Enjeux: santé mentale

Conclusion: This review highlights key mental health-related issues that need to be taken into account in the creation and provision of appropriate, responsive and inclu- sive supports and services. Impact: What were the main findings? Some older people who identify as LGBTQ + have experienced stigma, discrimination, and minority stress. However, many have developed coping strategies and resilience while others have developed mental health issues. It is necessary to have in place appropriate interventions and supports to effectively meet the needs of this population. Where and on whom will the research have impact? The review has significant im- plications for health and nursing policy and inform developments in nursing practice and nurse education.

Background: Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older adults, although it is unclear if it is a risk factor for older gay men. A sense of belonging to the gay community is protective and might compensate for living alone. This research investigated whether a sense of belonging with gay friends weakened the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms among older gay men. Methods: A community sample of 160 Australian gay men aged 65{–}92 years completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and two visual analogue scales assessing a sense of belonging with gay friends. Results: Results supported the moderation model, with increasing levels of belonging with gay friends weakening the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Results imply that enhancing a sense of belonging with gay friends among older gay men who live alone is likely to be a protective factor in relation to depressive symptoms.

We evaluate the association between emotional and instrumen- tal support and perceived health and depression symptoms in a sample of 182 gay/bisexual men age $\ge$ 55. Perceived health was positively correlated with number of sources of emotional sup- port and depression was negatively associated with instrumental support and health care providers{’} knowledge of patients{’} sexual orientation. Depression mediates the connection between providers{’} knowledge of patients{’} sexual orientation and perceived health. Number of sources of emotional support varied negatively with age and ethnic minority status, and positively with living with a part- ner. Instrumental support seemed to be dependent on living with a partner.

Mental health providers in LTC facilities would benefit from more training in LGBT-specific mental health problems and evidence-based treatments, and efforts to destigmatize LGBT identities in these settings might improve access to mental health care