, we aim to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the toolkit, which will inform the design of a future effectiveness study. METHODS The first objective will be met by conducting the following: approximately 10 interviews with SGMY and 15 interviews with adult experts, a scoping review of studies focused on psychosocial coping strategies for SGMY, and co-design workshops with approximately 20 SGMY, which will inform the creation of the prototype toolkit. The second objective will be met by carrying out interviews with approximately 5 selected adult experts and 10 SGMY to explore how the toolkit can be best used and to determine the parameters and user-generated standards for a future effectiveness trial. The final objective will be met with a small-scale process evaluation, using the think out loud methodology, conducted with approximately 10 SGMY. RESULTS The study commenced on September 1, 2021, and data gathering for phase 1 began in October 2021. CONCLUSIONS A considerable body of work has described the issues faced by the SGMY. However, there is a dearth of research seeking to develop interventions for SGMY so that they can thrive. This project aims to co-design such an intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION Research Registry Reference researchregistry6815; https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/609e81bda4a706001c94b63a/. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/31036.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs F G Lucassen
- Department of Health and Social Care, The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Rajvinder Samra
- Department of Health and Social Care, The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine A Rimes
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine E Brown
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Louise M Wallace
- Department of Health and Social Care, The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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Park J, Lee H, Choi B, Kim JH, Yoon J, Yi H, Choo S, Kim SS. Adolescent Bullying Victimization at Secondary School and Adult Suicidality and Depressive Symptoms Among 2152 Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in South Korea. Asia Pac J Public Health 2022; 34:338-345. [DOI: 10.1177/10105395211073283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the association between adolescent bullying victimization (ABV) and adult mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals in South Korea (hereafter Korea). We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 2152 Korean LGB adults in 2016. Based on experiences of and reasons for ABV, participants were categorized into 4 groups: “never bullied,” “bullied due to sexual orientation and gender expression (SOGE),” “bullied due to other reasons,” and “bullied, reason unspecified.” Compared with participants who have never been bullied during adolescence, those who have been “bullied due to SOGE” were 1.56 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36-1.80), 1.53 times (95% CI = 1.30-1.81), and 3.59 times (95% CI = 2.05-6.28) more likely to report depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, respectively. Statistically significant associations with all 3 mental health indicators were also observed among those who have been “bullied due to other reasons”: depressive symptoms (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.55-1.92), suicidal ideation (aPR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.29-1.70), and suicide attempts (aPR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.84-5.38). This study suggests that ABV may increase depressive symptoms and suicidality in adulthood among LGB individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyoung Park
- Healthcare Policy Team, Jeju Institute of Public Health & Health Policy, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Hyemin Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bokyoung Choi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hwan Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jaehong Yoon
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Horim Yi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sungsub Choo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Sup Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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29
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Wedel AV, Goodhines PA, Zaso MJ, Park A. Prospective Associations of Discrimination, Race, and Sexual Orientation with Substance Use in Adolescents. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:263-272. [PMID: 34809528 PMCID: PMC9132580 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.2002904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Adolescents are at high risk for alcohol and cannabis use. Emerging evidence suggests that discrimination exposure is prospectively associated with risk for alcohol use among adolescents of marginalized race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. However, it is unknown whether prospective discrimination-substance use associations among marginalized adolescents are also present for cannabis use. This study examined prospective associations of race, sexual orientation, and discrimination exposure with alcohol and cannabis use over one year. Methods: Data were drawn from a two-wave longitudinal health survey study of 9-11th graders (n = 350 for the current analyses; Year 1 Mage=15.95 [SD = 1.07, range = 13-19]; 44% male; 44% Black, 22% White, 18% Asian, 16% Multiracial; 16% LGB; 10% Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity) at an urban high school. Two multinomial logistic regressions examined associations of Year 1 race, sexual