Mental health of sexual and gender minorities and its association with outings in Japan: A web-based cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) are known to experience mental health disparities. Outing, the non-consensual disclosure of one's sexual orientation or gender identity, has been suggested to exacerbate these issues. This study aimed to investigate the mental health status, outing experiences and their associations among SGMs in Japan.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from 'the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey' conducted in September-October 2022, analyzing SGMs aged 18-79. Outing experiences were assessed across family, friends and school/workplace. Mental health was measured using the Kessler 6-Item Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and self-reported suicidal ideation within the past year. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios for mental health outcomes associated with outing experiences and the outing ranges within communities while adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Results: Of the 2596 SGM participants analyzed, 50.8% exhibited moderate-to-high K6 scores and 9.3% reported experiencing outings, with transgender and gender non-binary individuals being the most affected. Outing experience was significantly associated with moderate-to-high K6 scores (adjusted prevalence ratios [aPR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-1.55), high K6 scores (aPR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.10-1.68) and suicidal ideation within the past year (aPR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.17-1.66). Additionally, experiencing outings within broader communities showed a dose-dependent association with higher levels of mental distress (aPR of moderate-to-high K6 for one to three communities: 1.31, 1.52 and 1.58, respectively).

Conclusion: Outings can be a significant minority stressor among SGMs in Japan, contributing to elevated psychological distress and suicidal ideation.