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Multi-Dimensional Factors Associated with Illegal Substance Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan

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  • Dian-Jeng Li

    (Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
    Department of Addiction Science, Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital 80276, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan)

  • Shiou-Lan Chen

    (Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan)

  • Cheng-Fang Yen

    (Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
    Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan)

Abstract

Illegal substance use in sexual minorities is an important health issue worldwide. The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the multi-dimensional factors associated with illegal substance use among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. This questionnaire-survey study recruited 500 gay or bisexual men aged between 20 and 25 years. Their experiences of using eight kinds of illegal substances in the preceding month were collected. Their previous experiences of homophobic bullying, satisfaction with academic performance, truancy, perceived family and peer support in childhood and adolescence, and social-demographic characteristics, were also collected. Potential factors associated with illegal substance use were identified using univariate logistic regression, and further selected into a forward stepwise logistic regression model to identify the factors most significantly related to illegal substance use. A total of 22 (4.4%) participants reported illegal substance use in the preceding month, and mean age was 22.9 ± 1.6. Forward stepwise logistic regression revealed that being victims of homophobic cyberbullying in childhood and adolescence (odds ratio (OR) = 1.26; p = 0.011), disclosure of sexual orientation at junior high school (OR = 4.67; p = 0.001), and missing classes or truancy in senior high school (OR = 2.52; p = 0.041) were significantly associated with illegal substance use in early adulthood. Multi-dimensional factors in childhood and adolescence that were significantly associated with illegal substance use in early adulthood among gay and bisexual men were identified. Besides traditional bullying, the effect of cyberbullying and school performance on illegal substance use should not be ignored. This study is limited to the cross-sectional design and possible recall bias. Mental health professionals must routinely assess these significant factors to prevent and intervene in illegal substance use among gay and bisexual men.

Suggested Citation

  • Dian-Jeng Li & Shiou-Lan Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2019. "Multi-Dimensional Factors Associated with Illegal Substance Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:22:p:4476-:d:286695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stall, R. & Mills, T.C. & Williamson, J. & Hart, T. & Greenwood, G. & Paul, J. & Pollack, L. & Binson, D. & Osmond, D. & Catania, J.A., 2003. "Association of Co-Occurring Psychosocial Health Problems and Increased Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among Urban Men Who Have Sex with Men," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(6), pages 939-942.
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    Cited by:

    1. Huang-Chi Lin & Yu-Ping Chang & Yi-Lung Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2022. "Relationships of Homophobic Bullying Victimization during Childhood with Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms in Early Adulthood among Gay and Bisexual Men: Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Yu-Te Huang & Wen-Jiun Chou & Yi-Chen Hang & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2023. "Sexual Orientation Microaggression Experiences and Coping Responses of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-11, January.
    3. Chung-Ying Lin & Ching-Shu Tsai & Chia-Wei Fan & Mark D. Griffiths & Chih-Cheng Chang & Cheng-Fang Yen & Amir H. Pakpour, 2022. "Psychometric Evaluation of Three Versions of the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Full, Eight-Item, and Three-Item Versions) among Sexual Minority Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-13, July.
    4. Dian-Jeng Li & Yu-Ping Chang & Yi-Lung Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2020. "Mediating Effects of Emotional Symptoms on the Association between Homophobic Bullying Victimization and Problematic Internet/Smartphone Use among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-10, May.
    5. Dian-Jeng Li & Yu-Ping Chang & Yi-Lung Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2020. "The Impact of Emotional Symptoms and Family Support on the Association Between Homophobic Bullying and Sedative/Hypnotic Use among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan: A Moderated Mediation Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-11, May.
    6. Huang-Chi Lin & Chih-Cheng Chang & Yu-Ping Chang & Yi-Lung Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2022. "Associations among Perceived Sexual Stigma from Family and Peers, Internalized Homonegativity, Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-13, May.
    7. Nai-Ying Ko & Wei-Hsin Lu & Yi-Lung Chen & Dian-Jeng Li & Yu-Ping Chang & Peng-Wei Wang & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2020. "Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Constructs of COVID-19 Health Beliefs: A Comparison Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Individuals in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-10, June.
    8. Dian-Jeng Li & Shiou-Lan Chen & Yu-Ping Chang & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2020. "Factors Affecting Painkillers, Sedatives/Hypnotics, Nicotine, and Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-13, January.
    9. Lorraine Greaves, 2020. "Missing in Action: Sex and Gender in Substance Use Research," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-7, March.

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