A recent study led by researchers from Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) has found that sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults in the US are more likely to experience multiple social risk factors than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. These findings highlight the urgent need for policies that address the health and socioeconomic challenges faced by SGM populations.
The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, closes a gap in national surveys. These surveys previously collected little data on the prevalence of social risk factors. Social risk factors are individual-level adverse experiences such as food insecurity and housing instability among different populations.
For the first time, data have revealed how disproportionately these challenges impact SGM adults. The study found that SGM adults were more likely to experience social isolation. They also faced stress and job loss. There were other risk factors as well. The gap in social risk factors was most significant between gender minority adults and cisgender adults.
CLOSER LOOK AT THE STUDY
The study team, led by Dr. Kevin Nguyen, assistant professor of health law, policy & management at BUSPH, utilized data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This is an annual survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The study examined a wide range of social factors, including:
- Dissatisfaction with life
- Lack of emotional support
- Social isolation
- Job loss in the past year
- Stress
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) participation
- Food insecurity
- Inability to pay bills
- Lack of transportation
The researchers aimed to understand how these social risk factors affected sexual minority women. They also studied sexual minority men and gender minority adults. They compared these groups to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.
DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT ON SGM ADULTS
The study revealed striking differences in the prevalence of social risk factors between SGM adults and heterosexual/cisgender adults:
- 58% of sexual minority women experienced at least one social risk factor, compared to 37% of heterosexual women.
- 51% of sexual minority men reported at least one risk factor, compared to 34% of heterosexual men.
- 64% of gender minority adults faced at least one risk factor, compared to 37% of cisgender adults.
These disparities were most obvious in areas such as social isolation and stress. Sexual minority women and men were more likely to report feeling isolated and dissatisfied with life. Gender minority adults faced even higher rates of social isolation, economic hardship, and mental health challenges.
Structural Discrimination and Social Inequities
The study’s authors point to structural discrimination and stigmatization as key drivers of these disparities. Anti-LGBTQ+ policies and biased societal attitudes often deprive SGM individuals of essential resources and support. This deprivation contributes to stress, economic hardship, and mental health struggles.
“The inequities in social risk factors reflect the broader consequences of discrimination faced by marginalized populations,” says Dr. Nguyen. The hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the US compound these challenges, further isolating and disenfranchising sexual and gender minorities.
ROLE OF PUBLIC POLICY
The study’s findings highlight the need for public policies that promote equality. These policies should improve the socioeconomic well-being of sexual and gender minorities. According to Dr. Nguyen, policies that codify protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity could lead to long-term improvements. These policies can enhance financial security. They can also improve socioeconomic mobility and mental well-being for SGM adults.
Collecting Data to Drive Change
Dr. Nguyen also stresses the importance of collecting comprehensive sexual orientation and gender identity data. “Understanding the disparities in social risk factors will help policymakers and health professionals address the specific needs of sexual and gender minorities,” he says. By identifying these challenges, future policies and interventions can be tailored to support SGM populations more effectively.
IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SGM POPULATIONS
The study also examined the longer-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on SGM populations. It reveals that these groups were disproportionately affected by the pandemic’s socioeconomic fallout. Many SGM adults experienced job loss, social isolation, and limited access to care during the pandemic, exacerbating existing health disparities.
The pandemic’s impact highlights the vulnerability of SGM populations in times of crisis. As the world continues to recover from COVID-19, these findings emphasize the need for policies that address health inequities. The policies must also ensure economic stability and social support for sexual and gender minorities.
MOVING FORWARD: PRIORITIZING SGM HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
The study’s authors call for increased awareness and emphasize the need for data collection. Additionally, they advocate for policy changes to address the social and economic challenges faced by SGM adults. Senior author Dr. Gilbert Gonzales, associate professor at Vanderbilt University, stresses the need for proactive policies that protect SGM populations from discrimination. These policies must provide access to resources and support systems.
Public health experts agree that closing the gap in social risk factors is essential. This is crucial for improving the health and well-being of sexual and gender minority adults in the US. As the study shows, addressing these social challenges is crucial for achieving health equity for all.
