ASSOCIATION OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY WITH SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN A CONVENIENCE SAMPLE OF LATVIAN YOUNG ADULTS

Introduction

Some studies show that homosexual people are more likely to suffer from psycho-emotional disorders due to the stress associated with their rejection by some part of society.
Objective

Aim of the study: to investigate Latvian young adult sexual orientation variability and its association with depression and anxiety.
Methods

Participants aged 18-30 year old (n = 503) were asked to do a self-administered anonymous web-based survey. To describe person’s sexual orientation Kinsey scale was used. Prevalence of depression and anxiety, univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to measure relations between investigated factors.
Results

A total of 503 participants were included in the study. Mean (SD) value on the Kinsey scale was 1.4 (1.8) and median (IQR) value was 1.0 (0-2.0) where 1 is defined as “mostly heterosexual, only slightly homosexual” person and 2 is “mostly heterosexual, but more than slightly homosexual”. Prevalence of persons reported violence experience was 20.3%, anxiety 56.3% and depression 37.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed that experience of violence was associated with higher odds of developing anxiety and depression (OR: 2.6 [95% CI: 1.7-4.0] and 2.4 [95% CI: 1.5-3.9], respectively). Being in relationship was associated with higher odds of developing anxiety (OR: 2.8 [95% CI: 1.3-6.3]). Male sex and income 1001-2000 euros a month were associated with lower odds of developing anxiety (OR: 0.4 [95% CI: 0.2-0.5] and aOR: 0.3 [95% CI: 0.1-0.8], respectively). Sexual orientation showed no significant value in association with anxiety and depression (OR: 1.1 [95% CI: 1.0-1.2] and OR: 1.1 [95% CI: 1.02-1.2]).
Conclusions

Our study reported that only significant factor in developing depression and anxiety is experience of violence. Risk of developing anxiety is also increased in females, people in relationships, but not married, and with lack of income. Sexual orientation has no significance in association with depression and anxiety.