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Au C, Samuelson A, Perez-Morales J, Schabath MB, Mitchell EP. Medical student clinical cultural awareness in cancer care of sexual gender minority patients. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 129:108395. [PMID: 39182417 PMCID: PMC11426314 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health disparities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+), or sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are known. SGM people have higher cancer risk, but lower rates of screenings, resulting in a higher likelihood of late-stage disease. This study evaluates medical students' clinical cultural awareness in cancer care of SGM patients to identify gaps in education. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey distributed to medical students at a academic center. There were 38 questions on demographics, attitudes, and knowledge of SGM topics. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic information and stratified analyses assessed responses by demographic subgroups. RESULTS There were 238 responses from 1145 students (response rate = 20.7 %). Of the responders, 91.2 % and 79 % were comfortable treating lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) and transgender patients respectively. Only 28.6 % and 21.8 % were confident treating LGB and transgender patients respectively after taking the survey. 91.2 % of students were interested receiving education regarding SGM health needs. CONCLUSION While most medical students are comfortable treating LGBTQ+ patients, most are not confident in their knowledge. This difference is most profound in knowledge of transgender patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Schools must provide more education in SGM topics to improve student knowledge to produce competent providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherry Au
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Annika Samuelson
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Matthew B Schabath
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Edith P Mitchell
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Rypka KJ, Wendland ZD, Steele MV, Wehner MR, Yeung H, Mansh MD. Sexual Orientation and Lifetime Prevalence of Skin Cancer Across Racial and Ethnic Groups. JAMA Dermatol 2024; 160:977-983. [PMID: 39018081 PMCID: PMC11255965 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.2097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Importance Sexual minority (SM) persons have been found to have differential rates of skin cancer, but limited data exist on differences across racial and ethnic groups and by individual sexual identities. Objective To examine differences by sexual orientation in the lifetime prevalence of skin cancer among US adult females and males across racial and ethnic groups and by individual sexual identity. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2021, for US adults from the general population. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024. Main Outcomes and Measures Self-reported lifetime prevalence of skin cancer by sexual orientation. Age-adjusted prevalence and adjusted prevalence odds ratios (AORs) compared heterosexual and SM adults in analyses stratified by individual race. Results Of 1 512 400 participants studied, 805 161 (53.2%) were heterosexual females; 38 933 (2.6%), SM females; 638 651 (42.2%), heterosexual males; and 29 655 (2.0%), SM males. A total of 6.6% of participants were Hispanic; 3.4%, non-Hispanic Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hawaiian; 7.5%, non-Hispanic Black; 78.2%, non-Hispanic White; and 4.3%, other race and ethnicity. Mean (SE) age was 48.5 (0.03) years (incomplete data for age of respondents ≥80 years). The lifetime prevalence of skin cancer was overall higher among SM males compared with heterosexual males (7.4% vs 6.8%; AOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02-1.33), including specifically among Hispanic males (4.0% vs 1.6%; AOR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.96-7.41) and non-Hispanic Black males (1.0% vs 0.5%; AOR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.13-4.19) in analyses stratified by race and ethnicity. Lifetime prevalence rates were lower among SM females compared with heterosexual females among non-Hispanic White females (7.8% vs 8.5%; AOR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.97) and were higher among Hispanic (2.1% vs 1.8%; AOR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.28-4.70) and non-Hispanic Black (1.8% vs 0.5%; AOR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.01-5.54) females in analyses stratified by race and ethnicity. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of US adults, differences in the lifetime prevalence of skin cancer among SM adults compared with heterosexual adults differed across racial and ethnic groups and by individual sexual identity among both females and males. Both Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black and SM females and males had higher rates of skin cancer compared with their heterosexual counterparts. Further research addressing the individual factors contributing to these differences is needed to inform screening guidelines and public health interventions focused on these diverse, heterogeneous populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn J. Rypka
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
- Department of Dermatology, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Zachary D. Wendland
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
- Department of Dermatology, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Mackenzie R. Wehner
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Howa Yeung
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Telehealth Service Clinical Resource Hub, VA Southeast Network Veterans Integrated Service Network 7, Decatur, Georgia
