Prevalence of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Among LGBTQ+ Medical Students in Thailand

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.