Citation

Slater ME, Godette D, Huang B, Ruan WJ, Kerridge BT. LGBT Health 2017; 4(5): 337-344.

Affiliation

3 Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health , New York, New York.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/lgbt.2016.0117

PMID

28876167

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between sexual orientation-based discrimination and excessive alcohol use and substance use disorders and to identify how these relationships differ by sexual identity, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and education among sexual minorities.

METHODS: We used logistic regression to analyze associations between discrimination and substance use measures among 1351 gay/lesbian, bisexual, or unsure adults from a nationally representative survey. Differential effects by sexual identity, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and education were assessed using interaction models followed by stratified models.

RESULTS: Discrimination was associated with increased odds of the following: exceeding weekly drinking limits [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-2.08] among bisexuals, any substance use disorder (aOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.41-2.95) and nicotine use disorder (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.08-2.14) among Hispanic sexual minorities, and exceeding weekly drinking limits (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.08-2.26) among those with a high school degree or less.

CONCLUSION: Sexual orientation-based discrimination was associated with select substance use outcomes, especially among bisexuals, Hispanics, and less educated sexual minority adults, highlighting potential disparities associated with experiencing discrimination.

Language: en

Keywords

epidemiology; health disparities; minority stress; sexual orientation