Members of the LGBTQIA community experience depression more than their heterosexual counterparts, particularly when linked with substance use.
This is according to a study – “Sexual Orientation Disparities in Depression and Substance Use Among Adults: Results from the Brazilian National Health Survey 2019” by Nayara L. Gomes and Claudia S. Lopes – that appeared in LGBT Health.
For this study, data were obtained from a national health survey conducted in 2019. This study included participants aged 18 years and older (N = 85,859). Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) and confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression models stratified by sex to examine the association between sexual orientation, depression, daily tobacco use, hazardous alcohol use, and HATU.
The study found:
- After controlling for the covariates, gay men showed a higher prevalence of depression, daily tobacco use, and HATU compared with heterosexual men (APR ranged from 1.71 to 1.92).
- Bisexual men showed a higher prevalence (almost three times) of depression compared with heterosexual men.
- Lesbian women showed a higher prevalence of binge and heavy drinking, daily tobacco use, and HATU compared with heterosexual women (APR ranged from 2.55 to 4.44).
- Among bisexual women, the results were significant for all analyzed outcomes (APR ranged from 1.83 to 3.26).
For the researchers, the findings highlight the need for specific public policies aimed at the sexual minority population and for greater recognition and better management of these disorders by health professionals.
