한국 남성 동성애자의 건강증진 행위 실태 및 영향요인 분석 : SNS 사용자를 중심으로

Abstract

Sexual minorities have been experiencing disgust, alienation, discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation, which serves as risk factors for the health of sexual minority groups. This social stress is stated as minority stress, which is defined as the chronic stress for sexual minority groups in the heterosexual society. South Korea has deep-rooted traditional gender roles and conservative cultural background, Korean sexual minorities are isolated and exposed to high levels of minority stress. This research is conducted by gay men in South Korea who aged 19 or older, holding Korean nationality. Also, recruited volunteers through a survey link in social networking services (Facebook), which is the most wide spread and powerful social networking service in Korean gay men group. Presented by a minority stress model of Meyer(1995), looked into impacts on acts to health promotion of gay men through perceived health conditions, self-respect, self-efficacy and social support matters. The results of this research are as follows. Sub-factors of minority stress, perceived stigma and internalized homophobia have had a significant impact on gay men's health promotion acts, gay men’s social support has also had a significant impact on its acts too. In addition, perceived health condition, self-esteem and self-efficacy of gay men were not affected to the adjustment on this, however, self-respect and self-efficacy were significantly correlated in practice of health promotion acts. On the other hand, earlier domestic and foreign researches have reported that minority stress has a negative effect on the health of the sexual minority, however, this research has been measured that gay men's health promotion acts rate is quite higher than other groups. This is related to the subculture of gay groups seeking masculine physicality, and related to the participants, young gay men who are familiar with the internet environment, satisfied with their sexual orientation, even highly-income and well-educated backgrounds. This research is meaningful as the first study to identify and influence the practice of health promotion acts, more focusing on physical health issue, not risky sexual behaviours or mental health problems. However, it must be obtained a comprehensive understanding of the health of the LGBT groups through subdividing its groups, making efforts to address their health inequality through consecutive researches and attentions.