Body image dissatisfaction and its association with homophobia, outness, depression severity, and suicide among young gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender men in Singapore: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The criminalization of sexual relations between men has stifled the development of social spaces and placed emphasis on sexual capital for gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (GBTQ) men in Singapore. This study aims to investigate the factors associated with body image dissatisfaction, and its link to health outcomes for young GBTQ men. Methods Results were derived from the Pink Carpet Y Cohort Study, Singapore’s first prospective cohort study among young GBTQ men. The sample comprised GBTQ men aged 18–25 years old. Statistical analyses were conducted through descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic and least-squares regression, and structural equation modeling techniques. Results A total of 396 participants were recruited. Results indicated that body mass index (BMI), homophobia, and outness were factors correlated with body image dissatisfaction. As an independent variable, we found that body image dissatisfaction was correlated with depression severity, and past suicidal ideation and attempt(s). Conclusions In the context of institutional and societal stigma and discrimination, homophobia and outness were associated with body image dissatisfaction. Future interventions should be targeted at addressing homophobia as a means of addressing body image dissatisfaction in young Singaporean GBTQ men, in hopes of achieving better health outcomes.