Demographic characteristics, torture experiences, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among asylum seekers and refugees persecuted for same ‐sex behaviors

This study assessed differences in sociodemographic characteristics, persecution experiences, and mental health outcomes among 959 RAS persecuted for same-sex behavior (pLGB RAS) who presented for care and social services at the Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights. Data were derived from intake interviews with RAS clients that elicited torture experiences and assessed PTSD symptoms using the Short Screening Scale for PTSD. Over 11% of the total sample were pLGB RAS. Compared with non –pLGB RAS, pLGB RAS reported higher PTSD symptom levels, β = .08,p = .031; more difficulty loving others,d = 0.13,p< .001; and feeling more isolated,d = 0.10,p = .005. pLGB RAS reported more persecution,d = 0.31,p = .002; physical assaults,d = 0.22,p = .029; and psychological assaults,d = 0.20,p = .047; and were more likely to be asylum seekers,d = 0.11,p = .001, and have experienced persecution in Uganda,d = 0.39,p< .001, and other countries that criminalize same-sex acts,d = 0.26,p< .001. More research is needed to understand clinical outcomes and implications of treatment for this population.

Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress - March 22, 2022 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Christine Bird, Gray Bowers, Lin Piwowarczyk, Lauren C. Ng Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research