Intimate Partner Violence and Depression among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Nepal: Challenges and Recommendations for Mental Health Services

Abstract

Research studies focusing on intimate partner violence (IPV) and depression among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) are conducted more in developed countries, with few research conducted in Nepal. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of IPV and depression among SGMs in Nepal, assess the relationship between IPV and depression, identify challenges faced by SGMs in accessing mental health services, and provide recommendations to address them. A cross-sectional mixed-method study was used to collect data from 122 SGMs in Kathmandu, Nepal, from February–May 2024. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and completed self-administered questionnaires via Qualtrics^XM. Approximately 81.1% of participants experienced at least one form of emotional violence in their lifetime, 59.8% experienced physical violence, and 36.9% experienced sexual violence. Similarly, 33.6% of participants reported moderate to severe depression. Bivariate linear regression analysis showed a positive relationship between IPV and depression (B = 0.458, p < .001). Participants highlighted barriers to accessing mental health services, including limited availability, lack of LGBTQIA+-friendly care, and financial constraints. Participants emphasized expanding online mental health services, providing cost-free care, and increasing government support to improve SGMs’ access to mental health services. This study highlighted the need to address socioeconomic and structural barriers to reduce distal (e.g., violence) and proximal minority stressors, and its psychological consequences among SGMs in Nepal.