Gender based violence among LGBTQ+ health students

BACKGROUND: Although there has been increased attention to campus gender based violence,(GBV) much of that attention should be focused on victimization of LGBTQ+. The aim was to evaluate the risk of LGBTQ+ ob being exposed to GBV. METHODS: An anonymous online survey among health students was performed in a French university. Self-questionnaire included socio-economic characteristics: age, gender and LGBTQ+ status (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, queer and other). The CES-D 8 score was used to measure depression levels. Five GBV were collected 1-Damage to the image with a sexual connotation on social networks; 2-Sexist remarks and behavior; 3-Comments with sexual connotations; 4-Sexual assaults; 5-Rape or attempted rape RESULTS: Overall 1152 students filled the questionnaire The mean age was 20.8 years (SD = 2.26), 82.6% of students were women (non binary 0.4%) and 14.7% were LGBTQ + (16.4% in men et 14.0% in women). Since the beginning of their study, respectively the non-LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ students were exposed to GBV1: 3.1% and 7.6 % (p = 0.005), GBV2 35.8% and 45.9% (p = 0.01); GBV3 37.0% and 32.9% (p = 0.10); GBV4 6.0% and 13.5% (p < 0.001) and GBV5 1.2% and 5.3% (p < 0.001). The CEDS-8 score was 15.3 for non-LGBTQ+ students and 17.1 for LGBTQ + (p < 0.001). After logistic regression, LGBTQ+ health students have a higher risk of being exposed to GBV than non LGBTQ+ students AOR=2.01 CI95% [1.41-2.87]. CONCLUSIONS: LGBTQ+ health students have twice as likely to be exposed to GBV than non LGBTQ+ students. Four on the five GBV are more frequent among LGBTQ+ students. These negative outcomes may be exacerbated by minority stress due to discrimination and oppression in institutions and communities. Policy changes could help more affirming environments for LGBTQ+ students to reduce the disproportionate prevalence and impact of GBV on them. It could be include LGBTQ+ student examples in campus sexual misconduct policies. KEY MESSAGES: • LGBTQ+ health students have twice as likely to be exposed to GBV than non LGBTQ+ students. • Sexist remarks and behavior is the more frequent GBV among health students.