Self-stigma and associated factors among the LGBTQ+ community in northern and central Vietnam in 2024
Nội dung chính của bài viết
Tóm tắt
LGBTQ+ individuals in Vietnam face significant mental health challenges due to self-stigma, which arises from internalizing negative societal attitudes toward their sexual orientation and gender identity. This self-stigma contributes to psychological distress and exacerbates mental health disparities; however, evidence on its prevalence and associated factors in Vietnam remains limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess self-stigma prevalence and identify related factors among LGBTQ+ individuals in Northern and Central Vietnam in 2024. We recruited 250 participants and measured self-stigma using a validated 24-item, three-factor scale assessing internalized negative beliefs, reactions to societal judgment, and feelings of inferiority. Results showed that 11.2% of participants experienced self-stigma (mean score ≥2.5). Individuals aged 25-35 and males had higher odds of self-stigma compared to their counterparts (OR = 8.33, 95% CI: 1.96-33.33; and OR = 8.33, 95% CI: 1.89-339.33, respectively).. Specifically, individuals aged over 30 years old, men, and those who had not fully disclosed their sexual orientation reported greater self-stigma. Biological gender, age, and disclosure status were significantly associated with self-stigma, whereas place of residence, religion, income level, and marital status were not significantly associated (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the need for supportive environments that encourage safe disclosure, strengthen social support networks, and reduce self-stigma to improve mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ individuals in Vietnam.
Chi tiết bài viết
Từ khóa
Self-stigma, LGBT community, Mental health, Sexual orientation disclosure
Tài liệu tham khảo
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