Health Disparities Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in Ohio

Abstract

Background: Many documented disparities associated with health behaviors and access to health care impact the health outcomes of sexual and gender minorities (SGM). The current study aimed to gain insight into the health dispari-ties experienced by SGM adults living in Ohio to obtain data to plan future health-related programs.

Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using 2018 Ohio Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. Health behaviors, health care access, and health outcomes were analyzed by sexual orientation (n=11 301) and gender identity (n=11 426) to determine health disparities faced by sexual minority males, sexual minority females and transgender individuals.

Results: Significant SGM health disparities in Ohio are related to substance use (ie, binge drinking, current smoking status, e-cigarette use, and marijuana use); poor physical and mental health status; lack of health care coverage; and experiencing COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis (all p < 0.001). In addition, fewer sexual minority females reported being within recommended breast cancer screening guidelines than heterosexual females (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Sexual and gender minority adults in Ohio report disparities associated with several health behaviors and access to health care. These findings may be due to factors at the patient level (eg, experiencing minority stress), provider level (eg, implicit bias), system level (eg, discrimination), and/or society level (eg, lack of legal protections). Study results will be used to plan health campaigns and programs targeted to SGM adults and providers to achieve health equity for the SGM population in Ohio.