1
|
Bränström R, Hatzenbuehler ML, Lattanner MR, Hollinsaid NL, McDade TW, Pachankis JE. Threats to social safety and neuro-inflammatory mechanisms underlying sexual orientation disparities in depression symptom severity: A prospective cohort study of young adults. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:211-219. [PMID: 38548185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.036] [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] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexual minority individuals have a markedly elevated risk of depression compared to heterosexuals. We examined early threats to social safety and chronically elevated inflammation as mechanisms contributing to this disparity in depression symptoms, and compared the relative strength of the co-occurrence between chronic inflammation and depression symptoms for sexual minorities versus heterosexuals. To do so, we analyzed data from a prospective cohort of sexual minority and heterosexual young adults (n = 595), recruited from a nationally representative sample, that included assessments of early threats to social safety in the form of adverse childhood interpersonal events, three biomarkers of inflammation (i.e., CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) measured at two time points, and depression symptoms over four years. In pre-registered analyses, we found that sexual minorities experienced more adverse childhood interpersonal events, were more likely to display chronically elevated inflammation, and reported more severe depression symptoms than heterosexuals. Adverse childhood interpersonal events and chronically elevated inflammation explained approximately 23 % of the total effect of the association between sexual orientation and depression symptom severity. Further, there was an increased coupling of chronically elevated inflammation and depression symptoms among sexual minorities compared to heterosexuals. These results provide novel longitudinal, population-based evidence for the role of chronically elevated inflammation in linking threats to social safety during childhood with depression symptom severity in young adulthood, consistent with the primary tenets of the social signal transduction theory of depression. Our study extends this theory to the population level by finding that members of a stigmatized population (i.e., sexual minorities) experience a greater risk of depression because of their greater exposure to adverse childhood interpersonal events and the subsequent link to chronic inflammation, highlighting potential biopsychosocial intervention targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bränström
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Micah R Lattanner
- Department of Public Health, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA USA
| | | | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - John E Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McQuitty EN, Black TA, Rousseau MA, Parvathaneni A, Gonna N, Farris DP, Nelson KC. Retrospective operationalization of allostatic load in patients with cancer: A systematic review. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 167:107085. [PMID: 38833997 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Allostatic load (AL) has been shown to impact cancer outcomes. At present, no gold standard exists surrounding AL computation. As such, a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies that retrospectively calculated AL in patients with cancer. The following variables were collected for each study: AL calculation method, including the biomarkers used and their cutoff values, number of biosystems represented, definition of high AL, and the use of proxy biomarkers. Thirteen articles were included for full-text review. The number of biomarkers used in the calculation of AL varied considerably, ranging from 6 to 16. Considerable variability was also observed in terms of utilized biomarkers and biosystem representation. This lack of standardization complicates retrospective AL calculation among patients with cancer. Nonetheless, determining AL in patients with cancer presents an important step in the optimization of patient care and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emelie N McQuitty
- John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - T Austin Black
- John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Morgan A Rousseau
- John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aarthi Parvathaneni
- John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nadeen Gonna
- John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David P Farris
- Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly C Nelson
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Juster RP, Rutherford C, Keyes K, Hatzenbuehler ML. Associations Between Structural Stigma and Allostatic Load Among Sexual Minorities: Results From a Population-Based Study. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:157-168. [PMID: 38345315 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Structural forms of stigma and discrimination are associated with adverse health outcomes across numerous stigmatized groups, including lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. However, the biological consequences of structural stigma among LGB populations are understudied. To begin to address this gap, we assessed associations between indicators of structural stigma (i.e., state-level policies) targeting LGB individuals and allostatic load (AL) indices representing physiological dysregulations. METHODS Pooled data from the continuous 2001-2014 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were analyzed (LGB: n = 864; heterosexual: n = 20,310). Ten state-level LGB-related policies (e.g., employment nondiscrimination protections, same-sex marriage) were used to operationalize structural stigma. A sex-specific AL index representing 11 immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular biomarkers was estimated. Multilevel models were used to examine associations between structural stigma and AL, net of nine individual-level characteristics (e.g., education, race/ethnicity, age, and health behaviors). RESULTS Sexual minority men living in states with low levels of structural stigma experienced significantly lower AL ( β = -0.45, p = .02) compared with sexual minority men living in states with high structural stigma (i.e., fewer protective policies). There was no significant association between structural stigma and AL among sexual minority women. CONCLUSIONS By demonstrating direct associations between structural stigma and indices of physiological dysregulation, our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of how the social environment can "get under the skin and skull" for sexual minority men in the United States. Future research should explore whether these mechanisms generalize to other marginalized groups exposed to structural stigma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert-Paul Juster
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction (Juster), University of Montreal; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute (Juster), Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University (Rutherford, Keyes), New York, New York; and Department of Psychology, Harvard University (Hatzenbuehler), Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lei C, Qu D, Liu K, Chen R. Ecological Momentary Assessment and Machine Learning for Predicting Suicidal Ideation Among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2333164. [PMID: 37695580 PMCID: PMC10495869 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.33164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Suicidality poses a serious global health concern, particularly in the sexual and gender minority population. While various studies have focused on investigating chronic stressors, the precise prediction effect of daily experiences on suicide ideation remains uncertain. Objective To test the extent to which mood fluctuations and contextual stressful events experienced by sexual and gender minority individuals may predict later short- and long-term suicide ideation. Design, Setting, and Participants This diagnostic study collected twice-daily data on mood states and stressful events from sexual and gender minority individuals over 25 days throughout 3 waves of the Chinese Lunar New Year (before, during, and after), and follow-up surveys assessing suicidal ideation were conducted 1, 3, and 8 months later. Online recruitment advertisements were used to recruit young adults throughout China. Eligible participants were self-identified as sexual and gender minority individuals aged 18 to 29 years. Those who were diagnosed with psychotic disorders (eg, schizophrenia spectrum or schizotypal disorder) or prevented from objective factors (ie, not having a phone or having an irregular sleep rhythm) were excluded. Data were collected from January to October 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures To predict short-term (1 month) and longer-term (3 and 8 months) suicidal ideation, the study tested several approaches by using machine learning including chronic stress baseline data (baseline approach), dynamic patterns of mood states and stressful events (ecological momentary assessment [EMA] approach), and a combination of baseline data and dynamic patterns (EMA plus baseline approach). Results A total of 103 sexual and gender minority individuals participated in the study (mean [SD] age, 24.2 [2.5] years; 72 [70%] female). Of these, 19 (18.4%; 95% CI, 10.9%-25.9%), 25 (24.8%; 95% CI, 16.4%-33.2%), 30 (29.4%; 95% CI, 20.6%-38.2%), and 32 (31.1%; 95% CI, 22.2%-40.0%) reported suicidal ideation at baseline, 1, 3, and 8 months follow-up, respectively. The EMA approach showed better performance than the baseline and baseline plus EMA approaches at 1-month follow-up (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.78-0.81) and slightly better performance on the prediction of suicidal ideation at 3 and 8 months' follow-up. In addition, the best approach predicting suicidal ideation was obtained during Lunar New Year period at 1-month follow-up, which had a mean AUC of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.74-0.79) and better performance at 3 and 8 months' follow-up (AUC, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.72-0.76 and AUC, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.69-0.74, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance The findings in this study emphasize the importance of contextual risk factors experienced by sexual and gender minority individuals at different stages. The use of machine learning may facilitate the identification of individuals who are at risk and aid in the development of personalized process-based early prevention programs to mitigate future suicide risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Lei
