Assessing the Impact of Childhood and Adolescent Sexual Abuse on Indian Homosexual and Heterosexual Men’s: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Childhood and adolescent sexual abuse are a critical issue with long-lasting psychological, emotional, physical, and social impacts. This study examines the prevalence, socio-demographic factors, and abuse-related outcomes among homosexual and heterosexual men's in Tamil Nadu, India. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 750 participants (375 homosexual and 375 heterosexual men) aged 18-40 years. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing abuse experiences, mental health (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5 (PTSD:PCL-5), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), General Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), physical health, and sexual identity impacts. Inferential statistical analyses, including linear regression and multivariable analysis, were employed to explore relationships between abuse experiences and health outcomes. The prevalence of sexual abuse was 61.8% among homosexual men and 37.2% among heterosexual men. Homosexual participants exhibited significantly higher rates of PTSD (PCL-5: mean 48.6 vs. 33.1), depression (BDI: mean 29.4 vs. 18.7), and anxiety (GAD-7: mean 14.5 vs. 8.9). Multivariable analysis identified education level, employment status, and coming-out status as significant predictors of abuse-related outcomes, with homosexual men facing compounded vulnerabilities due to societal stigma. Sexual abuse profoundly affects the psychological, physical, and social well-being of both homosexual and heterosexual men, with homosexual men experiencing greater impacts.