Health, Economic, and Social Disparities among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Sexually Diverse Adults: Results from a Population-Based Study.

Karen I Fredriksen-Goldsen, Meghan Romanelli, Hailey H Jung, Hyun-Jun Kim
Author Information
  1. Karen I Fredriksen-Goldsen: School of Social Work, University of Washington.
  2. Meghan Romanelli: School of Social Work, University of Washington.
  3. Hailey H Jung: School of Social Work, University of Washington.
  4. Hyun-Jun Kim: School of Social Work, University of Washington.

Abstract

We investigated health, economic, and social disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and sexually diverse adults, 18 years and older. Analyzing 2011-2019 Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ( = 109,527), we estimated and compared the prevalence rates of background characteristics, economic and social indicators, health outcomes, chronic conditions, health care access, health behaviors, and preventive care by gender and sexual identity. Sexual minority adults reported heightened risks of poor general health, physical and mental health, disability, subjective cognitive decline, and financial barriers to health care, compared with their straight counterparts. Economic disparities and disability were evident for lesbians and both bisexual adult women and men. We found higher rates of smoking and excessive drinking among lesbians and bisexual women, and higher rates of smoking and living alone among gay men. Sexually diverse adults experience disparities in health care access. This study is one of the first to identify disparities among sexually diverse populations, in addition to lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. More research is required to understand the mechanisms of disparities within these groups to address their distinct intervention needs.

Keywords

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Grants

  1. R01 AG026526/NIA NIH HHS

MeSH Term

Adult
Male
Humans
Female
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Homosexuality, Female
Bisexuality
Sexual Behavior
Smoking

Word Cloud

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