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Diyang Qu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kunxu Liu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Runsen Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Andrzejak SE, Lewis-Thames MW, Langston ME, Han Y, Khan S, Nettles DA, Fuzzell LN, Tingen MS, Moore JX. The Role of BMI in Allostatic Load and Risk of Cancer Death. Am J Prev Med 2023; 65:417-426. [PMID: 36889531 PMCID: PMC10440242 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity and proinflammatory conditions are associated with increased risks of cancer. The associations of baseline allostatic load with cancer mortality and whether this association is modified by body mass index (BMI) were examined. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed in March-September 2022 using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey years 1988 through 2010 linked with the National Death Index through December 31, 2019. Fine and Gray Cox proportional hazard models were stratified by BMI status to estimate subdistribution hazard ratios of cancer death between high and low allostatic load status (adjusted for age, sociodemographics, and health factors). RESULTS In fully adjusted models, high allostatic load was associated with a 23% increased risk of cancer death (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio=1.23; 95% CI=1.06, 1.43) among all participants, a 3% increased risk of cancer death (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio=1.03; 95% CI=0.78, 1.34) among underweight/healthy weight adults, a 31% increased risk of cancer death (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio=1.31; 95% CI=1.02, 1.67) among overweight adults, and a 39% increased risk of death (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio=1.39; 95% CI=1.04, 1.88) among obese adults, when compared to those with low allostatic load. CONCLUSIONS The risk of cancer death is highest among those with high allostatic load and obese BMI, but this effect was attenuated among those with high allostatic load and underweight/healthy or overweight BMI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney E Andrzejak
- Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Health, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Marquita W Lewis-Thames
- Department of Medical Social Science, Center for Community Health, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ilinois
| | - Marvin E Langston
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Yunan Han
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Saira Khan
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Darryl A Nettles
- Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Health, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Lindsay N Fuzzell
- Department of Health Outcomes & Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Martha S Tingen
- Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Health, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Justin X Moore
- Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Health, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia; Institute of Preventive and Public Health, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li C, Andrzejak SE, Jones SR, Williams BM, Moore JX. Investigating the association between educational attainment and allostatic load with risk of cancer mortality among African American women. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:448. [PMID: 37620873 PMCID: PMC10463695 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02529-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American (AA) women navigate the world with multiple intersecting marginalized identities. Accordingly, AA women have higher cumulative stress burden or allostatic load (AL) compared to other women. Studies suggest that AA women with a college degree or higher have lower AL than AA women with less than a high school diploma. We examined the joint effect of educational attainment and AL status with long-term risk of cancer mortality, and whether education moderated the association between AL and cancer mortality. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis among 4,677 AA women within the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1988 to 2010 with follow-up data through December 31, 2019. We fit weighted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of cancer death between educational attainment/AL (adjusted for age, income, and smoking status). RESULTS AA women with less than a high school diploma living with high AL had nearly a 3-fold increased risk (unadjusted HR: 2.98; 95%C CI: 1.24-7.15) of cancer death compared to AA college graduates living with low AL. However, after adjusting for age, this effect attenuated (age-adjusted HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.45-2.74). AA women with high AL had 2.3-fold increased risk of cancer death (fully adjusted HR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.10-4.57) when compared to AA with low AL, specifically among women with high school diploma or equivalent and without history of cancer. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that high allostatic load is associated with a higher risk of cancer mortality among AA women with lower educational attainment, while no such association was observed among AA women with higher educational attainment. Thus, educational attainment plays a modifying role in the relationship between allostatic load and the risk of cancer death for AA women. Higher education can bring several benefits, including improved access to medical care and enhanced medical literacy, which in turn may help mitigate the adverse impact of AL and the heightened risk of cancer mortality among AA women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Li
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd, 30912, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Samantha R Jones
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Justin Xavier Moore
- Center for Health Equity Transformation, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Community Impact Office, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moore JX, Andrzejak SE, Casanova T, Langston ME, Estvold S, Adsul P. Investigating the Joint Effect of Allostatic Load among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults with Risk of Cancer Mortality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6120. [PMID: 37372707 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Sexual minorities (SM) have higher chronic physiologic stress as indicated by allostatic load (AL), which may be explained in part by consistent experiences of discriminatory practices. This is one of the first studies to examine the joint effects of SM status and AL on the association with long-term risk for cancer death. Retrospective analyses were conducted on 12,470 participants using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from years 2001 through 2010 linked with the National Death Index through December 31, 2019. Cox proportional hazards models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of cancer deaths between groups of SM (those reporting as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or having same-sex sexual partners) status and AL. SM adults living with high AL (n = 326) had a 2-fold increased risk of cancer death (aHR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.40-4.65) when compared to straight/heterosexual adults living with low AL (n = 6674). Among those living with high AL, SM (n = 326) had a 2-fold increased risk of cancer death (aHR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.33-3.84) when compared to straight/heterosexual adults with high AL (n = 4957). SM with high AL have an increased risk of cancer mortality. These findings highlight important implications for promoting a focused agenda on cancer prevention with strategies that reduce chronic stress for SM adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Xavier Moore
- Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Health Program, Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Institute of Preventive and Public Health, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Sydney Elizabeth Andrzejak
- Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Health Program, Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Tracy Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Marvin E Langston
