Racial-ethnic disparities in physical and mental health of U.S. sexual and gender minority adults

This study investigates whether there are racial-ethnic differences in the physical and mental health (MH) of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). Research on SGMs is vital as this population has disproportionately higher rates of mental illnesses, chronic disease, and other adverse health effects than their heterosexual counterparts. Data from 28,345 adults who participated in the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System answered questions regarding sexual orientation (SO), transgender identity (TI), physical health (PH), and MH. SO and TI were associated with overall general health, acute MH, acute PH, and specific chronic conditions. SO and TI were associated with acute MH, PH chronic conditions, and overall general health, but not acute PH. Bisexuals had more chronic conditions than heterosexuals and worse acute MH than heterosexuals. SO and TI strongly predicted acute PH and MH status respectively. These findings can assist healthcare providers develop targeted interventions to reduce health inequities among SGMs.