orientation, and discrimination experiences with Year 2 alcohol and cannabis consumption separately. Results: Year 1 Discrimination exposure was associated with increased risk for Year 2 past-year alcohol use among Asian (OR = 1.34) and past-month alcohol use among Multiracial (OR = 1.30) adolescents, but not Black or LGB adolescents. Discrimination exposure was not associated with any cannabis use pattern in any group. Independent of discrimination, LGB adolescents were at greater risk for monthly alcohol (OR = 3.48) and cannabis use (OR = 4.07) at Year 2. Conclusions: Discrimination exposure is prospectively associated with risk for alcohol use among adolescents of understudied (Asian, Multiracial) racial backgrounds, and should be considered in alcohol prevention and intervention strategies. Risk factors for alcohol and cannabis use among LGB adolescents should continue to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia V Wedel
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | | | - Michelle J Zaso
- Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Aesoon Park
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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30
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A qualitative investigation of LGBTQ+ young people's experiences and perceptions of self-managing their mental health. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:1441-1454. [PMID: 33903961 PMCID: PMC8075021 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01783-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that young people generally self-manage their mental health using self-care strategies, coping methods and other self-management techniques, which may better meet their needs or be preferable to attending specialist mental health services. LGBTQ+ young people are more likely than their peers to experience a mental health difficulty and may be less likely to draw on specialist support due to fears of discrimination. However, little is known about LGBTQ+ young people's experiences and perceptions of self-managing their mental health. Using a multimodal qualitative design, 20 LGBTQ+ young people participated in a telephone interview or an online focus group. A semi-structured schedule was employed to address the research questions, which focussed on LGBTQ+ young people's experiences and perceptions of self-managing their mental health, what they perceived to stop or help them to self-manage and any perceived challenges to self-management specifically relating to being LGBTQ+ . Reflexive thematic analysis yielded three key themes: (1) self-management strategies and process, (2) barriers to self-management and (3) facilitators to self-management. Participants' most frequently mentioned self-management strategy was 'speaking to or meeting up with friends or a partner'. Both barriers and facilitators to self-management were identified which participants perceived to relate to LGBTQ+ identity. Social support, LGBTQ+ youth groups and community support were identified as key facilitators to participants' self-management of their mental health, which merits further investigation in future research. These findings also have important implications for policy and intervention development concerning LGBTQ+ young people's mental health.
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31
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Bécares L, Kneale D. Inequalities in mental health, self-rated health, and social support among sexual minority young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: analyses from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1979-1986. [PMID: 35507033 PMCID: PMC9065661 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02291-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Young adults who self-identify as a sexual minority may have been particularly harmed by the consequences of lockdown, closure of educational institutions, and social distancing measures as they are likely to have been confined in households that may not be supportive of their sexual orientation. We examine inequalities in the mental health and self-rated health of sexual minority young adults, compared to their heterosexual peers, at the height of lockdown restrictions in the UK. METHODS We analysed data from singletons who participated in waves 6, 7, and the wave 1 COVID-19 survey (n = 2211) of the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative longitudinal study of infants born in the UK between September 2000 and January 2002. Regression models compared the mental health, self-rated health, and social support of sexual minority young adults to that of their heterosexual peers. RESULTS One in four young adults self-identified with a sexual orientation or attraction other than completely heterosexual. Sexual minority young adults had significantly lower levels of social support (β = - 0.38, SE 0.08), poorer self-rated health (OR 3.91, 95% CI 2.41-6.34), and higher levels of psychological distress (β = 2.26, SE 0.34), anxiety (β = 0.40, SE 0.15), and loneliness (β = 0.66, SE 0.18) when compared to heterosexual young adults. CONCLUSIONS Sexual minority young adults in the UK have been detrimentally impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, experiencing inequalities in mental health, self-rated health, and social support when compared to heterosexual young adults. Implications for policy and practice include a stronger provision of safe spaces in the community and in institutions, and policies that address marginalisation and harassment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Bécares
- Department of Social Work and Social Care, University of Sussex, Essex House, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QQ, UK.
