A Study on the Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) Community of Assam and the Comparison of Psychiatric Morbidity among them

Abstract

Background: LGB community is also called “sexual minority” on the basis of their sexual identity or orientation as they are different from majority of society (Heterosexuals). This group of people who practice same sex behavior have been known since time immemorial. It has been put forward that this community faces a unique stress called “minority stress” in day-to-day life in terms of stigma, rejection, discrimination, violence etc. which correlates with poorer mental health outcomes (Meyer et al., 2008). Aim: To study the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among the LGB Community of Assam and comparison of psychiatric morbidity among them. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study among 50 samples of LGB community (age 18 years old or more) from Assam after consent. A self-constructed socio demographic profile, Modified Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (KSOG) scale and Mini international neuropsychiatric interview (M.I.N.I.) version 6.0.0 were used to collect data from the participants. The analysis of data was done by using SPSS. Results: The most prevalent psychiatric morbidity among the study population was MDD (52%), followed by non-alcohol substance use disorder (48%) particularly in the form nicotine (38%), GAD (38%), suicidality (24%), social phobia (20%), alcohol used disorder (16%), OCD (14%), panic disorder (6%), hypomania/mania (4%) and PTSD (4%). The comparison of psychiatric morbidity among the three groups found only PTSD was statistically significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychiatric morbidities was high among LGB population of Assam. Further qualitative and comparative studies among LGB population with other majority of population (Heterosexual) are recommended.