An exploration of anxiety and depressive symptoms among sexual and gender minority young adults visiting a drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness

Background

Research suggests that marginalized young adults, particularly sexual and gender minorities (SGM), face distinctive healthcare transition challenges. SGM often navigate a complex intersection of identities, experiences, and stressors that can contribute to mental health disparities. However, they often lack access to appropriate support and resources tailored to their needs, which can result in increased psychological distress. Drop-in centers are effective mental health interventions for marginalized communities. Therefore, we conducted a study to explore the healthcare access experiences and mental health outcomes of young adult SGM compared to their non-SGM counterparts.

Methods

We surveyed 151 young adults aged 18–25 who visited two drop-in centers for young adults experiencing homelessness in Houston, Texas, between October and November 2018. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire- 4 (PHQ-4.ther variables included demographics, prior mental health diagnosis, and experiences of homelessness and involvement in justice.

Results

Transgender and gender-diverse individuals had higher proportions of anxiety symptoms than their cisgender counterparts, while gay and lesbian individuals were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. In general, SGM individuals were three times more likely to report a previous anxiety diagnosis and four times more likely to report a previous depression diagnosis than their non-SGM counterparts. However, we did not find a significant association between having anxiety or depressive symptoms with seeking healthcare, experiences of homelessness, and justice involvement.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that drop-in centers can provide targeted care for SGM youth with intersecting needs, thus improving their mental health outcomes. Nevertheless, more research is needed to understand further and inform more targeted and effective evidence-based interventions that support SGM young adults across the trajectory of experiences, changing needs, and care coordination over time during this critical and vulnerable transition to adulthood.