| | - Dylan Kneale
- EPPI-Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
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32
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McDermott E, Eastham R, Hughes E, Pattinson E, Johnson K, Davis S, Pryjmachuk S, Mateus C, Jenzen O. Explaining effective mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth: A meta-narrative review. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2021; 1:None. [PMID: 34957424 PMCID: PMC8654681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2021.100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This meta-narrative review on mental health early intervention support for LGBTQ+ youth aimed to develop a theoretical framework to explain effective mental health support. Using the RAMESES standards for meta-narrative reviews, we identified studies from database searches and citation-tracking. Data extraction and synthesis was conducted through conceptual coding in Atlas.ti. in two stages: 1) conceptual mapping of the meta-narratives; 2) comparing the key concepts across the meta-narratives to produce a theoretical framework. In total, 2951 titles and abstracts were screened and 200 full papers reviewed. 88 studies were included in the final review. Stage 1 synthesis identified three meta-narratives - psychological, psycho-social, and social/youth work. Stage 2 synthesis resulted in a non-pathological theoretical framework for mental health support that acknowledged the intersectional aspects of LGBTQ+ youth lives, and placed youth at the centre of their own mental health care. The study of LGBTQ+ youth mental health has largely occurred independently across a range of disciplines such as psychology, sociology, public health, social work and youth studies. The interdisciplinary theoretical framework produced indicates that effective early intervention mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth must prioritise addressing normative environments that marginalises youth, LGBTQ+ identities and mental health problems. Despite elevated rates of poor mental health, LGBTQ + youth underutilize mental health services and often experience inadequate support. There is a limited evidence-base examining LGBTQ + youth early intervention mental health support needs. Early intervention services for LGBTQ + youth mental health must de-pathologize emotional distress, difficult thoughts and behaviours. Early intervention support must address normative environments that marginalises youth, intersectional LGBTQ + identities and mental health. Mental health support providers must understand individual lives, connect with LGBTQ+ youth, facilitate their autonomy and encourage agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth McDermott
- Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Corresponding author. Department of Health Research, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK.
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33
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Liu C, Cao W, Meng X, Shen J, Liang X, Guo Y, Tang K. The Role of Interpersonal Relationships and Household Socioeconomic Status in the Association Between Sexual Orientation and Health: A Moderated Mediation Analysis. LGBT Health 2021; 8:554-562. [PMID: 34558972 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Emerging studies indicate that sexual minority youths experience worse health than their heterosexual peers, but few studies have examined the intervening mechanisms linking sexual orientation and health status. This study hypothesizes that interpersonal relationships, moderated by household socioeconomic status (HSES), are important mediators in the association between sexual orientation and health status. Methods: A total of 49,084 youths, consisting of 9499 youths who identified as sexual minority individuals and 39,585 youths who identified as heterosexual, were sampled from a national study on sexual and reproductive health conducted in China. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between sexual orientation and self-rated health. Causal mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed to analyze the mediating and moderating effects of interpersonal relationships and HSES, respectively. Results: Self-rated health was significantly poorer for sexual minority youths compared with heterosexual youths (p < 0.01). From 7.90% to 25.74% of the association between sexual orientation and self-rated health was mediated through poor interpersonal relationships with both parents and peers. A poor relationship with the father accounted for the highest percentage. HSES was found to moderate the mediation effect of interpersonal relationships, with the greatest effect found for sexual minority youths with lower HSES. Conclusion: HSES moderated the indirect effects of interpersonal relationships on the association between sexual orientation and self-rated health. Interventions focused on improving interpersonal relationships for sexual minority youths, especially those with low HSES, merit attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Liu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wenzhen Cao
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Department of Information Management, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiangrui Meng
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jiashu Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Liang
- China Family Planning Association, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yueping Guo
- School of Journalism and Communication, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Kun Tang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China
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Rezeppa TL, Roberts SR, Maheux AJ, Choukas-Bradley S, Salk RH, Thoma BC. Psychosocial correlates of body esteem and disordered eating among sexual minority adolescent girls. Body Image 2021; 39:184-193. [PMID: 34487999 PMCID: PMC8643346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined whether body esteem mediates the associations between psychosocial factors, including peer victimization and parent-adolescent relationship quality, and multiple categories of disordered eating (DE) within a diverse sample of adolescent sexual minority (SM) girls. Participants were 528 girls, aged 14-18 years, recruited as part of a larger online study on LGBTQ + adolescent health. Participants anonymously completed self-report measures of parent-adolescent relationship quality, sexual orientation-based victimization, body esteem, and DE behaviors, including binge eating, purging, and caloric restriction. Parent-adolescent relationship quality was positively associated with SM adolescent girls' body esteem, and some aspects of body esteem subsequently mediated the associations between parent-adolescent relationship quality and DE behaviors. Experiences of sexual orientation-related victimization were also positively related to endorsement of caloric restriction. However, no significant indirect effects were observed between sexual orientation-related victimization and DE via body esteem. These results suggest parents could influence their SM daughters' DE behaviors via body esteem, and SM girls may be engaging in caloric restriction if they experience victimization, regardless of their body esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor L Rezeppa
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Western Psychiatric Hospital, United States.
