Prevalence of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Among LGBTQ+ Medical Students in Thailand
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00918369
eISSN
15403602
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85203298887
Journal Title
Journal of Homosexuality
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Homosexuality (2024)
Suggested Citation
Vadhanavikkit P., Srifuengfung M., Wiwattarangkul T., Wiwattanaworaset P., Oon-Arom A., Chiddaycha M., Piyavhatkul N., Wainipitapong S. Prevalence of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Among LGBTQ+ Medical Students in Thailand. Journal of Homosexuality (2024). doi:10.1080/00918369.2024.2389905 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/101185
Title
Prevalence of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Among LGBTQ+ Medical Students in Thailand
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This study evaluated the prevalence and associated factors of depression and generalized anxiety among LGBTQ+ in five medical schools in Thailand. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), respectively, and multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors. Of 1,322 students, 412 (31.16%) identified as LGBTQ+. The prevalence for MDD and GAD among LGBTQ+ students were 32.77% and 17.23%, respectively. Significant associated factors for both MDD and GAD were a history of psychiatric illness (AOR for MDD = 2.32, p =.020; AOR for GAD = 3.67, p <.001), educational problems (AOR for MDD = 6.62, p <.001; AOR for GAD = 5.12, p <.001), and dissatisfaction with gender identity or sexual orientation (AOR for MDD = 1.92, p =.019; AOR for GAD = 2.47, p =.005). Additional factors associated with MDD were preclinical years (AOR = 2.30, p =.023), financial struggles (AOR = 2.05, p =.021), and inadequate peer support (AOR = 2.57, p =.044). In conclusion, nearly one-third and one-fifth of Thai LGBTQ+ medical students suffer from MDD and GAD, respectively. Our findings suggest that Thai medical schools should promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity to enhance students’ identity satisfaction. Peer support groups should be encouraged, especially for preclinical LGBTQ+ students who face educational and financial challenges.