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 49305, USA
| | - Søren Estvold
- Department of Family Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 20912, USA
| | - Prajakta Adsul
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stevens SD. Obesity in Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: Prevalence and Correlates. Curr Obes Rep 2023:10.1007/s13679-023-00499-z. [PMID: 37140879 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to explore the prevalence and correlates of obesity among members of sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. RECENT FINDINGS Research overall finds higher rates of obesity among lesbian and bisexual women than heterosexual women, lower rates of obesity among gay and bisexual men than heterosexual men, and inconsistent findings on obesity among transgender individuals. Rates of mental health disorders and disordered eating are high among all SGM groups. Rates of comorbid medical conditions differ among groups. More research needs to be conducted within all SGM groups but particularly among transgender populations. All members of SGM encounter stigma, including when seeking healthcare, and this may lead to individuals avoiding healthcare. Therefore, it is important to educate providers about population-specific factors. This article serves as an overview of important considerations for providers treating individuals within SGM populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena D Stevens
- Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, 9500 Euclid Ave./M61, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li C, Andrzejak SE, Jones SR, Williams BM, Moore JX. Investigating the Association between Educational Attainment and Allostatic Load with Risk of Cancer Mortality among African American Women. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2644466. [PMID: 37034626 PMCID: PMC10081371 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2644466/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Background African American (AA) women navigate the world with multiple intersecting marginalized identities. Accordingly, AA women have higher cumulative stress burden or allostatic load (AL) compared to other women. AL correlates with poorer health outcomes and increased risk of cancer death. However, research indicates AA women with a college degree or higher have lower AL than AA women with less than a high school diploma. We examined whether educational attainment differences and AL status in AA women are associated with long-term risk of cancer mortality. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis among 4,677 AA women respondents using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1988 through 2010 with follow up data through December 31, 2019. We fit Cox proportional hazards models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of cancer death between educational attainment/AL (adjusted for age, sociodemographic, and health factors). Results AA women with less than a high school diploma living with high AL had nearly a 3-fold increased risk (unadjusted HR: 2.98; 95%C CI: 1.24â€"7.15) of cancer death compared to AA college graduates living with low AL. However, after adjusting for age, the increased risk of cancer death in those with less than a high school diploma and high AL attenuated (age-adjusted HR: 1.11; 95% CI: .45-2.74). Conclusions Differences in educational attainment and AL in AA women were not associated with increased risk of cancer mortality when adjusted for age. Previous studies have shown that increased allostatic load is associated with increased risk of cancer death. However, for African American women, higher educational attainment does not modify the risk of cancer mortality. The benefits that may come along with higher education such as increased access to medical care and better medical literacy do not change the risk of cancer mortality in AA women.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ghabrial MA, Andersen JP. Identity affirmation is associated with adaptive cardiovascular flexibility in response to stress among sexual and gender minority people of color. Soc Sci Med 2023; 320:115703. [PMID: 36716696 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research with sexual and gender minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, asexual, trans, non-binary) people of Color (SGM-PoC) has largely focused on risk and negative health outcomes. The existing strengths-based mental health research suggests that identity affirmation may be associated with psychological resilience and good mental health among SGM-PoC, but little is known about predictors of physiological resilience and biomarkers of physical health in this population. Adaptive cardiovascular flexibility is an indicator of physiological resilience and physical health in that it enables the body to mobilize resources to adapt to challenges. This study explored the association between identity affirmation and physiological resilience, observed through cardiovascular flexibility in response to stress among SGM-PoC. METHODS Participants were 95 SGM-PoC of varying ethnoracial backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities, residing in Canada. Participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographic and psychosocial variables, including a measure of identity affirmation, the Queer People of Color Identity Affirmation Scale (QPIAS). In a laboratory setting, we induced stress using the Trier Social Stress Test and measured heart rate variability (HRV) over time using wearable electrocardiogram devices. RESULTS Results from multilevel modeling analyses revealed that high QPIAS scores were associated with adaptive cardiovascular flexibility, as evidenced by reduced HRV during stress exposure, followed by HRV increase during recovery. As QPIAS scores increased, the shape of HRV trajectory increasingly reflected our predicted pattern of adaptive cardiovascular flexibility. Meanwhile, low QPIAS scores were not associated with this pattern and appeared to predict a more flatlined HRV activity during the experiment. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that Queer People of Color identity affirmation may be related to physiological resilience, observed through a more adaptive cardiovascular profile when responding to stress. Identity affirmation may thus be a protective factor for SGM-PoC, pointing to the critical importance of affirming resources and strengths-based health research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica A Ghabrial
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Judith P Andersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gibb JK, Spake L, McKinnon L, Shattuck EC, McKerracher L. Sexual minority status is associated with earlier recalled age of menarche: Evidence from the 2005-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23825. [PMID: 36301198 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Menarcheal timing is associated with growth, development, health, wellbeing, and reproduction across the lifespan. Although sexual orientation is a known correlate of health and developmental inequities, relatively little evolutionarily framed research has investigated sexual orientation-based variation in maturational timing. To improve our understanding of menarcheal timing among sexual minority (SM) people, we use a biocultural-evolutionary life history lens that takes into account the stresses of minoritization to examine the relationship between sexual orientation and self-reported age at menarche in a sample of American adults. METHODS Using the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large, nationally representative dataset (n = 9757), we fit multiple logistic regression models and survival curves to evaluate associations between sexual orientation, indicators of somatic and material resources during adolescence (e.g., education, citizenship, upper arm length), and self-reported menarche. RESULTS SM respondents were more likely to report earlier (by 4-5 months) ages of menarche (p < .001). Post-hoc tests revealed that these differences were driven by bisexual (p < .001) and same-sex experienced (p < .001) relative to heterosexual and lesbian/gay respondents. Earlier menarcheal timing among SM respondents persisted after adjusting for socio-demographic factors and proxies of developmental conditions. DISCUSSION Our findings reveal that SM status is associated with earlier ages of menarche, an important social and reproductive milestone. We argue that uniting life history theory with the minority stress hypothesis better explains differences in menarcheal timing by sexual orientation than previous paradigms. Investigators should attend to sexual orientation-based variation in maturational timing using holistic, inclusive approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James K Gibb
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Canada
| | - Laure Spake
- Religion Programme, and Centre for Research on Evolution, Belief, and Behaviour, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.,Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, USA
| | - Leela McKinnon
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric C Shattuck
