Childhood adversities among self-identified LGBT+ students

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of childhood adversities among self-identified LGBT+ students.

Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional study based on the Pesquisa Estadual de Saúde do Adolescente Capixaba (PESC) [State Survey on Adolescent Health of Espírito Santo], conducted in 63 public and private high schools in the Greater Vitória Metropolitan Region, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The sample comprised 949 LGBT+ adolescents aged 14 to 19 years, selected through stratified probabilistic sampling. Data collection took place between March and December 2023, using the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), adapted and validated for Brazil. Statistical analyses included absolute and relative frequencies and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results: A high prevalence of emotional abuse (78.6%), physical abuse (55.2%), and sexual abuse (49.8%) was found, along with exposure to family violence (78.8%), and parental separation or divorce (57.4%). Exposure to violence was significant both at home and in the community, with 45.1% of adolescents reporting witnessing beatings outside the home and 21.2% living with someone who had been incarcerated.

Conclusion: The adversities experienced by this population underscore their vulnerability and the negative impacts on psychological and social development. Such experiences reflect the effects of structural LGBT+ phobia, reinforcing the urgent need for inclusive public policies and support programs to promote equity and reduce long-term harm.