| | - Savannah R Roberts
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, United States
| | - Anne J Maheux
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, United States
| | | | - Rachel H Salk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States
| | - Brian C Thoma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States
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März JW. Hungary's new anti-LGBTQ law: The medical profession must speak out about the harm it does to LGBTQ adolescents’ health. Lancet Reg Health Eur 2021; 8:100199. [PMID: 34557861 PMCID: PMC8454854 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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36
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Patalay P, Fitzsimons E. Psychological distress, self-harm and attempted suicide in UK 17-year olds: prevalence and sociodemographic inequalities. Br J Psychiatry 2021; 219:437-439. [PMID: 33436118 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2020.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In a large (n = 10 103), nationally representative sample of 17-year-olds 16.1% had experienced high psychological distress in the past 30 days, 24.1% had self-harmed in the previous 12 months and 7.4% had ever attempted suicide. Females, White adolescents, sexual minorities and those from more socioeconomically disadvantaged families had worse mental health outcomes; with the exceptions of no detected differences in attempted suicide by ethnicity and in self-harm by socioeconomic position. Findings include a narrower gender gap in self-harm at age 17 (males 20.1%, females 28.2%) compared with at age 14 (males 8.5%; females 22.8%) and 2-4 times higher prevalence in sexual minority adolescents (39.3% high distress, 55.8% self-harmed, 21.7% attempted suicide compared with 13.4%, 20.5% and 5.8%, respectively, in heterosexual adolescents).
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveetha Patalay
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, UCL Institute of Social Research, UK; and MRC Unit of Lifelong Health and Ageing, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, UK
| | - Emla Fitzsimons
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, UCL Institute of Social Research, UK
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Pitman A, Marston L, Lewis G, Semlyen J, McManus S, King M. The mental health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults compared with heterosexual adults: results of two nationally representative English household probability samples. Psychol Med 2021; 52:1-10. [PMID: 33592165 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on inequalities in mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual people arises primarily from non-random samples. AIMS To use a probability sample to study change in mental health inequalities between two survey points, 7 years apart; the contribution of minority stress; and whether associations vary by age, gender, childhood sexual abuse, and religious identification. METHODS We analysed data from 10 443 people, in two English population-based surveys (2007 and 2014), on common mental disorder (CMD), hazardous alcohol use, and illicit drug use. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, gender, and economic factors, adding interaction terms for survey year, age, gender, childhood sexual abuse, and religious identification. We explored bullying and discrimination as mediators. RESULTS Inequalities in risks of CMD or substance misuse were unchanged between 2007 and 2014. Compared to heterosexuals, bisexual, and lesbian/gay people were more likely to have CMD, particularly bisexual people [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.86; 95% CI 1.83-4.46], and to report alcohol misuse and illicit drug use. When adjusted for bullying, odds of CMD remained elevated only for bisexual people (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI 1.64-6.30), whilst odds of alcohol and drug misuse were unchanged. When adjusted for discrimination, odds of CMD and alcohol misuse remained elevated only for bisexual people (AOR = 2.91; 95% CI 1.80-4.72; and AOR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.03-2.57 respectively), whilst odds of illicit drug use remained unchanged. There were no interactions with age, gender, childhood sexual abuse, or religious identification. CONCLUSIONS Mental health inequalities in non-heterosexuals have not narrowed, despite increasing societal acceptance. Bullying and discrimination may help explain the elevated rate of CMD in lesbian women and gay men but not in bisexual people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pitman
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St Pancras Hospital, London, NW1 0PE, UK
| | - Louise Marston
- UCL Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Gemma Lewis
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Joanna Semlyen
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Sally McManus
- NatCen Social Research, 35 Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0AX, UK
- School of Health Sciences, City University, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - Michael King
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
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Kokkonen P, Athanasopoulou C, Leino-Kilpi H, Sakellari E. Secondary School Pupils' Mental Wellbeing Is Associated with Belonging to a Perceived Minority and Experiencing Discrimination. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:71. [PMID: 33494304 PMCID: PMC7912281 DOI: 10.3390/children8020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents' mental health is a global issue and there is a growing interest in tackling mental health in schools. The study aimed to assess secondary school pupils' mental wellbeing and the factors related to their mental wellbeing (sociodemographic characteristics, perception of belonging to a minority, and discrimination). Data were collected from 12-17-year-old pupils of a Finnish secondary school via an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and ANOVA for group comparisons. Participants' (Ν = 114) mental wellbeing scores were above average (47.5, max. 70). Worse family relations were independently associated with worse mental wellbeing. Additionally, significantly lower scores on mental wellbeing were found among pupils who thought they belonged to a minority due to appearance, sexual orientation, and/or chronic disease. Participants who had experienced discrimination had significantly lower mental wellbeing scores in comparison to those who never had such an experience. In conclusion, mental health promotion interventions which promote good family relations should be targeting different youth groups in order to address their specific needs. Thus, screening programs which identify pupils who are at risk or belong to minority groups are needed, in order to direct them to proper services when needed and/or implement mental health promotion interventions accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinja Kokkonen
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; (P.K.); (C.A.); (H.L.-K.)
