LGBTQ+ HEALTH DISPARITIES
MENTAL HEALTH
Depression and suicidal risk among discriminated LGBTQ+. Sexual minority individuals report a greater incidence of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and increased suicidal behaviors than heterosexual adolescents [6]. In a school-based survey conducted in Boston, Massachusetts (n = 1320), 10% of participants identified themselves as LGBT and 58% of them were females. The respondents’ age ranged between 13 to 19 years in this survey. LGBT youth scored significantly higher on the scale for depressive symptomatology. They were also more likely than heterosexual and non-transgendered youth to report suicidal ideations (30% vs. 6%, p < 0.0001) and self-harm behaviors (21% vs. 6%, p < 0.0001)
HIV / SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Some lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people face an increased risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The increased risk of HV and STIs in these populations stems from both social and biological factors.Health center clinicians can help address HIV and STIs among LGBTQ people by screening appropriately based on a comprehensive sexual history, providing culturally appropriate safer sex counseling, and offering biomedical prevention strategies, such as vaccinations and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HV (PrEP)..
CANCER / HEART DESEASE
According to a 2011 national study on LGBT older adults, 19 percent reported having had at least one type of cancer. We also know: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults are more likely to have risk factors associated with breast, cervical, testicular, prostate, and colon cancer. Gay and bisexual men are at higher risk of human papilloma virus (HPV), and while often under-estimated, HPV is very serious—often leading to cervical and anal cancer. Heart disease is the number-one killer of all genders, impacting the lives of 29 percent of adults aged 65+. Among men, major risk factors for heart disease are smoking and alcohol use—both of which are prevalent among gay men. For lesbians, risk factors for heart disease include obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity.
GET HELP
Dallas Reed, MD
Chief of Genetics, Obstetrician / Gynecologist
Tufts Medical Center
860 Washington St. Boston MA 02111
Hours 8am - 5pm
Phone Number : (617) 636-5000