PLoS ONE (Jan 2021)

Well-being during COVID-19 pandemic: A comparison of individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities and cis-heterosexual individuals.

  • Pichit Buspavanich,
  • Sonia Lech,
  • Eva Lermer,
  • Mirjam Fischer,
  • Maximilian Berger,
  • Theresa Vilsmaier,
  • Till Kaltofen,
  • Simon Keckstein,
  • Sven Mahner,
  • Joachim Behr,
  • Christian J Thaler,
  • Falk Batz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252356
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 6
p. e0252356

Abstract

Read online

BackgroundPreliminary empirical data indicates a substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and mental health. Individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities are at a higher risk of experiencing such negative changes in their well-being. The objective of this study was to compare levels of well-being among cis-heterosexual individuals and individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsUsing data obtained in a cross-sectional online survey between April 20 to July 20, 2020 (N = 2332), we compared levels of well-being (WHO-5) across subgroups (cis-individuals with minoritized sexual identities, individuals with minoritized gender identities and cis-heterosexual individuals) applying univariate (two-sample t-test) and multivariate analysis (multivariate linear regression).ResultsResults indicate overall lower levels of well-being as well as lower levels of well-being in minoritized sexual or gender identities compared to cis-heterosexual individuals. Further, multivariate analyses revealed that living in urban communities as well as being in a relationship were positively associated with higher levels of well-being. Furthermore, a moderation analysis showed that being in a relationship reduces the difference between groups in terms of well-being.ConclusionAccess to mental healthcare for individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities as well as access to gender-affirming resources should be strengthened during COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare services with low barriers of access such as telehealth and online peer support groups should be made available, especially for vulnerable groups.