| | - Christina Athanasopoulou
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; (P.K.); (C.A.); (H.L.-K.)
| | - Helena Leino-Kilpi
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; (P.K.); (C.A.); (H.L.-K.)
- Turku University Hospital, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Evanthia Sakellari
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; (P.K.); (C.A.); (H.L.-K.)
- Department of Public and Community Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece
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The Politics of LGBT+ Health Inequality: Conclusions from a UK Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020826. [PMID: 33478019 PMCID: PMC7835774 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This scoping review of UK evidence aimed to describe what is known about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans (LGBT+) health inequalities in relation to cancer, mental health, and palliative care to inform research, policy and public health interventions. Using a scoping review methodology, we identified studies from database searches, citation tracking, and expert consultation. The in/exclusion criteria was based on the PICOS framework. The data were charted and then summarised to map the theoretical approaches and the main types of evidence and identify knowledge gaps. In total, 279 articles were screened and 83 were included in the final review. We found that there is limited UK research examining LGBT+ health inequality in cancer, mental health and palliative care. We would argue that this thin evidence base is partly due to national policy discussions of LGBT+ health inequality that are framed within a depoliticised ‘it’s getting better’ narrative, and an unwillingness to adequately acknowledge the unjust social and economic relations that produce LGBT+ health inequality. In addition, LGBT+ health inequality is depoliticised by existing public health explanatory theories, models and frameworks that exclude sexual orientation and gender diversity as dimensions of power that interlock with those of socio-economic, race and ethnicity. This is a barrier to developing public health interventions that can successfully tackle LGBT+ health inequality
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Jongsma HE, Karlsen S, Kirkbride JB, Jones PB. Understanding the excess psychosis risk in ethnic minorities: the impact of structure and identity. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:1913-1921. [PMID: 34427699 PMCID: PMC8519854 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02042-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Psychotic disorders, which are associated with substantially increased morbidity and mortality, are up to five times more common in some ethnic minority groups compared with the white majority in Western countries. This long-standing and well-replicated public mental health disparity has hitherto largely eluded adequate explanation. We argue that this might have arisen in part due to the lack of attention given to theoretical work characterising the complex and multidimensional social nature of ethnicity by those epidemiological investigations that have dominated the literature. METHODS To bridge this gap, we draw on theoretical and empirical literature from across the social sciences considering the ontological significance of ethnicity (as biology, migration, racialised structures and identity) and its relationships with psychotic disorders to illuminate probable drivers of excess psychosis risk. RESULTS The largest gains in our theoretical understanding of excess psychosis risk among ethnic minority groups are to be made by considering ethnicity in relation to disempowerment resulting from structural and identity-based exclusion. The former is readily studied through the social gradient in health: socioeconomic disadvantage clusters in some ethnic minorities and increases the risk of poor health outcomes, including psychosis. Furthermore, limitations on identity acquisition and expression imposed by the ethnic majority can further contribute to alienate ethnic minorities and increase psychosocial disempowerment (a lack of control over one's life). CONCLUSION We theorise that structural and identity-based exclusion act as the primary drivers shaping variation in rates of psychotic disorder by ethnic minority status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Jongsma
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201PsyLife Group, Division of Psychiatry, UCL, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7DN UK ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ UK ,Present Address: Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry ‘Veldzicht’, Ommerweg 67, 7707 AT Balkbrug, The Netherlands
| | - Saffron Karlsen
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies, University of Bristol, 11 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU UK
| | - James B. Kirkbride
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201PsyLife Group, Division of Psychiatry, UCL, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7DN UK
| | - Peter B. Jones
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ UK ,grid.450563.10000 0004 0412 9303CAMEO, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Elizabeth House, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, CB21 5EF UK
