Differences in Multimorbidity among Cisgender Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Adults: Investigating Differences across Age-Groups

Abstract

Objectives: Despite increased risk for chronic disease, there is limited research that has examined disparities in multimorbidity among sexual minority adults and whether these disparities differ by age. Methods: Data were from the 2014–2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We used sex-stratified multinomial logistic regression to examine differences in multimorbidity between sexual minority and heterosexual cisgender adults and whether hypothesized differences varied across age-groups. Results: The sample included 687,151 adults. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual adults had higher odds of meeting criteria for multimorbidity than same-sex heterosexual adults. These disparities were greater among sexual minority adults under the age of 50 years. Only other non-heterosexual men over the age of 50 years and lesbian women over the age of 80 years were less likely to have multimorbidity than their same-sex heterosexual counterparts. Discussion: Health promotion interventions to reduce adverse health outcomes among sexual minorities across the life span are needed.

Sex Differences in Comorbidity Combinations in the Swedish Population

“…Fifth, the analyses were performed separately based on the indicated sex, but information on sexual orientation was missing. However, multimorbidity was found to be increased among sexual minorities [122,123], and respective effects could not be considered in the present study. Finally, this study focused on the comorbidity of two conditions, although multimorbidity is a common phenomenon for many patients.…”

Functional Limitations and Access to Long-Term Services and Supports Among Sexual Minority Older Adults

“…In addition, we found that older adults in the present study who identified as “something else” were more likely to also identify as Latino. Prior work has demonstrated that individuals who identify their sexual identity as “something else” have distinct health behaviors and risks compared to gay/lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual adults (Caceres, Travers, & Sharma, 2021; Eliason et al, 2016; Martinez et al, 2017). This warrants further investigation into the health needs of this unique group.…”

“…However, there is growing evidence that individuals who identify their sexual identity as “something else” or “other” are more likely to report lower incomes than heterosexual adults (Caceres, Travers, & Sharma, 2021; Caceres, Turchioe et al, 2021; Martinez et al, 2017). Most relevant to the HRS sample, analyses of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System found that older adult participants were more likely than younger participants to indicate their sexual identity was something other than heterosexual, gay/lesbian, or bisexual (Caceres, Travers, & Sharma, 2021). Eliason et al (2016) assert that most sexual minority researchers analyzing population-based data have excluded the category of “something else” in their analyses (Eliason et al, 2016).…”

“…Overall, the demographic characteristics of individuals who identify as “something else” have not been examined in detail in prior work. However, there is growing evidence that individuals who identify their sexual identity as “something else” or “other” are more likely to report lower incomes than heterosexual adults (Caceres, Travers, & Sharma, 2021; Caceres, Turchioe et al, 2021; Martinez et al, 2017). Most relevant to the HRS sample, analyses of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System found that older adult participants were more likely than younger participants to indicate their sexual identity was something other than heterosexual, gay/lesbian, or bisexual (Caceres, Travers, & Sharma, 2021).…”

Perceptions of mindfulness practices as a support for individuals managing caregiving responsibilities and chronic disease: A qualitative study

“…19,20 Though the potential role mindfulness programs can play in chronic disease management has gained recognition, these interventions often target specific diseases and either patients or caregivers rather than addressing the broader needs of individuals managing multiple chronic diseases and roles (i.e., caregiver and patient). 21,22 In the US, disproportionately higher rates of many chronic diseases and a higher prevalence of multi-morbidity have been reported within populations marginalized due to factors such as race/ethnicity, 23 gender and sexual orientation, 24 education, and socioeconomic status. 25,26 These populations are also underrepresented in research on mindfulness interventions.…”