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Wright LE, Savage B, Watts SJ. Sexuality Minority Status, Victimization, Mental Health, and Substance Use. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:2008-2020. [PMID: 39177190 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2392522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Background: Prior research suggests that sexual minority status is related to victimization, mental health issues, and substance use. However, few studies have sought to connect these relationships in a way supported by theory, and fewer have utilized probability and/or nationally representative samples. Objective: The current study seeks to test the relationships among these variables, guided by general strain theory (GST). Methods: One wave of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health dataset (Add Health) (N = 14,121) and path modeling in Mplus are utilized. Results: Models run separately by race/ethnicity suggest that the relationship among these variables largely support expectations from GST, but with some notable differences by race/ethnicity. Conclusion: Results suggest a relationship among these variables that concurs with criminological theorizing. Implications and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Wright
- Department of Sociology and Political Science, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brenda Savage
- School of History and Social Science, LA Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana, USA
| | - Stephen J Watts
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Carney T, Choi SK, Stephenson R, Bauermeister JA, Carrico AW. Latent class analysis of substance use typologies associated with mental and sexual health outcomes among sexual and gender minority youth. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290781. [PMID: 37768906 PMCID: PMC10538794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) who have sex with men's unique patterns of substance use, even though they are at risk for substance use and adverse mental and other health outcomes. We used latent class analysis to examine typologies of substance use and multinomial logistic regression to investigate mental health outcomes (depression and anxiety) and HIV/STI testing correlates associated with different classes of substance use in a sample of SGMY who have sex with men in the USA and use substances (n = 414) who participated in an online survey. The average age was 22.50 years old (SD = 3.22). A four-class solution was identified representing: 'depressant and stimulant use' (3.4%), 'high polysubstance use' (4.6%), 'low substance use with moderate cannabis use' (79.2%), and 'high cannabis, stimulant and alcohol use' (12.8%). Membership to a specified substance use class varied by age, previous arrest, gender identity, anxiety, and lifetime HIV testing. Multivariate logistic regression results indicated that participants in the high polysubstance use (AOR = 5.48, 95% CI 1.51, 19.97) and high cannabis use class (AOR = 3.87, 95% CI 1.25, 11.94) were significantly more likely than those in the low substance use with moderate cannabis use class to report previous arrest. Those in the high polysubstance use class were also significantly less likely to have been tested for HIV than those in the low substance use with moderate cannabis use class (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.05, 0.93). Findings will guide the development and implementation of tailored approaches to addressing the intersection of substance use and HIV risk among SGMY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Carney
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Division of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Seul Ki Choi
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rob Stephenson
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jose A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Adam W. Carrico
- Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Rosario M. Health Disparities by Sexual Orientation: Implications of Genetic and Environmental Explanations. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:600-604. [PMID: 36399067 PMCID: PMC10175091 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2144991] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Xu and colleagues add to the growing research literature on the role of potential familial (i.e., genetic and shared environment) causes in sexual orientation and in the relation between sexual orientation and poor mental health, in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority individuals have poorer mental health than heterosexual individuals. I address several implications of the findings by Xu et al. and others. First, the nuance or complexity of genetics is considered, given the implications of genetics for health via a single gene, epistasis, or epigenetics. Second, I highlight the magnitude of the genetic relation between sexual orientation and psychopathology, suggesting some, but not all, sexual minority individuals may differ from heterosexual individuals on psychiatric vulnerability. In turn, this suggests that research should identify for whom or under what circumstances the relation holds. Third, I underscore the need for a within-subjects design, in which attention turns to differences among sexual minority individuals. Fourth, the need to reevaluate Minority Stress Theory, the predominant theory accounting for health disparities by sexual orientation, is addressed because of the implications of genetics for health. Fifth, I acknowledge the concern attached to genetic research for potentially compounding the stigmatization already experienced by sexual minority individuals. Nevertheless, this research is occurring and will likely increase in volume. It will inform understanding of sexual minority individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Rosario
- Department of Psychology, The City University of New York—The City College and Graduate Center, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, United States
