A study on homosexuals and their psychiatric morbidities in a northeastern state of India, Manipur

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, India is witnessing a change in public attitude and concern toward sexual minority population. The study was undertaken as there are sparse data regarding homosexuality in India, where it is still considered punishable. Aim: This study aimed to assess sociodemographic profiles and psychiatric morbidities of homosexuals belonging to a northeastern state of India, Manipur. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 32 consenting homosexuals from October 2016 to June 2017, using a semi-structured interview schedule and Mini-International Neuropsychiatry Interview-Plus scale. Results: Majority of the homosexuals were from urban areas and belonged to nuclear family. The current study reported increased psychiatric morbidities among the homosexuals, of which substance abuse was among the top followed by anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and higher suicidal risk. Conclusion: Results clearly indicate that this population is at higher risk of developing psychiatric morbidities. Hence, this necessitates a different interventional model for the overall well-being of homosexuals.

Keywords

• Depression
• homosexuals
• sexual minority
• substance use disorders