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA.,Institute for Health Disparities Research, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Longpré-Poirier C, Dougoud J, Jacmin-Park S, Moussaoui F, Vilme J, Desjardins G, Cartier L, Cipriani E, Kerr P, Le Page C, Juster RP. Sex and Gender and Allostatic Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Risk and Disease. Can J Cardiol 2022; 38:1812-1827. [PMID: 36150584 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of mortality and morbidity in adults worldwide. Multiple studies suggest that there are clinically relevant sex differences in cardiovascular disease. Women and men differ substantially in terms of prevalence, presentation, management, and outcomes of cardiovascular disease. To date, however, little is known about why cardiovascular disease affects women and men differently. Because many studies do not differentiate the concept of sex and gender, it is sometimes difficult to discriminate sociocultural vs biological contributors that drive observed clinical differences. Female sex has some biological advantages in relation to cardiovascular disease, but many of these advantages seem to disappear as soon as women develop cardiovascular risk factors (eg, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia). Furthermore, stress and allostatic load could play an important role in the relationship between sex/gender and cardiovascular diseases. In this narrative review, we argue that chronic stress and psychosocial factors might better encompass the patterns of allostatic load increases seen in women, while biological risk factors and unhealthy behaviours might be more important mechanisms that drive increased allostatic load in men. Indeed, men show allostatic load patterns that are more associated with impaired anthropometric, metabolic, and cardiovascular functioning and women have greater dysregulation in neuroendocrine and immune functioning. Thus gender-related factors might contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease especially through stress mechanisms. It is important to continue to study the mechanisms by which gender influences chronic stress, because chronic stress could influence modifiable gendered factors to promote cardiovascular disease prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Longpré-Poirier
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Jade Dougoud
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Silke Jacmin-Park
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fadila Moussaoui
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Joanna Vilme
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gabriel Desjardins
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Louis Cartier
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Enzo Cipriani
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Kerr
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cécile Le Page
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sharma Y, Bhargava A, Doan D, Caceres BA. Examination of Sexual Identity Differences in the Prevalence of Hypertension and Antihypertensive Medication Use Among US Adults: Findings From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2022; 15:e008999. [PMID: 36538586 PMCID: PMC9782752 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.122.008999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that sexual minority (eg, gay/lesbian, bisexual) adults might be at increased risk of hypertension compared with heterosexual adults. However, disparities by sexual identity in antihypertensive medication use among adults with hypertension have not been comprehensively examined. METHODS We analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2015-2019), to examine sexual identity differences in the prevalence of hypertension and antihypertensive medication use among adults. We ran sex-stratified logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios of diagnosis of hypertension and antihypertensive medication use among sexual minority (ie, gay/lesbian, bisexual, and other) and heterosexual adults (reference group). RESULTS The sample included 420 340 participants with a mean age of 49.7 (±17.0) years, of which 66.7% were Non-Hispanic White. Compared with heterosexual participants of the same sex, bisexual women (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.03-1.37]) and gay men (adjusted odds ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.03-1.35]) were more likely to report having been diagnosed with hypertension. Among women with diagnosed hypertension, bisexual women had lower odds of current antihypertensive medication use (adjusted odds ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.56-0.90]). Among men with diagnosed hypertension, gay men were more likely than heterosexual men to report current antihypertensive medication use (adjusted odds ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.10-1.78]). Compared with heterosexual participants of the same sex, there were no differences in hypertension or antihypertensive medication use among lesbian women, bisexual men, and participants who reported their sexual identity as other. CONCLUSIONS Clinical and public health interventions are needed to reduce the risk of hypertension among bisexual women and gay men. Bisexual women were at higher risk of untreated hypertension, which may be attributed to lower health care utilization due to fear of discrimination from health care providers and socioeconomic disadvantage. Future research is needed to better understand factors that may contribute to untreated hypertension among bisexual women with hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Sharma
- Candidate Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research (Y.S., B.A.C.), Columbia University School of Nursing, NY
| | - Anisha Bhargava
- Research Assistant Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research (A.B.), Columbia University School of Nursing, NY
| | - Danny Doan
- Research Assistant Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research (D.D.), Columbia University School of Nursing, NY
| | - Billy A Caceres
- Candidate Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research (Y.S., B.A.C.), Columbia University School of Nursing, NY
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Desjardins G, Caceres BA, Juster RP. Sexual minority health and allostatic load in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: A systematic scoping review with intersectional implications. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 145:105916. [PMID: 36115322 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Understood largely from a minority stress framework, sexual minorities (SM) are hypothesized to suffer more physical and mental health burdens compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Several studies have used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States to assess SM health disparities and the 'wear and tear' of allostatic load. Because findings are generally mixed and sometimes contradictory with sexual minority stress theory, we endeavoured to explore existing NHANES studies of SM health. Our scoping review yielded a comprehensive analysis of all existing published articles (N = 43) that have used the NHANES to assess any outcome regarding SM health and well-being. Our synthesis confirms that SM sub-groups are significantly different from one another and from their heterosexual peers on several key health variables. Surprisingly, gay men appear to have the lowest allostatic load and no differences have yet been identified among women as a function of sexual identity/behavior. The existing literature suggests a need to use the NHANES more broadly and to include more psychosocial variables to better delineate sexual minority stress. This is especially important to consider at a physiological level in allostatic load research that should better include health behaviors available in NHANES and from other available datasets as moderators linking psychosocial exposures (e.g., minority stress) and health outcomes. Suggested future directions are proposed in an intersectional perspective that incorporates interactions among sex, gender, sexual identity/behaviors, race, ethnicity, age cohorts, socioeconomic status, and lived experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Desjardins
- Center on Sex⁎Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience (CÉSAR), Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Billy A Caceres
- Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Center on Sex⁎Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience (CÉSAR), Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Harris J, Boehme A, Chan L, Moats H, Dugue R, Izeogu C, Pavol MA, Naqvi IA, Williams O, Marshall RS. Allostatic load predicts racial disparities in intracerebral hemorrhage cognitive outcomes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16556. [PMID: 36192526 PMCID: PMC9530211 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A large portion of stroke disparities remains unexplained, even after adjusting for demographic, comorbidity, and health care access variables. There is a critical need to close this knowledge gap by investigating novel factors that may contribute to stroke disparities. Allostatic load (AL) is the lifetime adverse physiologic impact of needing to adjust to socially structured stressors such as racism. AL has been shown to increase health vulnerability and worsen outcomes in marginalized populations. We sought to assess the differential impact of AL on cognitive outcomes post intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) across race-ethnicity. The Intracerebral Hemorrhage Outcomes Project (ICHOP) prospectively collected data from patients presenting to Columbia Medical Center with ICH from 3/2009 to 5/2016. Data included demographics, stroke scores, labs, complications, neuroimaging, medical history, and discharge data. Five markers of AL (HbA1c, WBC, SBP, HR, ALB) were obtained. An AL score was generated by summing the elements in each patient that fell outside normal ranges, with AL score ranging 0–5. A linear regression model, adjusted for stroke severity and ICH volumes, was used to evaluate the relationship between AL and Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) at discharge, stratified by race-ethnicity. Among 248 white, 195 black, and 261 Hispanic ICH patients, neither mean AL nor mean TICS differed by race/ethnicity (p = 0.51, p = 0.79 respectively). In the overall cohort AL did not predict TICS at discharge (Beta -1.0, SE 1.1, p = 0.353). In Whites (beta 1.18, SE 2.5, p = 0.646) and Hispanics (beta -0.95, SE 1.6, p = 0.552) AL was not associated with TICS at discharge. In Black patients, higher AL was associated with a decrease in TICS at discharge (beta -3.2, SE 1.5, p = 0.049). AL is an important determinant of post ICH outcomes for certain minority populations. AL may explain some of the unexplained health disparities in stroke populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Harris
- Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vincente Blvd. #A6600, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Amelia Boehme
- Division of Neurology Clinical Outcomes Research and Population Sciences (Neuro CORPS), Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luisa Chan
- Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harmon Moats
- Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachelle Dugue
- Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chigozirim Izeogu
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marykay A Pavol
- Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Imama A Naqvi
- Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olajide Williams
- Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Randolph S Marshall
- Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
DuBois LZ, Juster RP. Lived experience and allostatic load among transmasculine people living in the United States. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 143:105849. [PMID: 35797839 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and gender diverse people face significant stigma that can adversely affect their physical and mental health. However, the psychobiological link between lived experience and health has been underexplored in this population. We thus examine perceived distress, mental health, and physiological 'wear and tear' by indexing allostatic load (AL) and assess associations with a range of contextual and experiential factors from transmasculine people living in the United States. METHODS Sixty-five people who identified as transgender men or along a transmasculine spectrum, living in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island participated in The Transition Experience Study (age: M=31.8, range 18-55), which examines lived experience of social and medical transition and embodied gender minority/marginalization stress among a sample of transmasculine people. Based on in-depth in-person interview and survey data and inspired by an ecological systems model, we created indices representing (1) perceived progressive geopolitical climate; (2) socio-demographic advantage; (3) social support and resources; (4) gender minority and marginalization stressors; and (5) health behaviors. The Perceived Stress Scale and psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, insomnia) were also assessed. AL indexed 10 neuroendocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and metabolic biomarkers. RESULTS Regressions revealed that perceived stress and psychological symptoms were negatively correlated with progressive geopolitical climate (respectively B=-1.47, p = 0.19; B=-.77, p < .001) and positively correlated with gender minority and marginalization stressors (respectively B=1.51, p < .001; B =.38, p = .005). AL was negatively associated with perceived progressive geopolitical climate (B=-.55, p = .007) and socio-demographic advantage (B=-3.2, p = .001). DISCUSSIONS These findings underline the importance of assessing geopolitical context and indexing lived experiences and life domains along with biomarker sampling. Together, these enable the identification of psychobiological pathways to better nuance multi-level contributors to health and well-being and understand embodied inequalities. These analyses of embodied stigma inclusive of AL biomarkers thus provide a model to further research centering transgender people's health from youth through old age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Zachary DuBois
- Department. of Anthropology, University of Oregon, 355 Condon Hall, Eugene, OR 97403, United States.
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Center on Sex⁎Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, 7331 Hochelaga, Pavillon Fernand-Seguin, FS-145-12, Montreal, Quebec H1N 3V2, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Researcher, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331 Hochelaga, Pavillon Fernand-Seguin, FS-145-12, Montreal, Quebec H1N 3V2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Moore JX, Andrzejak SE, Bevel MS, Jones SR, Tingen MS. Exploring racial disparities on the association between allostatic load and cancer mortality: A retrospective cohort analysis of NHANES, 1988 through 2019. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101185. [PMID: 35990411 PMCID: PMC9382324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusions Impact Allostatic load (AL) is a biologic measure for the ‘wear and tear’ of chronic stress. Studies suggests that racial minorities have higher allostatic load. There is limited knowledge on the association between allostatic and cancer, by race. We observed that AL may increase the risk of cancer death by 14%. Among those aged <40 years, high AL increased cancer death risk by more than 80%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Xavier Moore
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Institute of Preventive and Public Health, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Corresponding author. Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Health Program, Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd. CN-2135, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Sydney Elizabeth Andrzejak
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Malcolm S. Bevel
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Samantha R. Jones
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Martha S. Tingen
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Diamond LM, Alley J. Rethinking minority stress: A social safety perspective on the health effects of stigma in sexually-diverse and gender-diverse populations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104720. [PMID: 35662651 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For over two decades, the minority stress model has guided research on the health of sexually-diverse individuals (those who are not exclusively heterosexual) and gender-diverse individuals (those whose gender identity/expression differs from their birth-assigned sex/gender). According to this model, the cumulative stress caused by stigma and social marginalization fosters stress-related health problems. Yet studies linking minority stress to physical health outcomes have yielded mixed results, suggesting that something is missing from our understanding of stigma and health. Social safety may be the missing piece. Social safety refers to reliable social connection, inclusion, and protection, which are core human needs that are imperiled by stigma. The absence of social safety is just as health-consequential for stigmatized individuals as the presence of minority stress, because the chronic threat-vigilance fostered by insufficient safety has negative long-term effects on cognitive, emotional, and immunological functioning, even when exposure to minority stress is low. We argue that insufficient social safety is a primary cause of stigma-related health disparities and a key target for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Jenna Alley
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
LGBTQ+ health and anaesthesia for obstetric and gynaecological procedures. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2022; 35:292-298. [PMID: 35671015 DOI: 10.1097/aco.0000000000001134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW People who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirited and intersex (LGBTQ2SI) make up approximately 10% of the US population. Black, Native American and Latino/a/x communities are known to have a higher percentage of people who self-identify as LGBTQ2SI than white communities. Despite growing acceptance of LGBTQ2SI communities in the USA, these populations continue to experience health inequities. This review article will provide a narrative review of recent publications that discuss topics of LGBTQ2SI health and anaesthetic care during obstetric and gynaecological procedures. RECENT FINDINGS Of the articles reviewed for this study, there were four main themes that emerged: inclusion of LGBTQ2SI health topics in curriculum and provider training materials; social determinants of LGBTQ2SI reproductive and overall health; improving the quality and safety of perioperative care for LGBTQ2SI communities; and disparities in perinatal anaesthetic care for LGTBQ2SI communities. SUMMARY There are unique considerations when providing anaesthetic care for obstetric and gynaecological procedures to LGBTQ2SI communities. There is a limited, yet growing, body of literature exploring this aspect of perioperative and perinatal care. Researchers and clinicians must continue to pursue clinical research which seeks to improve the quality of care we provide all patients.
