Chronic Health Conditions and Key Health Indicators Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older US Adults, 2013–2014

Abstract

Objectives To examine disparities in chronic conditions and health indicators among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults aged 50 years or older in the United States. Methods We used data from the 2013 and 2014 National Health Interview Survey to compare disparities in chronic conditions, health outcomes and behaviors, health care access, and preventive health care by sexual orientation and gender. Results LGB older adults were significantly more likely than heterosexual older adults to have a weakened immune system and low back or neck pain. In addition, sexual minority older women were more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to report having arthritis, asthma, a heart attack, a stroke, a higher number of chronic conditions, and poor general health. Sexual minority older men were more likely to report having angina pectoris or cancer. Rates of disability and mental distress were higher among LGB older adults. Conclusions At substantial cost to society, many disparities in chronic conditions, disability, and mental distress observed in younger LGB adults persist, whereas others, such as cardiovascular disease risks, present in later life. Interventions are needed to maximize LGB health.

Physical Health Disparities Across Dimensions of Sexual Orientation, Race/Ethnicity, and Sex: Evidence for Increased Risk Among Bisexual Adults

“…Among sexual minority men, evidence suggests that they are at increased risk for the following health conditions relative to heterosexual men: angina pectoris (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2017), arthritis (Fredriksen-Goldsen, Kim, Barkan, Muraco, & Hoy-Ellis, 2013), diabetes (Conron, Mimiaga, & Landers, 2010; Wallace, Cochran, Durazo, & Ford, 2011), cardiovascular disease (Blosnich et al, 2016; Cochran & Mays, 2007; Hatzenbuehler, McLaughlin, & Slopen, 2013), hypertension (Cochran & Mays, 2007; Everett & Mollborn, 2013; Wallace et al, 2011) and high blood pressure (Hatzenbuehler et al, 2013), hepatic disease, gastrointestinal problems (Cochran & Mays, 2007), stroke (Blosnich et al, 2016), and being underweight (Laska et al, 2015). Studies have similarly indicated differential risk for gay and bisexual men; for instance, bisexual men are at increased risk for diabetes relative to gay men (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2013).…”

Health Behaviors and Social Determinants of Migraine in a Canadian Population‐Based Sample of Adults Aged 45‐85 Years: Findings From the CLSA

“…Alternatively, the link between migraine and smoking status may be contingent on past or present daily smoking as opposed to less frequent, occasional smoking. 49 In addition, a national study of the Dutch population found that gay men were more likely to report migraine or severe headache, compared to heterosexual men. 15,47 Physical and mental health disparities among aging sexual minority communities, including chronic conditions, have been documented in the Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 48 and National Health Interview Survey.…”

“…15,47 Physical and mental health disparities among aging sexual minority communities, including chronic conditions, have been documented in the Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 48 and National Health Interview Survey. 49 In addition, a national study of the Dutch population found that gay men were more likely to report migraine or severe headache, compared to heterosexual men. 47 Similarly, we found an association between migraine and gay and bisexual identities for men, but not lesbian and bisexual women, a result that corresponds with findings from California.…”

Plan of Action for Real-World Translation of LGBTQ Health and Aging Research

“…A convergence of findings across studies now documents health disparities specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, 7 including elevated rates of disability, poor physical health, and mental distress among older adults. [8][9][10] Based on the first national probability study of lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adult health, using multi-year data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 11 we found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults aged 50 and older, compared with their heterosexual counterparts, had higher rates of 9 out of 12 chronic conditions. Lesbian and bisexual older women reported greater prevalence of arthritis, asthma, heart attack, stroke, and multiple chronic conditions and poor general health, than heterosexual older women.…”

“…17 Replication studies are now needed to validate the evidence of health disparities, particularly these newly observed findings in chronic health conditions and subgroup differences. 11 However, most population-based health and aging studies have not incorporated sexual orientation and gender identity and expression measures, and if they have, small sample sizes of LGBTQ older adults, particularly subgroups (e.g., racial and ethnic minorities, transgender older adults, the oldest old), remain a major concern. Queer-identified older adults are another subgroup that needs more attention in future health disparity research as little is known about the demographics of this population as well as their health and quality of life.…”