Associations Between Mental Health Outcomes and Childhood Trauma and Experiences of Violence During the First Shelter-in-Place for COVID-19 Among Sexual Minority Men Living in Texas, 2020
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased mental health issues, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM). The relationship between mental health and experiences of trauma and violence are understudied in this population. Purpose: To assess if rates of childhood trauma and COVID-19-related violence are higher for those with depression and anxiety than those without such experiences among cisgender sexual minority men in Texas. Methods: This secondary data analysis is among the cisgender sexual minority men in the COVID-19 and You Survey Study in Texas during the first shelter-in-place order. Descriptive statistics and bivariate associations between trauma and experiences of violence and depression and anxiety were assessed using parametric or non-parametric equivalents, as appropriate. Adjusted results were conducted with multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among 399 cisgender sexual minority men, almost 30% were under 34 years. Most identified as lesbian, gay, or same-gender-loving (89.2%) and had anxiety (70.4%) or depression (58.6%). For each unit increase in childhood trauma score, there was an increased odds of experiencing anxiety (OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.1) and depression (OR: 1; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.1) in the past two weeks. There were increase odds of violence since COVID-19 related to sexual orientation (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 6.9) for those with anxiety and increased odds of mask-wearing (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 9.7) for those with depression. Conclusions: Tailored evidence-based mental health interventions are critical for sexual minority men, given the strong correlation between violence, childhood trauma, and anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for specialized support mechanisms. Recommendations: This research emphasizes the necessity for social services, improved mental health accessibility, and interventions to decrease violence and discrimination among sexual minority men.
Subject Area
Public health|Mental health|Sexuality|Gender studies
Recommended Citation
Deki, Sonam, "Associations Between Mental Health Outcomes and Childhood Trauma and Experiences of Violence During the First Shelter-in-Place for COVID-19 Among Sexual Minority Men Living in Texas, 2020" (2023). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI30819722.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI30819722