Collapse
|
20
|
Longpré-Poirier C, Juster RP, Miron JP, Kerr P, Cipriani E, Desbeaumes Jodoin V, Lespérance P. Allostatic load as a predictor of response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment resistant depression: Research protocol and hypotheses. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 10:100133. [PMID: 35755203 PMCID: PMC9216427 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Longpré-Poirier
- Unité de Neuromodulation Psychiatrique (UNP), Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Départment de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale (CR-IUSMM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Corresponding author. CHUM, Department of Psychiatry, 1051 rue Sanguinet, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0C1, Canada.
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Départment de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale (CR-IUSMM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Miron
- Unité de Neuromodulation Psychiatrique (UNP), Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Départment de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Kerr
- Départment de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale (CR-IUSMM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Enzo Cipriani
- Départment de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale (CR-IUSMM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Véronique Desbeaumes Jodoin
- Unité de Neuromodulation Psychiatrique (UNP), Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Départment de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Paul Lespérance
- Unité de Neuromodulation Psychiatrique (UNP), Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Départment de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Investigation of Differences in Allostatic Load among Black Men by Level of Educational Attainment: High School Graduates Experience the Highest Levels of Stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063580. [PMID: 35329267 PMCID: PMC8949026 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Allostatic load (AL)—the biological assessment of long-term exposure to stress—may explain mortality-rate disparities among non-Hispanic Black (Black) men. We aimed to investigate AL among Black men with equivalent education status after controlling for income. A cross-sectional study was employed to investigate AL among 4113 Black men who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999–2018. A summation of 8 biomarker factors were used to compute AL, differences in socio-demographic characteristics by education status were evaluated, and health behaviors that may influence AL were examined. To determine the high-risk thresholds for each AL component, we examined each component’s distribution among NHB men for whom complete biomarker data were available in the NHANES sample. High-risk thresholds were determined as either (1) above the 75th percentile for body mass index (BMI), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides; or (2) below the 25th percentile for serum albumin and serum creatinine. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios and their associated 95% confidence intervals for high AL risk while adjusting for potential confounders. Black men with a high school diploma/GED had a greater prevalence of high AL compared with Black men who had other levels of education, and a slightly higher prevalence of high AL compared with Black men who had less than a high school education. Black men with college degrees had a lower prevalence of high AL than Black men with the lowest levels of educational attainment. Researchers must further examine the hidden costs stemming from the interplay between discrimination associated with being Black in America and systemic racism in the educational system—which may be preventing Black men from achieving optimal health.
Collapse
|
22
|
Williams BM, Laurent C, Chawla R, Moore JX. Examining educational attainment and allostatic load in non-Hispanic Black women. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:75. [PMID: 35300673 PMCID: PMC8928016 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research suggests that non-Hispanic Black (henceforth, Black) women and people with lower educational attainment have higher levels of allostatic load (AL). This study sought to determine the association between educational attainment and AL among a large sample of Black women.
Methods We analyzed data among 4177 Black women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey years 1999–2018. AL score was defined as the total for abnormal measures of eight biomarkers. We further categorized participants with AL score greater than or equal to 4 as having high AL. We calculated mean estimates of total allostatic load scores using generalized linear models. We performed modified Poisson Regression models with robust variance estimation to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of high allostatic load and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by educational attainment.
Results Black women with a college degree or higher had the lowest prevalence of high allostatic load (31.8% vs. 42.7%, 36.3%, 36.6%), and age adjusted mean allostatic load scores (mean = 1.90 vs. mean = 2.34, mean = 1.99, mean = 2.05) when compared to Black women with less than a high school diploma, high school diploma or GED, and some college or associates degree respectively. Even after accounting for age, poverty-to-income ratio, smoking, congestive heart failure, and heart attack, Black college graduates had an 14.3% lower prevalence of high allostatic load (PR = 0.857, 95% CI 0.839–0.876) when compared to Black women with lower educational attainment. Conclusions Black women with a baccalaureate degree or higher educational attainment had lower allostatic load compared to Black women with less than a high school education. This finding further confirms higher education is a social determinant of health. Future research should explore differences in AL by more granular degree types. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-01641-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Marie Williams
- Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, USA
| | - Christian Laurent
- Cancer Prevention, Control, and Population Health Program, Department of Medicine, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd CN-2135, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Rishab Chawla
- Cancer Prevention, Control, and Population Health Program, Department of Medicine, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd CN-2135, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Justin Xavier Moore
- Cancer Prevention, Control, and Population Health Program, Department of Medicine, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd CN-2135, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA. .,Institute of Preventive and Public Health, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gutierrez J. The persistent disparity in brain health among aging people with HIV. AIDS 2022; 36:475-477. [PMID: 35084385 PMCID: PMC8827616 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Gutierrez
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gibb JK, Shokoohi M, Salway T, Ross LE. Sexual orientation-based disparities in food security among adults in the United States: results from the 2003-2016 NHANES. Am J Clin Nutr 2021; 114:2006-2016. [PMID: 34551071 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to sufficient, safe, culturally appropriate, and nutritious food is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Despite a growing body of evidence suggesting that sexual minority (SM) people experience significant disparities in socioeconomic and material resource security, there remains a paucity of empirical studies examining the prevalence of food insecurity among SM people relative to their heterosexual peers. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of adult and household food insecurity across sexual orientation groups in the United States after adjusting for multiple covariates. METHODS We combined 7 cycles of US NHANES, 2003-2016 (N = 21,300) to examine sexual orientation-based disparities in adult food security among lesbian/gay (n = 373), bisexual (n = 606), same-sex experienced (SSE, n = 693), other sexual minorities (OSMs, n = 88), and heterosexual (n = 19,540) people. Food (in)security was measured using the US Food Security Survey Module and categorized as secure, marginally insecure, moderately insecure, and severely insecure. RESULTS Severe adult food insecurity was higher among bisexuals (17.16%; 95% CI: 14.36, 20.38), SSE (13.71%; 95% CI: 11.34, 16.48), OSMs (12.50%; 95% CI: 7.04, 21.24), and lesbians/gays (13.14%; 95% CI: 10.07, 16.97) compared with heterosexuals (8.23%; 95% CI: 7.85, 8.62). Multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, age, citizenship, education, household size, income, cycle year, emergency food use, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation showed that bisexuals, OSMs, SSE, and lesbians/gays were more likely to experience moderate to severe food insecurity compared with heterosexuals. CONCLUSIONS SM people are significantly more likely to experience increased likelihood of food insecurity relative to their heterosexual peers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James K Gibb
- Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Mostafa Shokoohi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lori E Ross
