Differences in physical and mental health status between sexual minorities (homo- and bisexuals) and heterosexuals in a Swedish population-based sample
Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Improving the health of vulnerable minorities is an important public health goal. Research has shown that lesbian, gay and bisexuals (LGB) in general have poorer mental and physical health than heterosexuals. Swedish studies regarding factors influencing these health disparities are lacking. We need a better understanding of the mechanisms for disparities and the factors contributing to differences among LGB individuals. The aim of this study was to analyzed differences in mental and physical health between sexual minorities and heterosexuals, and to examine how these differences are influenced by health behaviors, exposure to minority stressors (discrimination, assaults, threats), and various ameliorating factors. Methods In this presentation we will present results from analyses of sexual orientation-related differences in physical and mental health status in a large scale population-based study in Sweden (n = 172 000) collected between 2010 and 2012. Results The results show that a higher proportion of LGB individuals report poor mental health. In particular higher rate of suicide attempts among young (16-29 years) sexual minorities was reported as compared to heterosexuals (Sexual minority men: 11% and women: 21%; vs. Heterosexual men: 4% and women: 8%). Regarding physical health, it was more common among homo- and bisexual individuals to report bad general health compared to heterosexuals; and most common among bisexuals. Over all, homo- and bisexuals reported more health detrimental behaviors than heterosexuals with: higher levels of daily smoking among gay men and bisexual women; more alcohol consumption, in particular among lesbian and bisexual women; and a more sedentary life style. Conclusion Knowledge from this study regarding factors influencing health outcomes among LGB people could facilitate and be directly linked to the development of targeted psychosocial interventions to improve the health of LGB individuals—a clear public health goal. Key messages A higher proportion of lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals in Sweden report poor mental health as compared to heterosexuals. Regarding physical health, it was more common among homo- and bisexual individuals to report bad general health compared to heterosexuals; and most common among bisexuals.
Authors: R Branstrom, JE Pachankis, ML Hatzenbuehler
Institutions: Karolinska Institutet, Yale University, Columbia University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2254825738