ASOCIACIÓN ENTRE DISCRIMINACIÓN, SALUD MENTAL, IDENTIDAD Y NIVELES DE CORTISOL EN UNA MUESTRA LGBTQ+ EN PANAMÁ EN EL AÑO 2023

Abstract

Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people can affect overall health, causing psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and suicidal ideation and behavior. It has been evidenced that vulnerability factors in LGBTQ+ people are related to discrimination and hateful behaviors, generating low self-esteem and psychopathological symptoms. Data on the Latin American region indicate that cases of discriminatory acts against LGBTQ+ people are on the rise. According to the Registry of Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex persons in the Americas of the Organization of American States, Panama is one of the countries in the region that reports cases of discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons, however, there is no data that establish the incidence of these cases. Chronic exposure to experiences of discrimination can lead to imbalances in mental health and in the biological stress regulation system. The objective of this vii research was to identify the association between perceived discrimination, mental health, and cortisol levels in a sample of LGBTQ+ people in Panama in the year 2023. This study has a cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach and a descriptive correlational non-experimental scope. The sample consisted of 48 LGBTQ+ participants of legal age residing in Panama. Sociodemographic data were collected, and the following scales were used: the Perceived Discrimination Scale, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and the Dimensions of Sexual Orientation Identity Scale for Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals. Two saliva samples were collected to assess morning and evening cortisol using an in vitro immunological test. A Pearson correlation was performed to analyze the relationship between perceived discrimination, mental health, identity and cortisol levels. The results showed that younger people present more depressive, anxious and stress symptoms. In addition, a positive correlation was found between discrimination by society and the presence of symptoms of depression and stress. In turn, a positive correlation was found between concern about sexual orientation acceptance and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. A moderated multiple regression model was also performed and showed that perceived group discrimination predicts the occurrence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, being moderated by concern about the acceptance of sexual orientation identity. However, no relationship was found between cortisol levels and psychological variables. These results show that discrimination is related to the quality of mental health of LGBTQ+ people. The present study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Panama and the results contribute to the literature on sexual diversity from a biopsychosocial perspective and promote governmental decision-making based on scientific evidence for the benefit of the health of LGBTQ+ persons.