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Clephane K, Wilson MC, Craig AN, Heiman JR, Lorenz TK. Inflammation predicts sexual arousability in healthy women. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 8. [PMID: 35669911 PMCID: PMC9165647 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Though many women report sexual arousal difficulties, the mechanisms driving these difficulties are unclear. Sexual response relies on a host of psychophysiological processes that have bidirectional relationships with inflammation. Additionally, chronic inflammation may impair genital blood flow, which in turn may impact sexual arousal. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase marker of inflammation produced in response to cytokine signaling throughout the body, which makes it a useful marker of systemic inflammation. Aim The present study examined interactions between inflammation and women's sexual arousal. Methods CRP, self-reported frequency of partnered sexual activity, and subjective and vaginal arousal were assessed in 91 healthy, pre-menopausal women. Data were collected during a single laboratory session. Main outcome measures Subjective sexual arousal and vaginal pulse amplitude (a measure of vaginal arousal) were the main outcome measures. Results Change in subjective sexual arousal in response to a sexual film was unaffected by baseline CRP and sexual frequency. However, there were significant interactions between inflammation and sexual frequency in predicting vaginal arousal during the sexual film. Among women reporting more frequent sexual activity, higher CRP predicted lower magnitude arousal response and longer time to maximum vaginal arousal. Among women reporting less frequent sex, higher CRP predicted shorter time to maximum arousal and greater magnitude of arousal response. Controlling for cortisol strengthened the effects seen for time to maximum vaginal arousal but weakened those observed for percent change. Conclusions Among healthy young women, higher CRP may be associated with vaginal arousal, but not subjective sexual arousal. Specifically, our results suggest that higher baseline CRP is associated with lower genital sexual arousal for women who have sex frequently, which is consistent with clinical evidence that elevated inflammation can be detrimental to sexual function. Among healthy young women, higher CRP may be associated with vaginal sexual arousal, but not subjective sexual arousal. Frequency of sexual activity interacts with CRP levels to contribute to vaginal arousal in healthy women. Higher CRP predicted lower genital sexual arousal in women who engage in sexual activity more than once a week. However, higher CRP predicted greater genital sexual arousal in women who engage in sexual activity less than once a week.
Collapse
|
26
|
Guidi J, Lucente M, Sonino N, Fava GA. Allostatic Load and Its Impact on Health: A Systematic Review. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 90:11-27. [PMID: 32799204 DOI: 10.1159/000510696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 378] [Impact Index Per Article: 126.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allostatic load refers to the cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events. It involves the interaction of different physiological systems at varying degrees of activity. When environmental challenges exceed the individual ability to cope, then allostatic overload ensues. Allostatic load is identified by the use of biomarkers and clinical criteria. OBJECTIVE To summarize the current knowledge on allostatic load and overload and its clinical implications based on a systematic review of the literature. METHODS PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to December 2019. A manual search of the literature was also performed, and reference lists of the retrieved articles were examined.We considered only studies in which allostatic load or overload were adequately described and assessed in either clinical or non-clinical adult populations. RESULTS A total of 267 original investigations were included. They encompassed general population studies, as well as clinical studies on consequences of allostatic load/overload on both physical and mental health across a variety of settings. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that allostatic load and overload are associated with poorer health outcomes. Assessment of allostatic load provides support to the understanding of psychosocial determinants of health and lifestyle medicine. An integrated approach that includes both biological markers and clinimetric criteria is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Guidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,
| | | | - Nicoletta Sonino
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Christian LM, Cole SW, McDade T, Pachankis JE, Morgan E, Strahm AM, Kamp Dush CM. A biopsychosocial framework for understanding sexual and gender minority health: A call for action. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:107-116. [PMID: 34097981 PMCID: PMC8429206 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The number of US adults identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or a different sexual identity has doubled since 2008, and about 40 % of the sexual and gender minority population identify as people of color. Minority stress theory posits that sexual and gender minorities are at particular risk for stress via stigma and discrimination at the structural, interpersonal, and individual levels. This stress, in turn, elevates the risk of adverse health outcomes across several domains. However, there remains a conspicuously limited amount of research on the psychoneuroimmunology of stress among sexual and gender minorities. We developed the Biopsychosocial Minority Stress Framework which posits that sexual minority status leads to unique experiences of minority stress which results in adverse health behavioral factors, elevated psychological distress and sleep disturbance, and immune dysregulation. Moderators in the model include both individual differences and intersectional identities. There is a crucial need to understand the biological-psychological axis of stress among the increasingly visible sexual and gender minority population to increase their health, longevity, and quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Christian
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; The Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Steve W Cole
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John E Pachankis
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ethan Morgan
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anna M Strahm
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; The Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Claire M Kamp Dush
- Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Sociology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Xu Y, Rahman Q, Montgomery S. Same-Sex Partnership and Cardiovascular Disease in Men: The Role of Risk Factors in Adolescence. LGBT Health 2021; 9:18-26. [PMID: 34448627 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We aimed to examine if same-sex partnership in men is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and whether this relationship can be explained by accumulated risk factors in late adolescence using causal mediation analysis. Methods: All men born in Sweden between 1952 and 1956, who participated in mandatory Swedish military service conscription assessments, and had ever been recorded as being in an opposite-sex marriage or a legally recognized same-sex partnership were included (n = 156,612). Hospital-diagnosed CVD between ages 31 and 58 years was identified using medical records. Men were grouped into an opposite-sex marriage category or a same-sex partnership category based on marital status. Risk factors for CVD in late adolescence were identified using five biomarkers (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, body mass index, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) obtained at a conscription examination between ages 16 and 20 years. Birth year, childhood socioeconomic characteristics, physical and psychological characteristics in late adolescence, and mental health before the onset of CVD were treated as potential confounders. Results: Being in a same-sex partnership was associated with increased CVD risk compared with being in an opposite-sex marriage after controlling for potential confounders and risk factors; hazard ratio = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27-2.04. The risk factors in late adolescence explained 6.36% (95% CI = 2.72-12.74) of the increased CVD risk associated with being in same-sex partnerships compared with being in opposite-sex marriages. Conclusions: CVD risk factors accumulated by late adolescence may only partially account for the association between same-sex partnerships and cardiovascular health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Xu
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Qazi Rahman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Montgomery
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Desjardins G, Rossi M, Juster RP. Why Does Allostatic Load Not Differ Among Women of Diverse Sexual Orientations? J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:1057-1059. [PMID: 34410868 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Desjardins
- Research Center, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychology and University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mathias Rossi
- Research Center, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Research Center, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Diamond LM, Dehlin AJ, Alley J. Systemic inflammation as a driver of health disparities among sexually-diverse and gender-diverse individuals. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 129:105215. [PMID: 34090051 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Sexually-diverse individuals (those who seek sexual or romantic relationships with the same and/or multiple genders) and gender-diverse individuals (those whose gender identity and/or expression differs from their birth-assigned sex/gender) have disproportionately high physical health problems, but the underlying biological causes for these health disparities remain unclear. Building on the minority stress model linking social stigmatization to health outcomes, we argue that systemic inflammation (the body's primary response to both physical and psychological threats, indicated by inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and proinflammatory cytokines) is a primary biobehavioral pathway linking sexual and gender stigma to physical health outcomes. Expectations and experiences of social threat (i.e., rejection, shame, and isolation) are widespread and chronic among sexually-diverse and gender-diverse individuals, and social threats are particularly potent drivers of inflammation. We review research suggesting that framing "minority stress" in terms of social safety versus threat, and attending specifically to the inflammatory consequences of these experiences, can advance our understanding of the biobehavioral consequences of sexual and gender stigma and can promote the development of health promoting interventions for this population.
