27 Jun JAMA Study Finds More Impaired Health and Risk Factors in LGBT Adults

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Gilbert Gonzales

Gilbert Gonzales, PhD, MHA
Assistant Professor
Department of Health Policy
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Using data from one of the largest, most representative health surveys, we found lesbian, gay and bisexual adults were more likely to report substantially higher rates of severe psychological distress, heavy drinking and smoking, and impaired physical health than straight adults.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: This study adds to previous research on LGBT health disparities and has important implications for policy and practice. Clinicians, health care providers and health policymakers should be sensitive to the health care needs of LGBT patients. For instance, providers should create welcoming environments and be prepared to meet clinically recommended guidelines that address the unique health needs of LGBT patients.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Future research should study how public policies affecting LGBT people—such as marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws—affect LGBT health and access to care. Other research should study the “T” group in LGBT, or people who are transgender and gender non-conforming. Our study was not able to examine transgender adults, since most federal health surveys do not ask about transgender status or gender identity.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

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Last Updated on June 27, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD