Homosexuality Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Homosexuality, including details on causes, biology, signs, statistics, trends.

Dimensions of sexual orientation and the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in the United States.

Bostwick WB, Boyd CJ, Hughes TL, McCabe SE

Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL, USA. wbostwick@niu.edu

OBJECTIVES: We used data from a nationally representative sample to examine the associations among 3 dimensions of sexual orientation (identity, attraction, and behavior), lifetime and past-year mood and anxiety disorders, and sex. METHODS: We analyzed data from wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. RESULTS: Mental health outcomes differed by sex, dimension of sexual orientation, and sexual minority group. Whereas a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity was associated with higher odds of any mood or anxiety disorder for both men and women, women reporting only same-sex sexual partners in their lifetime had the lowest rates of most disorders. Higher odds of any lifetime mood or anxiety disorder were more consistent and pronounced among sexual minority men than among sexual minority women. Finally, bisexual behavior conferred the highest odds of any mood or anxiety disorder for both males and females. CONCLUSIONS: Findings point to mental health disparities among some, but not all, sexual minority groups and emphasize the importance of including multiple measures of sexual orientation in population-based health studies.

Published 11 February 2010 in Am J Public Health, 100(3): 468-75.
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Articles on Homosexuality published 11 February 2010:

Sexual partner selection and HIV risk reduction among Black and White men who have sex with men.   Am J Public Health, 100(3): 503-9.

OBJECTIVES: We examined differences in sexual partner selection between Black and White men who have sex with men (MSM) to better understand how HIV status of participants' sexual partners and related psychosocial measures influence risk taking among these men. METHODS: We collected cross-sectional surveys from self-reported HIV-negative Black MSM and White MSM attending a gay pride festival in Atlanta, Georgia. RESULTS: HIV-negative White MSM were more likely than were HIV-negative Black MSM ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Disparities in health insurance coverage, access, and outcomes for individuals in same-sex versus different-sex relationships, 2000-2007.   Am J Public Health, 100(3): 489-95.

OBJECTIVES: We used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to compare health insurance coverage, access to care, and women's cancer screenings for individuals in same-sex versus different-sex relationships. METHODS: We estimated logistic regression models by using data on 5265 individuals in same-sex relationships and 802,659 individuals in different-sex relationships. RESULTS: Compared with women in different-sex relationships, women in same-sex relationships were ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

The impact of institutional discrimination on psychiatric disorders in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: a prospective study.   Am J Public Health, 100(3): 452-9.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the relation between living in states that instituted bans on same-sex marriage during the 2004 and 2005 elections and the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) populations. METHODS: We used data from wave 1 (2001-2002) and wave 2 (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (N = 34,653), a longitudinal, nationally representative study of noninstitutionalized US adults. RESULTS: Psychiatric ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Demonstrating the importance and feasibility of including sexual orientation in public health surveys: health disparities in the Pacific Northwest.   Am J Public Health, 100(3): 460-7.

OBJECTIVES: We identified health disparities for a statewide population of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) men and women compared with their heterosexual counterparts. METHODS: We used data from the 2003-2006 Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to examine associations between sexual orientation and chronic health conditions, health risk behaviors, access to care, and preventive services. RESULTS: Lesbian and bisexual women were more likely than were heterosexual women ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Homosexuality published 3 February 2010:

Reproductive health in lesbian and bisexual women in Sweden.   Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 89(2): 205-9.

OBJECTIVE: Previous international studies have elucidated signs of poor physical and mental health in women who have sex with women (WSW) and an avoidance of preventive healthcare. When the first Nordic gynecological clinic for WSW was started in Stockholm in 1999, an opportunity to compile information about their physical and psychological health and social situation arose. DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive. SETTING AND SAMPLE: A total of 706 women: 264 patients attending a WSW clinic and 442 ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Homosexuality published 1 February 2010:

Preventive HIV vaccine acceptability and behavioral risk compensation among high-risk men who have sex with men and transgenders in Thailand.   Vaccine, 28(4): 958-64.

Thailand, with the highest number of volunteers to have participated in preventive HIV-1 vaccine trials globally, may be an early adopter of HIV vaccines. We conducted a mixed methods investigation, including 30 in-depth interviews and a venue-based survey. We used a structured questionnaire including conjoint analysis and a fractional factorial experimental design to assess preventive HIV vaccine acceptability and risk compensation among 255 high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) and ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Homosexuality published 28 January 2010:

Bisexuality, sexual risk taking, and HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men accessing voluntary counseling and testing services in Mumbai, India.   J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 53(2): 227-33.

OBJECTIVES: To describe sociodemographics, sexual risk behavior, and estimate HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mumbai, India. METHODS: Eight hundred thirty-one MSM attending voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services at the Humsafar Trust, answered a behavioral questionnaire and consented for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory and HIV testing from January 2003 through December 2004. Multivariate logistic regression was ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

Articles on Homosexuality published 27 January 2010:

Evolution of men who have sex with men community and experienced stigma among men who have sex with men in Chengdu, China.   J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 53: S98-103.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the stigma and discrimination experienced by men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu, and to evaluate their impact on effective HIV prevention. METHODS: Focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews were conducted from June to September 2006. RESULTS: Stigma and social pressure for MSM were reported to mainly arise from their families to get married and have children to protect family reputation and lineage. Few participants reported experiencing stigma ... [Abstract] [Full-text]

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