Heterogeneous Mental Health Profiles Among Sexual and Gender Minority College Students: Depression Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM; i.e., nonheterosexual and/or noncisgender) college students are exposed to worsened mental health outcomes than their peers. Such disparity was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as SGM youth were compelled to return home to unaccepted environments, leading to psychological distress and limited access to healthcare. The present study aims to explore the heterogeneous mental health outcome profiles among college students by (a) identifying factors associated with depression across various groups of college students with intersectional identity between SGM and race/ethnicity and (b) assessing the impacts of intersecting minority stress (e.g., perceived COVID-19-related racial discrimination among SGM) on depressive symptoms. The study utilizes the 2020–2021 Healthy Minds Study data with 15,677 college students (Mean[age]: 23.89; 25.0% were SGM students) in the analysis. Weighted multivariable regression models were built with minority status (race/ethnicity and sexual orientation/gender identity) predicting depression. When compared to cisgender heterosexual college students, SGM college students showcased a significantly higher risk of depression (odds ratio = 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.07, 2.66]); intriguingly, college students of racial/ethnic backgrounds tended to have a lower risk of depression compared to their non-Hispanic White peers. Furthermore, SGM students who reported lower social cohesion (i.e., racial discrimination against Asian individuals) during the pandemic showed higher depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing the heterogeneity of the SGM population. A fine-grained examination of minority stress endured by individuals with intersecting minority status can further our understanding of differential mental health profiles and inform early intervention within vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]