Relationship between sociodemographics, loss of income, and mental health among two-spirit, gay, bisexual, and queer men in Manitoba during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and worsening mental health among a sample of 366 Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, queer (2SGBQ+) men in Manitoba. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional online survey among 2SGBQ+ men in Manitoba. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between sociodemographics, loss of income due to COVID-19 (independent variable) and worsening of mental health (analytic outcome). Among all respondents in the sample (N = 366), 55% indicated worsening of their mental health. In logistic regression, compared to participants who did not experience any loss of income, those who experienced loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly more likely to report worsening mental health (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 8.32, 95% Confidence Interval[CI] = 3.54–19.54). Compared to participants who self-identified as gay, bisexual-identifying participants were less likely to report worsening mental health (AOR = .35, 95%CI = 0.13–0.96). Finally, as compared to participants who were married or partnered, participants who were dating (AOR = 3.14, 95%CI = 1.60–6.17), single (AOR = 4.08, 95%CI = 1.75–9.52), and separated/divorced/widowed (AOR = 15.08, 95%CI = 2.22–102.51) were all significantly more likely to report experiencing a worsening of mental health due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights the need to develop robust public strategies for sub-populations of 2SGBQ+ men (non-gay identified sexual minorities and 2SGBQ+ men who may be more socially isolated). Specific targeted and tailored public health interventions designed with the unique needs of 2SGBQ+ men in Manitoba may be required to increase their access to socio-economic and mental health supports.

Loneliness and the sexual behavior of sexual minority men in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…In the current work, we found increased loneliness and increased sexual risk‐taking among younger GBM. This is in line with other work showing decreased condom use among younger sexual minority men during the COVID‐19 pandemic (Souleymanov, et al., 2023). Given these findings, younger GBM may need additional support for coping with feelings of loneliness in ways that do not increase their risk for the transmission of infection (be it COVID‐19, MPox, or other STIs, including HIV).…”