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Cheung DH, Boonmongkon P, Ojanen TT, Damri T, Samoh N, Cholratana M, Rachadapanthikul C, Gilman SE, Sass J, Guadamuz TE. Peer victimisation and depression among gender conforming and non-conforming Thai adolescents. Cult Health Sex 2020; 22:808-821. [PMID: 32400284 PMCID: PMC10115512 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2020.1737235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Like most low- and middle-income countries, Thailand is facing an increasing burden of depressive disorders among adolescents, but research and services for them are largely neglected. This study explored the association between types of peer victimisation, gender non-conformity, health risk behaviours, and depressive symptoms among Thai students aged 13-18 years. Overall, prevalence of depressive symptoms was 14.7% (95% CI: 12.6-15.6), 12.2% (95% CI: 9.5-13.9) among male students and 16.5% (95% CI: 13.8-18.0) among female students. Among both sexes, social and sexual victimisation in the past month were strongly associated with depressive symptoms in the past week. Gender non-conforming female adolescents, as well as male and female adolescents who had experienced sexual and social victimisation, had a high burden of depressive symptoms. Mental health professionals and educators working with young people in Thailand should consider assessment for clinically significant depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doug H. Cheung
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pimpawun Boonmongkon
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Timo T. Ojanen
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education, Thammasart University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Thasaporn Damri
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nattharat Samoh
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Mudjalin Cholratana
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Chet Rachadapanthikul
- Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Stephen E. Gilman
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justine Sass
- HIV Prevention and Health Promotion Unit, UNESCO, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thomas E. Guadamuz
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Guadamuz TE, Cheung DH, Boonmongkon P, Ojanen TT, Damri T, Samoh N, Cholratana M, Ratchadapunnathikul C, Sass J. Illicit Drug Use and Social Victimization among Thai Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:2198-2206. [PMID: 31317813 PMCID: PMC10115513 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1638936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: We examined the prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use and social victimization, and their association, among sexual and gender minority (SGM) and non-SGM Thai adolescents. Methods: In 2013, we conducted a school-based national survey among students grades 7-12 (aged 13-20 years) from 15 secondary schools (n = 2,070) around Thailand. We classified adolescents with same-sex attraction, sexual or gender non-conforming identities as SGM. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the odds of illicit drug use by SGM and non-SGM status. Results: Prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use was significantly higher among SGM adolescents than non-SGM adolescents (10.3 vs. 5.3%), but did not differ between those with same-sex attraction and SGM identity (10.3 vs. 10.8%). Among non-SGM adolescents, general social victimization, sexual experience and any school truancy were associated with lifetime illicit drug use (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.38; OR = 6.59, 95% CI: 4.90, 8.86; and OR = 4.93, 95% CI: 3.13, 7.75, respectively). Among SGM adolescents, SGM-based social victimization, depressive symptomology and suicidal ideation were associated with lifetime illicit drug use (OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.03, 4.95; OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 2.32, 10.90; and OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 2.76, 9.16, respectively). Conclusions: SGM adolescents have higher burden of illicit drug use. Moreover, illicit drug use among SGM adolescents is indicative of depressive symptomology and suicidal ideation. Tailored and comprehensive programs are needed to reduce the gap in burden of illicit drug use between SGM and non-SGM adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Guadamuz
- Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand
| | - Doug H Cheung
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Pimpawun Boonmongkon
- Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand
| | - Timo T Ojanen
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand.,Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education, Thammasat University , Pathumthani , Thailand
| | - Thasaporn Damri
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand
| | - Nattharat Samoh
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand
| | - Mudjalin Cholratana
- Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand
| | - Chet Ratchadapunnathikul
- Department of Social Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand
| | - Justine Sass
- HIV Prevention and Health Promotion Unit, UNESCO , Bangkok , Thailand
