Search

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations experience widespread disparities in health outcomes, health behaviors, and access to care compared to their non-LGBT counterparts. Moreover, very few studies have either studied the social determinants of health (SDoH) of LGBT populations or LGBT health in large cities located in the US South. This study uses novel, community-informed, and representative data to study the SDoH of LGBT adults in Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. Compared to non-LGBT adults (n = 1583), LGBT adults (n = 128) in Nashville, Tennessee, were more likely to report being dissatisfied with life and feeling emotionally upset or physical symptoms as a result of how they were treated based on their race/ethnicity compared to non-LGBT adults. LGBT adults in Nashville were also less likely to keep a firearm in the home than their non-LGBT peers. This study documents new disparities in the SDoH for LGBT adults living in one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the southeastern US. More research on LGBT populations in urban centers located in the US South is critically needed. Meanwhile, locally based community organizations and public health leaders may consider developing and testing innovative solutions to enhance social networks and social supports among LGBT populations. Addressing the SDoH among LGBT adults in southern cities will be essential for achieving health equity for all LGBT populations in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Health disparities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults are well documented, but LGBT health data at the municipal and county levels are lacking, especially in the southern United States. The objective of this study was to compare access to care, health outcomes, and behavioral risk factors between LGBT and non-LGBT adults in Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee.Methods: Data for this study came from a randomly selected, population-based sample of LGBT (n = 128) and non-LGBT (n = 1583) adults in Nashville. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare health outcomes between LGBT and non-LGBT Nashvillians while adjusting for demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status.Results: LGBT Nashvillians were more likely to be uninsured (odds ratio [OR] 3.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72-9.10), report unmet medical care needs because of cost (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.14-4.25), exhibit worse mental health outcomes (eg, frequent mental distress; OR 4.53, 95% CI 2.33-8.80), and report high-risk behaviors for human immunodeficiency virus (OR 9.47, 95% CI 3.96-22.62) compared with non-LGBT Nashvillians.Conclusions: To achieve health equity for LGBT individuals at the municipal level, Nashville and Tennessee should consider multifaceted approaches to expanding health insurance coverage and nondiscrimination protections and address mental health and human immunodeficiency virus risks among vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]