Abstract
Preliminary 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. Using 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). Results 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. Access 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.
Highlights
In December 2019, the novel virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) was detected
Access 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
The present study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary social isolation measures in Germany on current well-being of individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities (LGBTQIA ) and cis-heterosexual individuals
Summary
In December 2019, the novel virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) was detected. About 13 months later more than 93 million people have been infected by COVID-19 and more than 2.5 million people died by February 2021 [1]. Literature shows a significant effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily living with an impairment in quality of life and an increase in uncertainty of the present and the future, distress, fear and panic [12]. This has negative effects on well-being and mental health with an increase of emotional disorders [11,13,14,15]. 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
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