Minority Stress and Drug Use among 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians

Background: Several social and environmental factors influence drug use behaviors and contribute to frequent drug use among Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other (2SLGBTQ+) individuals. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between the minority stress, drug use, and other socio-ecological factors. Methods: This study employed structural equation modelling on data (2021—2022) from a nationally representative pan-Canadian survey (N = 1542) on 2SLGBTQ+ health to examine the association between minority stress, drug use, and relevant socio-ecological predictors. A separate mediation analysis was conducted and controlled for socio-demographic characteristics. Results: SEM results showed parsimonious fit of data [chi-square = 526.86 (df = 61, p < 0.0001), SRMR = 0.04, RMSEA = 0.07 (95% CI = 0.07, 0.08), AGFI = 0.92, and CFI = 0.95]. The direct path of minority stress on drug use was significant (β = 0.07899, p = 0.0005) and other indirect effects were observed. Psychological distress significantly mediated the relationship through an indirect pathway (β = 0.07, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Minority stress and drug use are inter-related through direct and indirect paths and psychological distress plays a crucial role in mediation. Study findings add valuable insight to the field of substance use and addiction by deepening our understanding of the mechanisms behind drug use in the population.