Substance Use and Misuse among Sexual and Gender Minority Communities Living in Former Soviet Union Countries: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objectives

We reviewed literature examining substance use among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) living in the former Soviet Union (USSR) nations

Methods

Searches were conducted across five databases (PubMed, SocINDEX, CINAHL, PscyInfo, LGBTQ + Source) to identify peer-reviewed literature.

Results

Across 19 studies, high hazardous substance use prevalence was documented. Substance use was correlated with (a) sexual health and behaviors and (b) mental wellbeing and the use of other substances.

Conclusion

We discuss minority stress implications and challenges presented by the paucity of evidence in the literature examining substance use among SGM women and SGM living in countries unrepresented in reviewed studies.

Keywords:

• Substance use
• sexual and gender minorities
• scoping review
• former USSR countries
• minority stress model

Authors contributions

TM conceptualized the study, developed the search strategy, conducted record search, study selection, and data extraction, and drafted the manuscript. CH assisted in the development of the search strategy, drafting of the methods and results, and review and editing of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Notes

1 Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.