- Associate Editor, JAMA Dermatology
| | - Matthew D. Mansh
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco
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Huang AK, Hoatson T, Chakraborty P, McKetta S, Soled KRS, Reynolds CA, Boehmer U, Miranda AR, Streed CG, Maingi S, Haneuse S, Young JG, Kang JH, Austin SB, Eliassen AH, Charlton BM. Disparities in cancer incidence by sexual orientation. Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38733613 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer risk factors are more common among sexual minority populations (e.g., lesbian, bisexual) than their heterosexual peers, yet little is known about cancer incidence across sexual orientation groups. METHODS The 1989-2017 data from the Nurses' Health Study II, a longitudinal cohort of female nurses across the United States, were analyzed (N = 101,543). Sexual orientation-related cancer disparities were quantified by comparing any cancer incidence among four sexual minority groups based on self-disclosure-(1) heterosexual with past same-sex attractions/partners/identity; (2) mostly heterosexual; (3) bisexual; and (4) lesbian women-to completely heterosexual women using age-adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel method. Additionally, subanalyses at 21 cancer disease sites (e.g., breast, colon/rectum) were conducted. RESULTS For all-cancer analyses, there were no statistically significant differences in cancer incidence at the 5% type I error cutoff among sexual minority groups when compared to completely heterosexual women; the aIRR was 1.17 (95% CI,0.99-1.38) among lesbian women and 0.80 (0.58-1.10) among bisexual women. For the site-specific analyses, incidences at multiple sites were significantly higher among lesbian women compared to completely heterosexual women: thyroid cancer (aIRR, 1.87 [1.03-3.41]), basal cell carcinoma (aIRR, 1.85 [1.09-3.14]), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aIRR, 2.13 [1.10-4.12]). CONCLUSION Lesbian women may be disproportionately burdened by cancer relative to their heterosexual peers. Sexual minority populations must be explicitly included in cancer prevention efforts. Comprehensive and standardized sexual orientation data must be systematically collected so nuanced sexual orientation-related cancer disparities can be accurately assessed for both common and rare cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee K Huang
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tabor Hoatson
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Payal Chakraborty
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah McKetta
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kodiak R S Soled
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Colleen A Reynolds
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ulrike Boehmer
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexis R Miranda
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carl G Streed
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- GenderCare Center, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shail Maingi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica G Young
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jae H Kang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A Heather Eliassen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brittany M Charlton
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Haarmann L, Lieker E, Folkerts AK, Eichert K, Neidlinger M, Monsef I, Skoetz N, Träuble B, Kalbe E. Higher Risk of Many Physical Health Conditions in Sexual Minority Men: Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Gay- and Bisexual-Identified Compared with Heterosexual-Identified Men. LGBT Health 2024; 11:81-102. [PMID: 37676973 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review and, where possible, meta-analysis on the prevalence of physical health conditions in sexual minority men (SMM, i.e., gay- and bisexual-identified men) compared with heterosexual-identified men. Methods: A systematic literature search in the databases MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of Science was conducted on epidemiological studies on physical health conditions, classified in the Global Burden of Disease project and published between 2000 and 2021. Meta-analyses comparing odds ratios were calculated. Results: In total, 23,649 abstracts were screened, and 32 studies were included in the systematic review. Main findings were that (1) Largest differences in prevalence by sexual identity were found for chronic respiratory diseases, particularly asthma: overall, SMM were significantly almost 50% more likely to suffer from asthma than heterosexual men. (2) Evidence of higher prevalence was also found for chronic kidney diseases and headache disorders in gay men and for hepatitis B/C in both gay and bisexual men. (3) We found an overall trend that bisexual men were more affected by some of the physical health conditions compared with gay men (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, asthma). However, regarding cancer, headache disorders, and hepatitis, gay men were more affected. Conclusion: We found evidence of physical health disparities by sexual identity, suggesting more health issues in SMM. Since some of these findings rely on few comparisons or small samples of SMM only, this review is intended to be a vehement plea for routinely including sexual identity assessment in health research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Haarmann
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Emma Lieker
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Folkerts
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Eichert
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marlene Neidlinger
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ina Monsef
- Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicole Skoetz
- Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Birgit Träuble