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Buttazzoni A, Tariq U, Thompson-Haile A, Burkhalter R, Cooke M, Minaker L. Cannabis use and stigma among Canadian high school students: Results from the 2015 and 2017 Cancer Risk Assessment in Youth Survey. Addict Behav 2020; 111:106547. [PMID: 32721644 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent cannabis use is perceived as a risky behavior, has been linked with many negative health outcomes, and is increasingly being connected with stigma. METHODS The purpose of this study is to investigate how cannabis use is associated with potentially stigmatizing markers of identity among adolescents two waves of a repeat cross-sectional survey (2015 N = 12,110; 2017 N = 15,191) of high schools students in seven Canadian provinces. Students were asked about ever use of cannabis, as well as "stigma markers", including their current living arrangement, mother's education, and ethnicity. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations between cannabis use and stigma markers. RESULTS After adjusting models for grade, gender, and province of residence, students who did not live with their mothers had higher odds of cannabis use relative to students living with their mothers [OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.62-2.31]. Low maternal education was also significantly associated with cannabis use, as was ethnicity (students who identified as Indigenous had 3.38 (95% CI 2.29-4.99) times higher odds of using cannabis compared to students who identified as "white" in 2017). Findings related to attending school in a rural (vs. urban) area (2015 OR = 1.33 95% CI 0.99-1.78; 2017 OR = 1.44 95% CI 0.9 to -2.15) and low SES (2015 OR = 0.99, 95% 0.98-1.00; 2017 OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.98-1.01) were more marginal. CONCLUSIONS Future research should explore cannabis initiation experiences among vulnerable groups to better understand potential stigma triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Buttazzoni
- School of Planning, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; Geographies of Health in Place, Planning, and Public Health Lab, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Ulaina Tariq
- Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | | | - Robin Burkhalter
- Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, University of Waterloo, Canada; School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - Martin Cooke
- Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, University of Waterloo, Canada; School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Canada; Department of Sociology and Legal Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - Leia Minaker
- School of Planning, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; Geographies of Health in Place, Planning, and Public Health Lab, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Canada; Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, University of Waterloo, Canada; School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Canada
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Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: a Systematic Review of Recent Research. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-020-00295-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Dunlop BJ, Hartley S, Oladokun O, Taylor PJ. Bisexuality and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI): A narrative synthesis of associated variables and a meta-analysis of risk. J Affect Disord 2020; 276:1159-1172. [PMID: 32823255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisexual people have been found to be at increased risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) when compared to heterosexual and gay or lesbian people. The purpose of this review was to update the estimated risk of NSSI for bisexual people and to examine variables that have been associated with NSSI in this population. METHODS The protocol for this paper was pre-registered (CRD42019145299). An electronic search of PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, PubMed, Ovid Online and Web of Science was undertaken from earliest available date to October 2019. Twenty-four eligible papers were identified. Meta-analyses, including moderator analysis, were conducted to ascertain NSSI risk and a narrative synthesis was undertaken of predictors and correlates. All studies were assessed for risk of bias. RESULTS Bisexual people had up to six times the odds of engaging in NSSI compared to other sexualities. Mental health variables of anxiety and depression symptoms were found to be most commonly associated with NSSI for this population. The majority of studies had moderate risk of bias. This review demonstrates that bisexual people have an elevated risk of engaging in NSSI. Increased incidence of anxiety and depression and exposure to negative life events may explain this increased risk. LIMITATIONS Studies were found to be consistently cross-sectional in design and limited to western cultures. A limitation of this review was that only English language papers were included. CONCLUSIONS Results are clinically relevant as they suggest early identification and prevention of NSSI can be achieved. Future research should examine bisexual people independently of others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Dunlop
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
| | - Samantha Hartley
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Olayinka Oladokun
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Taylor
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
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Fish JN. Sexual minority youth are at a disadvantage: what now? THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2020; 4:3-4. [PMID: 31753805 PMCID: PMC8072516 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(19)30383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Fish
- Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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