Predicting the Influences of Depression and Sexual Stigma on Motivation to Get Vaccinated against COVID-19 in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Vaccination is a crucial preventive measure against COVID-19. However, limited research has focused on identifying the factors predicting motivation to get vaccinated against COVID-19 (MoVAC-19) among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. This study examined the predictive effects of depression and sexual stigma (i.e., perceived sexual stigma from family members, perceived sexual orientation microaggression, and internalized sexual stigma) before the COVID-19 pandemic on MoVAC-19 among LGB individuals 4 years later during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. Baseline data related to depression and sexual stigma were collected in 2018 and 2019. Depression was assessed using the 20-item Mandarin Chinese version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Perceived sexual stigma from family members was assessed using the Homosexuality-Related Stigma Scale. Internalized sexual stigma was assessed using the Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma for Lesbians and Gay Men. Perceived sexual orientation microaggression was assessed using the Sexual Orientation Microaggression Inventory. Participant MoVAC-19 during the pandemic was assessed using the nine-item Motors of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale. The associations of depression and sexual stigma at baseline with MoVAC-19 at follow-up were examined through multivariate linear regression analysis. Internalized sexual stigma was negatively associated with MoVAC-19, whereas perceived sexual orientation microaggression was positively associated with MoVAC-19. Depression and perceived sexual stigma from family members were not significantly associated with MoVAC-19. Although male sex and older age were positively associated with increased MoVAC-19, sex and age did not moderate the relationship between sexual stigma and motivation to get vaccinated. Among LGB individuals, sexual stigma experiences should be considered when developing intervention strategies aimed at enhancing MoVAC-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; bisexual; depression; gay; lesbian; psychological well-being; sexual stigma; vaccine.