Authors
Samia Tasnim, Nusrat Fahmida Trisha, Qiping Fan, Abida Sultana, Shayla Haque Mishu, Nishat Tasnim Hasan, Md Mahbub Hossain
Publication date
2020/2/5
Publisher
PsyArXiv
Description
Background
High burden of mental disorders among sexual minorities including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population is well documented. Digital platforms are increasingly being used by sexual minorities to communicate with each other, but there is no systematic review of digital interventions that can improve mental health among sexual minorities. This systematic review identified and evaluated the digital interventions for mental health among different sexual minorities.
Methodology
We searched literature from six major databases and included studies published in the English language, describing interventions that have a component to improve mental health among any of the sexual minorities delivered through any of the digital platforms, and reporting mental health outcomes.
Results
Among 1936 citations, only 11 studies fulfilled our criteria. In those studies, most (n= 9) interventions were implemented in the US The interventions included varying components including on increasing acceptance and affirmation, increase social support and health education, cognitive behavioral therapy to manage stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Only 6 studies had randomized control design. Most of the studies reported reduction in bi/homonegativity and increased affirmation, decreased smoking and substance abuse, improved coping skills, reduced level of depression, anxiety, and stress among participants in the intervention groups.
Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that evaluated digital intervention for mental health among sexual and gender minorities. Despite a low number of …
Total citations
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