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de Lind van Wijngaarden JW, Ojanen TT. Identity management and sense of belonging to gay community among young rural Thai same-sex attracted men: implications for HIV prevention and treatment. Cult Health Sex 2015; 18:377-390. [PMID: 26416166 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2015.1087595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Young Thai men who have sex with men continue to have high HIV prevalence and incidence in spite of much investment in community-based prevention approaches. To make HIV services more appropriate for same-sex attracted young men in Thailand, it needs to be considered how target groups view themselves and manage their identities. This paper derives from a qualitative study of 25 same-sex attracted rural young Thai men. It identifies five tactics men employed to manage the discrepancy between their preferences and parental/societal expectations regarding gender and sexuality, and discusses how the young men viewed themselves in the wider context of Thai society, including whether they felt part of a separate gay community. Participants usually did not adopt a gay social identity and were reluctant to join in gay community activities beyond dating. Hence, they would likely experience barriers in accessing gay community-based HIV services. HIV services targeting young same-sex attracted Thai men need to be diversified if they are to be more inclusive, appropriate and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timo T Ojanen
- b Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities , Mahidol University , Salaya , Nakhon Pathom , Thailand
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Ojanen TT, Boonmongkon P, Samakkeekarom R, Samoh N, Cholratana M, Payakkakom A, Guadamuz TE. Investigating online harassment and offline violence among young people in Thailand: methodological approaches, lessons learned. Cult Health Sex 2014; 16:1097-112. [PMID: 25010363 PMCID: PMC4163092 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2014.931464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Violence in the physical (offline) world is a well-documented health and social issue among young people worldwide. In Southeast Asia, online harassment (defined as intentional behaviours to harm others through the Internet or through mobile devices) is less well documented. In this paper, we describe and critically discuss the mixed-methods data collection approach we used to build a contextualised understanding of offline violence and online harassment among 15- to 24-year-old students and out-of-school youth in Central Thailand. We mapped linkages between offline violence and online harassment, and with their possible correlates including gender, sexuality, and mobile media or Internet use. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and a custom-built, self-administered computerised survey. Using mixed methods enabled us to collect holistic qualitative/quantitative data from both students and out-of-school youth. In our discussion, we focus on gender, sexuality, class and ethnicity issues in recruiting out-of-school youth; definition and measurement issues; technical issues in using a computerised survey; ethical issues surrounding data collection from minors as well as privacy and confidentiality concerns in collecting data in both in-school and out-of-school settings; and the general implications of using mixed methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo T. Ojanen
- Center for Health Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Pimpawun Boonmongkon
- Center for Health Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Ronnapoom Samakkeekarom
- Center for Health Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nattharat Samoh
- Center for Health Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Mudjalin Cholratana
- Center for Health Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Anusorn Payakkakom
- Department of Social Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Thomas E. Guadamuz
- Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Boonmongkon P, Ojanen TT, Samakkeekarom R, Samoh N, Iamsilpa R, Topananan S, Cholratana M, Guadamuz TE. 'She met her (boy)friend online': Negotiating gender identity and sexuality among young Thai women in online space. Cult Health Sex 2013; 15:1162-74. [PMID: 23885969 PMCID: PMC5500304 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2013.809609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on the experiences of women 15-24 years old living in one suburban district in Bangkok. Its objectives are to analyse processes of building and negotiating social identity and femininity in online spaces by young women; the ways in which young women express their sexuality using online technologies; connections between the 'online' and 'offline' worlds in terms of emotions as well as social and sexual networks; and traditional values regarding female sexuality reproduced through online media and how young women negotiate and resist these. Content and narrative analyses were conducted using qualitative data from 9 focus-group discussions and 14 narrative interviews. Findings indicated that the online media serve as tools that help young women develop and express their gender identities. Mobile phones and the Internet facilitate communication in order to express love, responsibility, intimacy and sexual desires. Discourse on women's chastity, which puts pressure on women to maintain their virginity, still influences online and mobile contents, messages and images among young women. However, women also exerted agency in negotiating and expressing their sexuality, both online and offline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pimpawun Boonmongkon
- a Center for Health Policy Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities , Mahidol University, Salaya , Thailand
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