63 research outputs found
Probing the genomic landscape of human sexuality: a critical systematic review of the literature
No full textWhether human sexuality is the result of nature or nurture (or their complex interplay) represents a hot, often ideologically driven, and highly polarized debate with political and social ramifications, and with varying, conflicting findings reported in the literature. A number of heritability and behavioral genetics studies, including pedigree-based investigations, have hypothesized inheritance patterns of human sexual behaviors. On the other hand, in most twin, adoption, and nuclear family studies, it was not possible to disentangle between underlying genetic and shared environmental sources. Furthermore, these studies were not able to estimate the precise extent of genetic loading and to shed light both on the number and nature of the putative inherited factors, which remained largely unknown. Molecular genetic studies offer an unprecedented opportunity to overcome these drawbacks, by dissecting the molecular basis of human sexuality and allowing a better understanding of its biological roots if any. However, there exists no systematic review of the molecular genetics of human sexuality. Therefore, we undertook this critical systematic review and appraisal of the literature, with the ambitious aims of filling in these gaps of knowledge, especially from the methodological standpoint, and providing guidance to future studies. Sixteen studies were finally retained and overviewed in the present systematic review study. Seven studies were linkage studies, four studies utilized the candidate gene approach, and five studies were GWAS investigations. Limitations of these studies and implications for further research are discussed
Mental health for LGBTQI people: a policies' review
No full textThe mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexual (LGBTQI) individuals is significantly influenced by many factors such as difficulties in coming-out, poor acceptance, isolation and discrimination as well as minority-related stress. LGBTQI individuals, in fact, show a significant higher risk of mental health conditions, substance- use disorders and suicide. In addition, mental health services access may be difficult for personal and social barriers as well as a lack of adequate and specific mental health support. This review aims to assess and describe international policies, guidelines, position statements and recommendations regarding the promotion and protection of mental health rights for LGBTQI people. The search has been focussed on peer-reviewed papers, Governmental and Mental Health Association- Guidelines and Position Statements, Health Agencies - Guidelines and Position Statements (with a specific focus on mental health), LGBTQI Alliances and Foundations Publishing (with a specific focus on mental health). In addition, relevant international initiatives, and projects in the field of LGBTQI mental health will be described
The Century-Long Quest for the Gay Gene: Has the Elephant Given Birth to a Mouse? Towards Sexogenomics
No full textsj-docx-1-isp-10.1177_00207640231194478 – Supplemental material for Microaggression toward LGBTIQ people and implications for mental health: A systematic review
No full textSupplemental material, sj-docx-1-isp-10.1177_00207640231194478 for Microaggression toward LGBTIQ people and implications for mental health: A systematic review by Mattia Marchi, Antonio Travascio, Daniele Uberti, Edoardo De Micheli, Fabio Quartaroli, Giuseppe Laquatra, Pietro Grenzi, Luca Pingani, Silvia Ferrari, Andrea Fiorillo, Manlio Converti, Federica Pinna, Francesco Amaddeo, Antonio Ventriglio, Massimo Mirandola and Gian M Galeazzi in International Journal of Social Psychiatry</p
Investigating and Practicing Orthopedics at the Intersection of Sex and Gender: Understanding the Physiological Basis, Pathology, and Treatment Response of Orthopedic Conditions by Adopting a Gender Lens: A Narrative Overview
No full textIn the biomedical field, the differentiation between sex and gender is crucial for enhancing
the understanding of human health and personalizing medical treatments, particularly within the
domain of orthopedics. This distinction, often overlooked or misunderstood, is vital for dissecting and
treating musculoskeletal conditions effectively. This review delves into the sex- and gender-specific
physiology of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, highlighting how hormonal differences
impact the musculoskeletal system’s structure and function, and exploring the physiopathology of
orthopedic conditions from an epidemiological, molecular, and clinical perspective, shedding light
on the discrepancies in disease manifestation across sexes. Examples such as the higher rates of
deformities (adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis and hallux valgus) in females and
osteoporosis in postmenopausal women illustrate the critical role of sex and gender in orthopedic
health. Additionally, the review addresses the morbidity–mortality paradox, where women, despite
appearing less healthy on frailty indexes, show lower mortality rates, highlighting the complex
interplay between biological and social determinants of health. Injuries and chronic orthopedic
conditions such osteoarthritis exhibit gender- and sex-specific prevalence and progression patterns,
necessitating a nuanced approach to treatment that considers these differences to optimize outcomes.
