310466
Disparities in Health Conditions among Lesbian and Bisexual Women: A Systematic Review of Population-Based Studies
Methods: We searched PubMed for population-based, peer-reviewed, English-language studies published 3/2009 – 6/2013 that statistically examined at least one of nine key physical health conditions among predominantly adult women by sexual orientation--i.e., heterosexual women versus (a) lesbians, (b) bisexual women, or (c) lesbians and bisexual women combined.
Results: Evidence of disparities as indicated by significant, adjusted odds ratios from k = 11 studies selected from 1,826 citations was strongest for asthma (5 of 7 comparisons indicated a disparity for SMW), obesity (8 of 12), arthritis (2 of 3), and general physical health (4 of 7). The one comparison for CVD showed evidence of disparity. Findings were weaker for high cholesterol (0 of 3), diabetes and hypertension (both 1 of 5) and cancer (1 of 4).
Conclusions: SMW disparities appear to vary by physical condition and merit further research to identify better estimates and likely mechanisms.
Learning Areas:
Diversity and culturePublic health or related education
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Compare physical health conditions impacting sexual minority women with heterosexual women
Name the physical health disparities impacting sexual minority women
Keyword(s): Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT), Women's Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a PhD student in clinical psychology who specializes in sexual minority health. I have been a PI and co-investigator on several different peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations focusing on sexual minority health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.