Relação entre transtornos mentais e cobranças corporais em homens gays

Abstract

The main purpose of this article is to verify the relationship between body billing in gay men and the prevalence of social physical anxiety and depression, as well as to verify its distribution, according to sociodemographic, health and behavioral characteristics. In addition, other factors are associated with mental disorders in gay men who show greater dissatisfaction with their own bodies when faced with social demands. Methods: Cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted with cis gay men, aged 18 years or older and residents in the territory of Rio Grande do Sul. Data collection was made through an online form, from April to August 2021. The sample size was estimated considering 95% confidence level, statistical power of 80%, 5 exposed for every 5 unexposed, prevalence of 30% of the outcomes, expected frequency of 20% in unexposed, and, PR of 2, totaling 584 participants. Results: They presented significant degrees of physical-social anxiety 87.1% of cisgender gay men, while the prevalence of depression in this same public was 40.5%. In addition, 63.6% of the sample presented moderate or severe degrees of body dissatisfaction, 82.7% reported being ashamed of their own bodies, 24.5% of the participants had undergone some type of cosmetic procedure, and 71.3% reported that the use of social media affects negatively their self-esteem. It was also found that 70.9% felt social pressure for aesthetic changes and that 84.7% felt sad about their own appearance. Conclusions: We verified high levels of depression and physical-social anxiety in cisgender gay men, compared to the general population. It was possible to verify that those who present some degree of body dissatisfaction are more likely to present such mental disorders. The use of media and social networks, as well as the self-perception of aesthetic social pressure, was presented as a variable with strong influence on body dissatisfaction and with higher degrees of depression and physical-social anxiety. Finally, it was found that the age group between 18 and 25 years is the most affected by mental disorders.