A community health assessment of LGBT residents in Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky

Purpose:  To assist with public health programming and outreach, we conducted a community health assessment (CHA) of a sample of LGBT residents living in Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky, to look at a broad range of health issues.  As a comprehensive CHA funded by the state and local health departments, this study represents a rare look at a LGBT health both in terms of being outside of major metropolitan areas and also in terms of a broad CHA focus. 

Methods:  Researchers conducted eight focus groups with LGBT residents as exploratory research.  From this initial research we developed an online CHA survey.  Researchers sought participants via various social media and local community email lists. 

Results:  Respondents report a higher median age, income, and education that the Fayette County population as a whole.  Ten percent are uninsured.  The most common reported health conditions are depression (49%), high blood pressure (34%), high cholesterol (33%), anxiety disorders (28%), and arthritis (22%). Nearly a fifth of respondents reports experiencing discrimination in employment.  Eight percent reports discrimination from a medical professional. 

Conclusions:  Respondents’ data reveal a diverse LGBT population encompassing a similar range of educational backgrounds, incomes, and household structures found among their heterosexual neighbors.  The most commonly reported health issues include ones often reported similar, aging populations.  Mental health issues also affect almost half of respondents.  These findings point to the need for mental health and senior services sensitive to LGBT individuals and families.