Association between internalized homophobia and mental health indicators in LGBT individuals in Mexico City

Abstract

Introduction. Mental health can be affected by social determinants, including discrimination and marginalization due to systems of oppression, such as heteronormativity. Objective. To analyze the association between internalized homophobia, homophobic violence, discrimination and community connectedness and alcohol use and depressive symptoms in LGBT individuals. Method. Cross-sectional study in which validated instruments for each variable were applied to a non-probabilistic and intentional sample of 2 846 LGBT individuals through face-to-face questioning during the Sexual Diversity and Pride Parade in Mexico City 2015 and by means of a digital survey tool. Binomial regression models were used to analyze associations between variables. Results. Homophobic discrimination and violence, as well as low community connectedness, positively related to depressive symptoms and alcohol use. Discussion and conclusion. Difficulties in the mental health of LGBT individuals are associated with sociocultural and internalized homophobia. Eradicating and minimizing homophobia would be useful to improve LGBT’s mental health.