Mental health challenges among the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender and Intersex community in Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract

Studies worldwide have highlighted that there is high prevalence of depression, anxiety, suicide and substance use among Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) community. Very few studies have been conducted in Botswana (Ehlers et al. 2001: Selemogwe et al. 2013) and one study recommended the need to explore factors that may predispose the LGBTI+ to mental health challenges. The study was aimed at exploring and describing the mental health challenges experienced by some members of the LGBTI+ community in Gaborone, Botswana. The study further described how the challenges affect the mental health of some of the individuals identifying as LGBTI+. A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design was followed in carrying out the study. 15 research participants were identified through snowball sampling with the assistance of the advocacy organisation, Lesbian, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO). Data were collected following written permission from the HREC and Ministry of Health and Wellness in Botswana. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth unstructured individual interviews which were done telephonically. Collaizi’s method of data analysis was used to analyse data with the researcher and co-coder doing the analysis independently. It is evident from the findings that some individuals identifying as LGBTI+ experienced mental health challenges like depression, gender dysphoria, loneliness, isolation. Stigma and discrimination, being misgendered, poor coping mechanism are some of the factors expressed by participants as impacting adversely on their mental health. Some members of the LGBTI+ community have challenges with accessing health services and problems that are linked to their identity like challenges with gender markers that are different from the gender one identifies with. Recommendations were formulated for nursing education, nursing research and nursing practice.