Gender And Ethnic Differences In Mental Health Outcomes In Sexual And Gender Minority (SGM) Youth And Young Adults In Texas And California, 2022-2024

Background: Depression and anxiety affect populations differently, particularly LGBTQ+, ethnic minorities, and youth with limited access to competent care. Risk factors include harassment, victimization, and discrimination. Purpose: To examine gender identity and ethnic differences in depression and anxiety among SGM youth in Texas and California. It is hypothesized that both Latinx and gender minority youth will report higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to non-Latinx and cisgender youth. Methods: Secondary analysis used data from the Family, Housing, and Me (FHAM) Project, following 83 LGBTQ+ youth from South Texas and California's Inland Empire over 25 months. Data includes sociodemographic characteristics, adverse events, and mental health. Statistical analyses include descriptive statistics, ANOVA for monthly anxiety and depression differences, and Chi-square tests and logistic regression for associations between anxiety and depression and sociodemographic characteristics and adverse events. Multiple logistic regression assessed differences in depression and anxiety by cisgender identity and Latinx ethnicity, adjusting for significant factors. Results: Latinx participants did not have significantly higher depression (aOR: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.3, 6.6; p>0.999) or anxiety (aOR: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.6, 4.6; p=0.946) compared to non-Latinx and Non-cisgender participants had significantly higher depression (OR: 7.2; 95% CI: 1.3, 40.5; p=0.022) but not anxiety (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 0.7, 5.8; p=0.111) compared to cisgender participants. Public Health Implications: Inclusive mental health policies are needed, as restrictive laws may worsen disparities among LGBTQ+ youth. Expanding gender-affirming care, legal protections, and targeted interventions can help mitigate these risks, particularly for marginalized groups.