- Department of Psychology | Research Unit for Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Ghaoui N, Hasbani DJ, Hassan S, Bandali T, Saade S, Saade D. Sun protection use and habits in the LGBTQI+ community in Lebanon: A cross sectional study. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:3100-3106. [PMID: 37632253 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sun exposure is an extrinsic risk factor for skin aging, wrinkle formation, and the development of skin cancer, namely melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Sun protection measures have emerged as an important means of preventing these harmful effects. Studies have shown that sexual minority men have a greater prevalence of skin cancer than heterosexual men. AIMS There is limited research investigating the reasons behind this risk of skin cancer development. This is especially important because identifying preventable risk factors, like those pertaining to sun exposure behaviors, can be targeted in the fight against skin cancer and help establish screening tools and preventive interventions for the SGM community. This study focused on members of the SGM community and demonstrated their tendency not to use sun-protective measures, as well as their deficits in knowledge of skin cancer prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is a cross-sectional study that investigates sun protection practices and trends among adults in Lebanon's SGM community using a survey. It includes adults aged 18-80 that were recruited from the dermatology clinics at AUBMC as well as LGBTQ+ organizations Helm and SIDC. RESULTS A total of 129 participants took part in the study and completed the survey. Reasons for tanning varied among our participants: tanning to get a color (13.1%), tanning to get vitamin D (4.6%), tanning socially (6.9%), and tanning for mood elevation (0.8%). No significant association was found between sexual orientation and SPF use (p = 0.167). No significant association was found between sexual orientation and tanning frequency during summer (p-value: 0.231). Similarly, no significant association was noted between sexual orientation and tanning bed use (0.951). No significant association was noted between the type of job and SPF use (p = 0.601). Despite no significance between SPF use and the highest educational degree attained (p = 0.070), the tendency to use SPF increased with higher levels of education. Moreover, awareness of sun-induced skin cancer did not significantly affect SPF use (p = 0.067). However, a significant association was found between the information source for skin cancer and SPF use (p < 0.001) where participants receiving information from dermatologists displayed notably higher SPF use (72.2%), compared to those obtaining information from media (18.2%) or family and friends (5.3%). DISCUSSION Surveying the perception of the Lebanese SGM community towards sun damage and their adaptive practices to prevent it can help implement and gear a nation-wide campaign to spread proper awareness about this subject. Studying their behavioral tendencies for not using sunscreen can help overcome this contributing risk factor for skin cancers. CONCLUSION Future investigations have yet to identify confounding variables contributing to higher levels of skin cancers in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohra Ghaoui
- Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Divina Justina Hasbani
- Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sally Hassan
- Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tarek Bandali
- Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Serena Saade
- Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Dean D, Smith AW. Addressing sexual and gender minority disparities in cancer research. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1125-1127. [PMID: 37682249 PMCID: PMC10560592 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Dean
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ashley Wilder Smith
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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Gomez J, Barnes LA, Yost JM, Gordon J, Ginsberg BA, Aleshin M. Hidradenitis suppurativa in sexual and gender minorities: A review and considerations for providers. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 89:795-801. [PMID: 35283243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The literature on hidradenitis suppurativa in sexual and gender minorities remains sparse. This review article aims to discuss critical factors for providers to consider in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, including associated comorbidities, gender-affirming hormonal therapy, squamous cell carcinoma, infections in HIV-positive patients, and creating a welcoming clinic for sexual and gender minority patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Gomez
- Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford, California
| | - Leandra A Barnes
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - John Montgomery Yost
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Crossover Health, Menlo Park, California
| | - Justin Gordon
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Maria Aleshin
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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McKenzie C, Pulavarty AN, Zampella JG. Sun-protective behaviours of adult men stratified by sexual orientation: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of National Health Interview Survey. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:e1221-e1222. [PMID: 37191149 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Costner McKenzie
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Akshay N Pulavarty
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - John G Zampella
