Depression and Associated Factors Among Gay and Heterosexual Male University Students in Nigeria

Abstract

Homosexuality is a recognized risk factor for depression in high-income countries; however, there is little research investigating the relationship between depression and sexual orientation in developing countries, especially in Africa. In this first study to investigate psychopathology in sexual minority men in Nigeria, the prevalence rates of depression in Nigerian gay and heterosexual individuals were compared as well as the explanatory power of risk and resilience factors in both groups. Eighty-one gay and 81 heterosexual male university students were, respectively, recruited from the Obafemi Awolowo University. Both groups were assessed for depression and other clinical factors, including alcohol and other substance use, suicidal ideation, and resilience. Gay students were further assessed for sexuality-related variables, including minority stress factors such as internalized homophobia and perceived stigma. The prevalence rates of depression among gay and heterosexual students were, respectively, 16 and 4.9% (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.15-11.82), and this increased likelihood for depression was significantly attenuated by resilience. Clinical factors correlated significantly with depression in both groups, explaining 31% of the variance in depression in gay and heterosexual students, respectively. Sexuality-related variables including internalized homophobia and perceived stigma were further associated with depression in gay students-accounting for a further 14% of the variance of depression in gay students. The findings highlight the importance of minority stress factors in understanding depression among non-heterosexual individuals in a developing country, and the need for further research to investigate the mechanisms of these relationships in such settings.

Mediators of the Disparities in Depression Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Individuals: A Systematic Review

“…Needham and Austin ( 2010 ) 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 Fair 23. Oginni et al 2018 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 Fair 24. Pakula et al ( 2016 ) 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 Fair 25.…”

“…(α = .83 for the current residential mother support scale, α = .74 for the current residential father support scale, α = .86 for the previous residential mother support scale, and α = .89 for the previous residential father support scale) 23. Oginni et al (2018) Age: M = 25. Family relationships: Items asking questions about each of the respondents' relationship with their parents, e.g., "How close do you feel to your mother/father?".…”

Validation of depressive symptoms, social support, and minority stress scales among gay, bisexual, and other men who have with men (GBMSM) in Nigeria, Africa: a mixed methods approach

“…Nigerian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience marginalization, discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation and same-sex sexual activity [1][2][3], which may negatively impact physical, mental, and sexual health outcomes [4,5]. The minority stress model posits that the prejudice, discrimination, and stigma experienced by sexual and gender minority individuals-as a result of sexual or gender identity-contributes to higher levels of stress, which may lead to mental health problems [6] and sexual risk behaviors [7,8].…”

Validation of depressive symptoms, social support, and minority stress scales among Gay, Bisexual, and other men who have with men (GBMSM) in Nigeria, Africa: A Mixed Methods Approach

“…Nigerian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience marginalization, discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation and same-sex sexual activity [1][2][3], which may negatively impact physical, mental, and sexual health outcomes [4,5]. The minority stress model posits that the prejudice, discrimination, and stigma experienced by sexual and gender minority individuals-as a result of sexual or gender identity-contributes to higher levels of stress, which may lead to mental health problems [6] and sexual risk behaviors [7,8].Prior studies have found high levels of mental health problems (i.e.…”