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Factors Affecting Painkillers, Sedatives/Hypnotics, Nicotine, and Unhealthy Alcohol 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, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan)

  • Shiou-Lan Chen

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

  • Yu-Ping Chang

    (School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, New York, NY14214–3079, USA)

  • 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

Substance use has become a major health problem globally for sexual minorities. However, few studies have explored multi-dimensional factors associated with smoking, drinking, and prescription drug use. We aimed to investigate the factors affecting painkiller, sedative/hypnotic, nicotine and unhealthy alcohol use among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. We recruited 500 gay or bisexual men and assessed their experiences of using painkillers, sedatives/hypnotics, nicotine, alcohol and multi-dimensional factors with self-reported questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression with a forward stepwise model was used to verify the factors associated with substance use. Overall, 9.4%, 5.4%, and 13.8% of the participants reported using painkillers, sedatives/hypnotics, and nicotine, respectively, and 5.6% reported unhealthy alcohol use. Victims of traditional homophobic bullying in childhood and adolescence were more likely to report nicotine use, sedative/hypnotic use, and unhealthy alcohol use in early adulthood than non-victims. Missing classes or truancy at senior high school was associated with painkiller and sedative/hypnotic use in early adulthood. Traditional homophobic bullying and missing classes or truancy in childhood and adolescence predicted substance use in early adulthood among the gay and bisexual men in this study. Timely preventions and interventions for substance use are crucial for gay and bisexual men, especially for those who experience homophobic bullying and missing classes or truancy.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:3:p:851-:d:314294
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Purnell, J.Q. & Peppone, L.J. & Alcaraz, K. & McQueen, A. & Guido, J.J. & Carroll, J.K. & Shacham, E. & Morrow, G.R., 2012. "Perceived discrimination, psychological distress, and current smoking status: Results from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system reactions to race module, 2004-2008," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(5), pages 844-851.
    4. Gruskin, E.P. & Greenwood, G.L. & Matevia, M. & Pollack, L.M. & Bye, L.L., 2007. "Disparities in smoking between the lesbian, gay, and bisexual population and the general population in California," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(8), pages 1496-1502.
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    Cited by:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.

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