Moreover, the review underscores the importance of recognizing the unique needs of sexual minority
and gender-diverse individuals in orthopedic care, emphasizing the impact of gender-affirming
hormone therapy on aspects like bone health and perioperative risks. To foster advancements in sexand
gender-specific orthopedics, we advocate for the strategic disaggregation of data by sex and
gender and the inclusion of “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” (SOGI) data in research and
clinical practice. Such measures can enrich clinical insights, ensure tailored patient care, and promote
inclusivity within orthopedic treatments, ultimately enhancing the precision and effectiveness of care
for diverse patient populations. Integrating sex and gender considerations into orthopedic research and practice is paramount for addressing the complex and varied needs of patients. By embracing
this comprehensive approach, orthopedic medicine can move towards more personalized, effective,
and inclusive treatment strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing the field
Bridging the Gap: A Study on Gender and Sexuality Awareness in Medical Education and Practice (Preprint)
No full textMental health of transgender people in prison: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThis systematic review aims to explore the condition of Transgender Inmates (TGI) in correctional facilities (CF), focusing on their mental health, their access to Gender-affirming Treatments (GAT), and their placement within the CF. Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsychInfo, and CINAHL were searched for studies on TGI in CF. Pooled Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were estimated through inverse variance models with random-effects. A narrative synthesis of each study's findings was also performed since only a few studies included a control group. Thirteen studies were selected and four considered in the meta-analysis, corresponding to 1,255 TGI and 174,314 controls. Although limited by the small number of studies, the meta-analysis showed that TGI have a higher risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide attempts during detention than the controls (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.33-7.06; OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.46-3.43; OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.46-3.49, respectively). Limited access to GAT and housing based on sex assigned at birth rather than gender identity were additional challenges for TGI, threatening their safety and self-affirmation. Our findings highlight the critical role of incarceration as a social determinant of health for TGI. A comprehensive policy reform and staff education should be promoted to foster inclusive and supportive correctional environments and improve safety and health of TGI
Self-harm and suicidality among LGBTIQ people: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textResearch evidence has consistently documented a higher risk of suicidality in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer (LGBTIQ) population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to report a detailed description of research data regarding the risk of Attempted Suicide (SA), Suicide Ideation (SI), and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) behaviours for LGBTIQ people and their subgroups. Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched for studies reporting a comparative estimation of SA, SI, and NSSI rates among LGBTIQ population and the general population (i.e. heterosexual/cisgender), without restrictions on participants' age and setting for the enrolment. Pooled analyses were based on odds ratios (ORs, with 95% CIs), estimated through inverse variance models with random effects. Fifty studies were selected for the quantitative synthesis and included fifty samples involving 3.735.601 controls and 87.252 LGBTIQ people. LGBTIQ people reported an increased risk of SA (OR:4.36[95%CI:3.32;5.71]), SI (OR:3.76[95%CI:3.02;4.69]), and NSSI (OR:4.24[95%CI:3.23;5.55]). Among LGBTIQ subgroups, the Bisexual group has shown the highest risk of suicidality (SA, OR:6.71; SI, OR:5.04; NSSI, OR: 5.03), followed by the Lesbian-Gay for attempted suicide (SA, OR:6.03), and the Transgender-Intersex-Queer for suicide ideation and non-suicidal self-injury (SI and NSSI, OR:3.42). The quality of the evidence ranged from low to moderate. Our findings have shown that LGBTIQ people report a higher risk of suicidality compared with their cisgender/heterosexual peers. This evidence may contribute to the public awareness on LGBTQI mental health needs and suggest supportive strategies as well as preventive interventions (e.g. supportive programs, counselling, and destigmatizing efforts) as parts of a tailored health-care planning aimed to reduce psychiatric morbidity and mortality in this at-risk population
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