Paradoxical Linkage between Mental Health and Social Implications of COVID-19 crisis in Gay, Bisexual Men and transgenders in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Results of Survey among the Hornet Mobile App Users

Abstract Background. Limited data exists on how COVID-19 restrictions have affected LGBT in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region. Methods. It was conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2020, involving 5,037 Hornet users in EECA. Results and discussion. A part of the sample belongs to vulnerable groups (lower social status, racial/ethnic minorities, etc). The economic circumstances of GBT were impacted: 21% lost at least 2/3 of income; 21% lost jobs; and 24% found themselves in extreme poverty. More vulnerable populations felt heavily struck (f. e. a food intake had been shortened among transgender people 41% vs 21% among cisgender ones). Despite the limitation of physical freedom and economic losses, the level of depression and anxiety did not exceed the bounds of mild deviations (PHQ-4: 4.7, 95% CI: 4.6–4.8). Conclusions. The data presented suggests the readiness of EECA GBT communities to face future crises.