Searching videos
Please Sign In or Create an account
A controlled study of depression and suicidal ideation among homosexual students in Nigeria

A controlled study of depression and suicidal ideation among homosexual students in Nigeria

Introduction and objectives: Homosexuality has been considered a mental health disorder and this pathological view was challenged four decades ago culminating in diagnostic systems (the ICD and DSM) regarding it as an alternative lifestyle rather than a pathological state. Homosexual individuals are prone to psychological distress, which may manifest as depression and suicidal ideation. This has been attributed to the lingering discrimination homosexual individuals are exposed to. There is a dearth of information in Nigeria with regards to this topic and this work is an attempt to fill this gap. The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation in homosexual students and heterosexual controls in a Nigerian university.

Methods: 82 homosexual students were recruited using snow-balling technique while 82 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited using convenience sampling. Both groups completed a questionnaire containing socio-demographic and family background information, the Kinsey scale, the CAGE questionnaire, the Zung’s Self-Rating Depression scale (SDS) and the Positive and Negative Suicidal ideation Inventory (PANSI).
Results: The prevalence of depression was significantly higher in homosexual respondents than in heterosexual respondents (15.9% and 4.9% respectively). Similarly, homosexual respondents had a higher prevalence (30.5%) of suicidal ideation compared to those among heterosexual controls (11%). The relationship between sexual orientation and depression and suicidal ideation is influenced by factors such as on- or off-residence, suicide protection and family factors such as both parental neglect and gender atypical behaviour in childhood.
Conclusions: This research has shown that homosexual individuals are more likely to have depression and suicidal ideation compared to heterosexual individuals in conformity with previous reports. The role of resilience in mitigating the risk for depression and suicidal ideation in homosexual individuals was highlighted and would require further study as a possible target for potential therapeutic intervention.

Speakers: Olakunle Oginni
Areas of Interest / Categories: Depression, Discrimination, Resilience, WAS 2015

WAS 2015

How to Avoid Professional Sexual Misconduct: Sexual Attraction in Psychotherapeutic Relationships

Analysis of all gender dysphoria persons attending Sta Maria university hospital gender unit

The concept of gender dysphoria is a subject of intense controversy and debate. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbid disorders and sexual behavior of 84 gender dysphoric (gender identity disorder) persons, diagnosed according to DSM-5 and divided into 54 female-to-male (FTM) and 30 male-tofemale (MTF).

The survey of sexual health for wrinkly and elderly women in China

Objective: Through this research on the sexual life of wrinkly and elderly women in China, we hope to understand the status of sexual health of the aged Chinese women.

We know more than what you think: Parents' understanding, through their children’s drawing, the importance of sexual education

Mandatory sexual education in Mexican elementary schools still faces parents’ opposition under the arguments that their children are not old enough to be exposed to the subject. Through their own children’s drawings, this research proved to parents that their children had already been exposed to great extent of sexual information that needs scientific and correct guidance. The main objective of this exploratory study was to assess, through children’s drawings, their views about pregnancy at an early age and use the results to promote, among the parents, the acceptance of sexual education programs at the schools.

Engaging, practical and empowering: Sexuality and relationships education at Curtin University, Australia that supports pre-service teachers

An audit of Western Australian universities found pre-service teachers have limited opportunity to study health-related courses (termed units in Australia), and when they are offered there is often little focus on Sexuality and Relationships Education (SRE). Curtin University has recently established an undergraduate course for Bachelor of Education students, which focuses solely on the delivery of evidence-based SRE. 

The 'save sexual life' for the syphilis patients (Chinese with English translation)

Everyone has the right of sex. The patients of infectious disease also have the right to enjoy sex. However, in fact, many people with AIDS or STD diseases do not have a regular sexual life. Our work aims to address this difficulty and offer good suggestions to those patients suffering from the STD, syphilis.

A practice of carrying sexual health education through new media in China

With the development of internet, cell phones and SNS, the new media has provided a huge opportunity for China to carry out sexual health education activities. We hope to use all these new media to promote Chinese sexual health.

Recently Added

Responding to the needs of consumers with complex trauma histories a consumer perspective Copy

This presentation, "Responding to the needs of consumers with complex trauma histories a consumer perspective" focuses on the needs of adult survivors of child abuse, highlighting the frequent

Defining the concept of spirituality among Filipino counselors and clients.

Sport and physical activity in the treatment of refugee trauma survivors of torture and trauma

Community acceptance of refugees in a new refugee resettlement location, Armidale, NSW

Theme and Variations: The way the Complex Traumatic past becomes the Complex Traumatic present

Long walk to health: Working with the survivors of refugee trauma with a history of early childhood abuse

Limits in Neurofeedback Rehabilitation: What we need to know