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Noel JK, Tudela SE, Rosenthal SR. Sexual minority status, illicit drug use, and depressive symptoms. JOURNAL OF LGBT YOUTH 2023; 21:490-506. [PMID: 38798775 PMCID: PMC11114600 DOI: 10.1080/19361653.2023.2187918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and who identify with other sexual orientations (LGB+) are at higher risk for illicit drug use and have higher rates of mental illness. The current study examined the prevalence of illicit drug use among LGB+ persons and assessed the moderating effect of mental illness. Cross-sectional data from the 2015, 2017, and 2019 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System were aggregated. The outcome was any reported use of cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, ecstasy, or hallucinogens. The primary exposure was self-reported sexual orientation category (i.e., heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, not sure). Self-reported depressive symptoms were tested as a moderator. Logistic regression models assessed main and interactive effects. Gay or lesbian students [AOR=1.87 95%CI: 1.45,2.43], bisexual students [AOR=2.07 95%CI: 1.77,2.42], and those unsure of their sexual orientation [AOR=1.99 95%CI: 1.65,2.39] had increased odds of illicit drug use. Odds were higher among LGB+ youth who did not have depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Odds of illicit substance use was significantly greater in youth identifying as gay and lesbian, bisexual, and students who were not sure about their sexual orientation and among LGB+ youth without depressive symptoms. Targeted, but non-stigmatizing, prevention programs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K. Noel
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, USA 02903
| | - Stephanie E. Tudela
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, USA 02903
| | - Samantha R. Rosenthal
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, USA 02903
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Schuler MS, Collins RL, Ramchand R. Disparities in Use/Misuse of Specific Illicit and Prescription Drugs among Sexual Minority Adults in a National Sample. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:461-471. [PMID: 35067155 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.2019776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background: Compared to heterosexual adults, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults have higher rates of any illicit drug use and any prescription drug misuse, yet disparities regarding specific drugs remain poorly characterized. Methods: We examined disparities by sexual identity and sex for 8 illicit and prescription drugs using 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data. Outcomes included past-year use/misuse of cocaine/crack, hallucinogens, inhalants, methamphetamine, heroin, prescription opioids, prescription stimulants, prescription tranquilizers/sedatives, and level of polydrug use/misuse (2 substances; 3+ substances). For each outcome, odds ratios relative to heterosexual adults of same sex were estimated using logistic regression controlling for demographics; significant estimates were interpreted as a disparity. Results: Among gay men, significant disparities were present for all drugs except prescription stimulants and heroin; inhalant use was particularly elevated. Bisexual women exhibited significant disparities for every drug examined, as did bisexual men (except heroin). Among lesbian/gay women, disparities were only present for prescription opioids and stimulants. Relative to heterosexual peers, use of 3+ substances was 3 times higher among gay men and bisexual women and 2 times higher among bisexual men. Conclusions: Consistent with minority stress theory, prevalences of illicit and prescription drug use/misuse were 2-3 times higher among LGB adults than heterosexual adults. Illicit drug use should not be perceived as only impacting gay/bisexual men - bisexual women had similar - or higher - prevalences of hallucinogen, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin use. Yet, in contrast to bisexual women, lesbian/gay women did not exhibit disparities for any illicit drugs.
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Azagba S, Shan L. Disparities in the frequency of tobacco products use by sexual identity status. Addict Behav 2021; 122:107032. [PMID: 34229134 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Largely absent from the literature are studies examining differences in tobacco use frequency among sexual minority populations versus heterosexuals. The current study examined the frequency of tobacco product use (i.e., cigarette, e-cigarettes and cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah, and heated tobacco products) among sexual minority students versus heterosexuals (straight). METHODS Data from the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey (n = 14,531) were analyzed to examine the association between sexual identity (lesbian or gay, bisexual, not sure, and heterosexual or straight) and tobacco use frequency. Negative binomial regression and zero-inflated negative binomial models were used to assess the association between sexual identity and each tobacco use frequency among current and ever users. RESULTS Current e-cigarettes users who identified as gay or lesbian used e-cigarette more frequently than heterosexual students. Multivariable count regression analysis showed that the e-cigarette use frequency in the past 30 days was significantly higher for gays or lesbians (IRR 1.45, 95% CI, 1.19-1.76) compared to heterosexuals. Similarly, gay or lesbian students who were current hookah users on average reported 81% more days of hookah use (IRR, 1.81, 95% CI, 1.08-3.03). The frequency of cigarette smoking was also significantly higher among bisexual cigarette smokers. No significant differences were found in other tobacco product use frequencies between sexual minority and heterosexual youths. CONCLUSION Sexual identity was associated with tobacco use frequency, especially for e-cigarettes and hookah. Elevated tobacco use among sexual minority groups deserves special consideration among a population group that is highly vulnerable to marketing and advertisement targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunday Azagba
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Lingpeng Shan
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, United States
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