Pride-based violence, intoxicated sex and poly-drug use: a vocational school-based study of heterosexual and LGBT students in Bangkok

Yamol Kongjareon; Nattharat Samoh; Pimnara Peerawaranun; Thomas E Guadamuz

doi:10.1186/s12888-022-03777-7

Pride-based violence, intoxicated sex and poly-drug use: a vocational school-based study of heterosexual and LGBT students in Bangkok

BMC Psychiatry. 2022 Feb 24;22(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12888-022-03777-7.

Authors

Yamol Kongjareon¹, Nattharat Samoh¹, Pimnara Peerawaranun¹, Thomas E Guadamuz^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
² Center of Excellence in Research on Gender, Sexuality and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand. tguadamu@hotmail.com.
³ Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. tguadamu@hotmail.com.

Abstract

Background: In Thailand, drug use is widely observed, especially among vocational-school students, who are more inclined to use various types of drugs and to experience pride-based violence (violence based on institutional pride, honor, or on seniority status) than any other groups of students. Drug use contexts differ based on sexual orientation and gender identity (e.g., clubs). This study aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of poly-drug use (the use of at least three types of drugs) among vocational-school students, with a focus on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Methods: In this study, 638 vocational school students living in Bangkok metropolitan area participated in a three-year longitudinal survey of four vocational schools. Experiences of violence, sexual behaviours, and poly-drug use were assessed and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results: About one tenth of all students (11.3%) reported poly-drug use, a fifth among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) students (20.2%) and almost a tenth of heterosexual students (9.8%). In the multivariable logistic model of LGBT students, GPA, pride-based violence, intoxicated sex, and counseling needs were significantly associated with poly-drug use (AOR = 4.62; 95% CI 1.17-18.29, AOR = 6.01; 95% CI 1.31-27.32, AOR = 5.17; 95% CI 1.10-24.28, AOR = 4.64; 95% CI 1.16-18.54, respectively). Likewise, among heterosexual students, GPA and intoxicated sex were significantly associated with poly-drug use (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.09-3.75, AOR = 5.31; 95% CI 2.81-10.04, respectively).

Conclusions: LGBT vocational-school students have significantly higher prevalence of poly-drug use than their heterosexual peers. Correlates include lower GPA, having experienced pride-based violence and intoxicated sex. School-based intervention programs should also address pride-based violence and intoxicated sex in their harm reduction programs.

Keywords: Intoxicated sex; LGBT; Poly-drug use; Thailand; Violence; Vocational school students.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Female
Gender Identity
Heterosexuality / psychology
Humans
Male
Sexual Behavior / psychology
Sexual and Gender Minorities*
Students / psychology
Substance-Related Disorders* / epidemiology
Thailand / epidemiology
Transgender Persons*
Violence