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Haarmann L, Folkerts AK, Lieker E, Eichert K, Neidlinger M, Monsef I, Skoetz N, Träuble B, Kalbe E. Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on physical health conditions in lesbian- and bisexual-identified women compared with heterosexual-identified women. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231219610. [PMID: 38146632 PMCID: PMC10752089 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231219610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority individuals experience discrimination, leading to mental health disparities. Physical health disparities have not been examined to the same extent in systematic reviews so far. OBJECTIVES To provide a systematic review and, where possible, meta-analyses on the prevalence of physical health conditions in sexual minority women (i.e. lesbian- and bisexual-identified women) compared to heterosexual-identified women. DESIGN The study design is a systematic review with meta-analyses. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS A systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was conducted on epidemiologic studies on physical health conditions, classified in the Global Burden of Disease project, published between 2000 and 2021. Meta-analyses pooling odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS In total, 23,649 abstracts were screened and 44 studies were included in the systematic review. Meta-analyses were run for arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes, headache disorders, heart attacks, hepatitis, hypertension, and stroke. Most significant differences in prevalence by sexual identity were found for chronic respiratory conditions, especially asthma. Overall, sexual minority women were significantly 1.5-2 times more likely to have asthma than heterosexual women. Furthermore, evidence of higher prevalence in sexual minority compared to heterosexual women was found for back pain, headaches/migraines, hepatitis B/C, periodontitis, urinary tract infections, and acne. In contrast, bisexual women had lower cancer rates. Overall, sexual minority women had lower odds of heart attacks, diabetes, and hypertension than heterosexual women (in terms of diabetes and hypertension possibly due to non-consideration of pregnancy-related conditions). CONCLUSION We found evidence for physical health disparities by sexual identity. Since some of these findings rely on few comparisons only, this review emphasizes the need for routinely including sexual identity assessment in health research and clinical practice. Providing a more detailed picture of the prevalence of physical health conditions in sexual minority women may ultimately contribute to reducing health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Haarmann
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Folkerts
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Emma Lieker
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Eichert
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marlene Neidlinger
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ina Monsef
- Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicole Skoetz
- Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Birgit Träuble
- Department of Psychology ǀ Research Unit for Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology ǀ Neuropsychology and Gender Studies and Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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10
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The current state of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender cultural competency among U.S. dermatology residents. Int J Womens Dermatol 2022; 8:e030. [PMID: 35822191 PMCID: PMC9270600 DOI: 10.1097/jw9.0000000000000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Mijas M, Blukacz M, Koziara K, Kasparek K, Pliczko MP, Galbarczyk A, Jasienska G. Dysregulated by stigma: Cortisol responses to repeated psychosocial stress in gay and heterosexual men. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 131:105325. [PMID: 34171795 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on pathways linking stigma with health inequalities affecting sexual minority populations, focused predominantly on exploring the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) dysregulation profiles associated with chronic stress. One of such profiles reflecting a state of increased susceptibility to disease, and not yet studied among sexual minority individuals, is impaired habituation to repeated stress of the same type. In this study we explored whether sexual identity modulates endocrine stress responses and stress responses habituation in healthy heterosexual and gay men. We also explored the associations between perceived sexual minority stigma and cortisol response to stress in the latter group. METHODS Gay (N = 49) and heterosexual (N = 40) men, aged 24.4 years, were confronted twice with the Trier Social Stress Test and provided 5 salivary cortisol samples for each of the two testing sessions. A multilevel mixed-effects approach was used to model the cortisol curve throughout the two-day procedure. Habituation to repeated stress was conceptualized as the decrease in the total cortisol levels as well as the change in the cortisol curvilinearity between the first and the second testing session. RESULTS Gay participants were characterized by significantly higher cortisol levels throughout both laboratory visits. Their cortisol levels were also predicted by perceived rejection from family due to minority sexual identity, and stigma-related vicarious trauma. Although neither group showed habituation defined as the decrease in cortisol level, the shape of the cortisol curve changed between both visits only in the heterosexual participants. CONCLUSIONS Increased cortisol levels observed in gay men are predicted by minority stressors. Combined with non-habituation, the upregulation of the HPA axis may constitute a physiological pathway linking stigma to adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mijas
