Illicit Drug Use and Social Victimization among Thai Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use and social victimization, and their association, among sexual and gender minority (SGM) and non-SGM Thai adolescents. Methods: In 2013, we conducted a school-based national survey among students grades 7-12 (aged 13-20 years) from 15 secondary schools (n = 2,070) around Thailand. We classified adolescents with same-sex attraction, sexual or gender non-conforming identities as SGM. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the odds of illicit drug use by SGM and non-SGM status. Results: Prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use was significantly higher among SGM adolescents than non-SGM adolescents (10.3 vs. 5.3%), but did not differ between those with same-sex attraction and SGM identity (10.3 vs. 10.8%). Among non-SGM adolescents, general social victimization, sexual experience and any school truancy were associated with lifetime illicit drug use (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.38; OR = 6.59, 95% CI: 4.90, 8.86; and OR = 4.93, 95% CI: 3.13, 7.75, respectively). Among SGM adolescents, SGM-based social victimization, depressive symptomology and suicidal ideation were associated with lifetime illicit drug use (OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.03, 4.95; OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 2.32, 10.90; and OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 2.76, 9.16, respectively). Conclusions: SGM adolescents have higher burden of illicit drug use. Moreover, illicit drug use among SGM adolescents is indicative of depressive symptomology and suicidal ideation. Tailored and comprehensive programs are needed to reduce the gap in burden of illicit drug use between SGM and non-SGM adolescents.

Keywords: Illicit drug use; LGBT; Thailand; adolescent; peer victimization.