Social Determinants of Alcohol Use Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety Among Sexual Minority Males During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

he COVID-19 pandemic magnified the mental health disparities between sexual minorities and the Filipino population. This study explored the mental health disparities experienced by sexual minorities, which remains unexplored. The study utilized self-administered survey forms to explore the extent and social determinants of an alcohol use disorder, depression, and anxiety among Filipino sexual minority males during the pandemic. A total of 220 participants were recruited in October 2020. They were composed of adult Filipino cisgender males with non-heterosexual orientation from Metro Manila. The results showed significant rates of risk for alcohol use disorder, depression, and anxiety at 36.4%, 9.5%, and 26.4%, respectively. Age (OR=0.886, p=.025), homosexual orientation (OR=0.035, p=.033), bisexual orientation (OR= 0.009, p=.011), and living with relatives (OR=0.162, p=.006) were also significantly associated with depression. Age (OR=0.866, p=<.001) was significantly associated with anxiety. Moreover, compared with the general population during the pandemic, Filipino sexual minorities’ risk for alcohol use disorder was higher than depression and anxiety. These disparities were significantly associated with age, sexual orientation, and living arrangements. The findings suggest comorbidities of an alcohol use disorder, depression, and anxiety among Filipino sexual minorities that can be addressed through cost-effective online treatment modalities, information-education campaigns, integration of mental health into educational curriculums, the institution of policies that bar discrimination against sexual minorities, and initiatives to strengthen family support groups.