Investigating Eating Symptoms in the LGBTQIA+ Population: Do Discrimination and Adverse Conditions Matter?

IF 2.5 4区医学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY

International Journal of Social Psychiatry Pub Date : 2024-12-07 DOI:10.1177/00207640241300969

Silvia Tempia Valenta, Fabio Porru, Anna Bornioli, Matteo Di Vincenzo, Andrea Fiorillo, Diana De Ronchi, Anna Rita Atti

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) have traditionally been studied among heterosexual cisgender women, but recent research highlights a higher prevalence in LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Aims: This study aims (1) to investigate the association between different groups based on gender identity and sexual orientation (GISO) and experiencing eating symptoms, and (2) to explore the extent to which self-perceived discrimination and adverse conditions explain this association.

Methods: We administered an online survey to assess eating symptoms using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0) and measures of self-perceived discrimination and adverse conditions. Multistep logistic regressions were employed to analyze the associations between GISO and eating symptoms, initially unadjusted, then adjusted for sociodemographic variables, and finally adjusted for self-perceived discrimination and/or adverse conditions.

Results: A total of 560 adults aged 30 ± 10.9 years old were included. After adjusting for socio-demographics all groups were more likely to experience eating symptoms compared to heterosexual men, with odds ratios (ORs) of 5.7 [95% CI: 1.3, 24.3] for cisgender heterosexual women, 6.7 [95% CI: 1.5, 29.8] for cisgender non-heterosexual women, and 9.3 [95% CI: 1.8, 47.5] for non-cisgender individuals. After adjusting for self-perceived discrimination and adverse conditions, the associations for women were attenuated, while the associations for non-cisgender individuals were no longer significant.

Conclusion: This study (1) confirms that sexual and gender minorities may be at higher risk for EDs, and (2) suggests that discrimination and adverse conditions may contribute to the higher prevalence of eating symptoms in this population. Additional research is needed to investigate these minority stressors as they may represent targets for effective interventions to prevent eating symptoms in the LGBTQIA+ community.

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调查LGBTQIA+人群的饮食症状：歧视和不利条件重要吗？

背景：饮食失调（EDs）传统上是在异性恋的异性恋女性中研究的，但最近的研究强调LGBTQIA+个体的患病率更高。目的：本研究的目的是(1)探讨基于性别认同和性取向（GISO）的不同群体与饮食症状之间的关系，(2)探讨自我感知歧视和不利条件在多大程度上解释这种关系。方法：我们使用进食障碍检查问卷（ed - q 6.0）和自我感知歧视和不良条件测量进行在线调查，以评估进食症状。采用多步逻辑回归分析GISO与饮食症状之间的关系，最初未调整，然后调整社会人口变量，最后调整自我感知歧视和/或不利条件。结果：共纳入成人560例，年龄30±10.9岁。在调整社会人口统计学因素后，所有人群与异性恋男性相比更容易出现进食症状，顺性异性恋女性的优势比（or）为5.7 [95% CI: 1.3, 24.3]，顺性非异性恋女性的优势比（or）为6.7 [95% CI: 1.5, 29.8]，非顺性个体的优势比（or）为9.3 [95% CI: 1.8, 47.5]。在调整自我感知歧视和不利条件后，女性的关联减弱，而非顺性个体的关联不再显著。结论：本研究(1)证实了性少数和性别少数群体可能有更高的ed风险，(2)表明歧视和不利条件可能导致这一人群中饮食症状的患病率更高。需要进一步的研究来调查这些少数压力源，因为它们可能代表有效干预的目标，以防止LGBTQIA+社区的饮食症状。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Social Psychiatry PSYCHIATRY-

CiteScore

12.30

自引率

1.30%

发文量

120

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities. Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas. The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.