Anxiety symptoms in the LGBTQIA+ population during the COVID-19 pandemic
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2024.v14.1130Keywords:
Sexual and gender minorities, pandemics, COVID-19, mental health, anxietyAbstract
Introduction: Horizontal isolation increased the likelihood of anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside structural prejudice and social marginalization, it had a particularly detrimental impact on the mental health of the LGBTQIA+ population. Objective: To assess the development or worsening of anxiety symptoms in the LGBTQIA+ population as a result of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions. Methods: This is an observational and descriptive study with LGBTQIA+ individuals over 18 years of age living in Brazil. The questionnaire was applied both online and in person, at the General Outpatient Clinic of Hospital Universitario Oswaldo Cruz, between August 2021 and July 2022. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), along with sociodemographic variables and information on family and group ties were all included in the data collection process. Results: A total of 253 individuals (n = 147 female) participated in this research, of which 71.5% were cisgender and 25.9% transgender persons. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was found that the frequency of family conflicts about the participants' sexual orientation or gender identity was substantially linked with the onset of anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001). The most notable symptoms associated with anxiety were fear of the worst happening (63%), nervousness (59.6%), inability to relax (54.9%) and palpitations (44.2%). Conclusions: The LGBTQIA+ group suffered from anxious symptoms that were potentially harmful to their physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this finding, it was noted that some individuals were more prone to anxious symptoms, demonstrating the importance of individualization.
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