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 8 Skawinska St., PL 31066 Krakow, Poland; Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University, 6 Ingardena St., PL 30060 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Mateusz Blukacz
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 8 Skawinska St., PL 31066 Krakow, Poland; Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, 53 Grazynskiego St., PL 40126 Katowice, Poland
| | - Karolina Koziara
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University, 6 Ingardena St., PL 30060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kasparek
- Institute of Sociology, Center for Evaluation and Analysis of Public Policies, Jagiellonian University, 52 Grodzka St., PL 30962 Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Piotr Pliczko
- Sexology Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 21a Kopernika St., PL 31501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Galbarczyk
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 8 Skawinska St., PL 31066 Krakow, Poland
| | - Grazyna Jasienska
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 8 Skawinska St., PL 31066 Krakow, Poland
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12
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Vengalil N, Shumer D, Wang F. Developing an LGBT curriculum and evaluating its impact on Dermatology Residents. Int J Dermatol 2021; 61:99-102. [PMID: 34416015 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Vengalil
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Shumer
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Frank Wang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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13
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Lee MS, Guo LN, Nambudiri VE. Towards gender equity in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in dermatology. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 29:400-403. [PMID: 34151976 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocab113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been increased excitement around the use of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology for the diagnosis of skin cancers and assessment of other dermatologic conditions. As these technologies continue to expand, it is essential to ensure they do not create or widen sex- and gender-based disparities in care. While desirable bias may result from the explicit inclusion of sex or gender in diagnostic criteria of diseases with gender-based differences, undesirable biases can result from usage of datasets with an underrepresentation of certain groups. We believe that sex and gender differences should be taken into consideration in ML/AI algorithms in dermatology because there are important differences in the epidemiology and clinical presentation of dermatologic conditions including skin cancers, sex-specific cancers, and autoimmune conditions. We present recommendations for ensuring sex and gender equity in the development of ML/AI tools in dermatology to increase desirable bias and avoid undesirable bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Lee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa N Guo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vinod E Nambudiri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Robinson JK, Wahood S, Stapleton JL. Motives for intentional sunlight exposure among young adult sexual minority men: appearance, relaxation and socialization in a cohort study. Br J Dermatol 2020; 184:563-564. [PMID: 33067803 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.19609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J K Robinson
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - S Wahood
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - J L Stapleton
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA
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15
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Singer S, Tkachenko E, Yeung H, Mostaghimi A. Skin cancer and skin cancer risk behaviors among sexual and gender minority populations: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 83:511-522. [PMID: 32068044 PMCID: PMC7369213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals of sexual and gender minorities may have different lifetime risk of skin cancer and ultraviolet radiation exposure than heterosexual persons. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the prevalence of skin cancer and behaviors that increase risk of skin cancer among sexual and gender minority populations. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, searching for articles through October 18, 2019, that investigated risk of skin cancer and behaviors among sexual and gender minority populations. RESULTS Sexual minority men have a higher lifetime risk of any skin cancer (odds ratio range: 1.3-2.1) and indoor tanning bed use (odds ratio range: 2.8-5.9) compared with heterosexual men, whereas sexual minority women may use indoor tanning beds less frequently than heterosexual women and do not have an elevated risk of lifetime history of skin cancer. Gender-nonconforming individuals have higher lifetime prevalence of any skin cancer compared with cisgender men. LIMITATIONS Most variables rely on self-reporting in their original studies. CONCLUSIONS Sexual minority men disproportionately engage in use of indoor tanning beds, which may result in increased lifetime risk of skin cancer. Recognition of this risk is important for providing appropriate screening for patients in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Singer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Tkachenko
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Howa Yeung
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Arash Mostaghimi
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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