Impact of internalized homophobia on mental health in the LGBTQ+ community: Web-based Cross-Sectional study

Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress and to evaluate the association of these mental health issues with internalized homophobia among the LGBTQ+ individuals. Methods: This is a web-based cross-sectional study involving individuals who identify themselves as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. An online questionnaire was circulated through virtual snowball sampling among these individuals, which included a consent form explaining the components of the study, followed by sections collecting information based on the individual’s socio-demography, sexual identity, followed by questions pertaining to internalized homophobia and their mental health. Another section was added where qualitative data was collected from the individuals regarding how they would like for healthcare professionals to treat them. Results: A total of 45 LGBTQ+ individuals took part in this survey, and through statistical analysis, there was found to be a significant positive correlation between internalized homophobia independently with depression (r = 0.483, p = 0.001), stress (r = 0.398, p = 0.007) and anxiety(r = 0.474, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Internalized homophobia contributes substantially to psychological distress among LGBTQ+ individuals and should be carefully considered by all healthcare professionals during assessment and treatment.