A cross-sectional study on mental health and quality of life among LGBTQ+ individuals in Japan

Abstract Introduction Studies from Western countries claim LGBTQ+ people face mental health burdens. It remains unclear in Japan. This study aimed to examine mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ individuals in Japan. Methods JACSIS (Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey) 2022 participants were categorized in cisgender-heterosexual, gay-identifying, lesbian-identifying, bisexual-identifying, questioning, transgender and nonbinary. Associations between psychological distress, loneliness, social isolation. and quality of life (QOL) were analyzed using multivariable adjusted regression models compared to cisgender-heterosexual people. Results All LGBTQ+ subgroups experienced psychological distress and lower QOL. Gay-identifying and questioning people experienced social isolation, while lesbian-identifying people were associated with reduced social isolation. Bisexual-identifying, questioning, and nonbinary people experienced loneliness, while gay-identifying people were associated with reduced loneliness. Conclusion Social isolation and loneliness differ among LGBTQA+ subgroups and require subpopulation-specific research and health interventions.