Collapse
|
31
|
Moore JX, Bevel MS, Aslibekyan S, Akinyemiju T. Temporal changes in allostatic load patterns by age, race/ethnicity, and gender among the US adult population; 1988-2018. Prev Med 2021; 147:106483. [PMID: 33640399 PMCID: PMC8826516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to provide an assessment of allostatic load (AL) burden among US adults across race/ethnicity, gender, and age groups over a 30-year time period. We analyzed data from 50,671 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 1988 through 2018. AL score was defined as the sum total for abnormal measures of the following components: serum albumin, body mass index, serum C - reactive protein, serum creatinine, diastolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides. We performed modified Poisson regression to estimate the adjusted Relative Risks (aRRs) of allostatic load, and generalized linear models to determine adjusted mean differences accounting for NHANES sampling weights. Among US adults aged 18 or older, the prevalence of high AL increased by more than 45% from 1988 to 1991 to 2015-2018, from 33.5% to 48.6%. By the latest period, 2015-2018, Non-Hispanic Black women (aRR: 1.292; 95% CI: 1.290-1.293) and Latina women (aRR: 1.266; 95% CI: 1.265-1.267) had higher risks of AL than non-Hispanic White women. Similar trends were observed among men. Age-adjusted mean AL score among NH-Black and Latinx adults was higher than for NH-Whites of up to a decade older regardless of gender. From 1988 through 2018, Adults aged 40 years old and older had over 2-fold increased risks of high AL when compared to adults 18-29 years old. After 30-years of collective data, racial disparities in allostatic load persist for NH-Black and Latinx adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Xavier Moore
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Institute of Preventive and Public Health, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Malcolm S Bevel
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stella Aslibekyan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tomi Akinyemiju
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Improving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Two-Spirit Content in a Radiation Therapy Undergraduate Curriculum. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2021; 52:160-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
33
|
Walubita T, Forrester SN, Jesdale BM. Allostatic Load Among Black Sexual Minority Women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:1165-1170. [PMID: 34030488 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Allostatic load is the physiological deterioration that accumulates as the body responds to stress, resulting in disparities in chronic disease. Although perceptions of stress vary, marginalization and social disadvantage are associated with elevated allostatic load. Allostatic load is understudied in the multiply marginalized populations of sexual minority Black women. Methods: We used data from six waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2010, 2015-2016) to identify heterosexual (n = 78), lesbian (n = 21), and bisexual (n = 57) Black women. We quantified allostatic load using nine biomarkers, and compared mean allostatic load across the three groups, adjusting for age, educational attainment, income, and country of birth to account for possible confounding. Results: We found no significant differences in allostatic load among heterosexual, lesbian, and bisexual Black women. Conclusions: These findings suggest that sexual orientation may not contribute to within-group differences in allostatic load among Black women, a group previously noted to have elevated allostatic load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tubanji Walubita
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah N Forrester
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bill M Jesdale
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rosati F, Williams DP, Juster RP, Thayer JF, Ottaviani C, Baiocco R. The Cardiovascular Conundrum in Ethnic and Sexual Minorities: A Potential Biomarker of Constant Coping With Discrimination. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:619171. [PMID: 34093107 PMCID: PMC8170077 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.619171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A paradoxical profile of greater elevated sympathetic vasoconstriction (increased total peripheral resistance, TPR) and increased vagally-mediated heart rate variability (HRV) -the so-called Cardiovascular Conundrum- has been reported in African Americans (AAs) both at rest and in response to orthostasis. Whereas some authors have attributed this pattern to genetic factors, others have pointed to the potential role of coping with repeated racial discrimination. Objective: To disentangle between these alternative explanations, we have examined the hemodynamic profile of another population that is likely to be exposed to episodes of discrimination, i.e., sexual minorities. Methods: The first study was conducted on a sample of AAs and European Americans (EAs) with the aim of replicating previous results on the Cardiovascular Conundrum. In the second study, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people, matched by age and sex with heterosexual participants, underwent a hemodynamic and autonomic assessment at rest and during an emotional (in the experimental group, both LGB-related and non LGB related), and a cognitive stressor. Results: The first study confirmed a pattern of higher resting HRV, paired with higher TPR, in AAs compared to EAs. In the second study, compared to heterosexuals, the LGB group showed the Cardiovascular Conundrum pattern, characterized by greater HRV and higher TPR at baseline and a more vascular hemodynamic profile and prominent compensation deficit in response to both tasks, and particularly during the LGB-related emotional task. However, in LGB only, the vascular response was negatively correlated with perceived discrimination. Conclusion: Present preliminary results are discussed in terms of maladaptive physiological consequences of exposure to chronic stress and the chronic use of dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies such as suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fausta Rosati
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - DeWayne P Williams
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Cristina Ottaviani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Suarez S, Lupez E, Siegel J, Streed C. The Annual Examination for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Patients. Prim Care 2021; 48:191-212. [PMID: 33985699 DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The annual examination is a comprehensive evaluation of patients in which all aspects of health and well-being are considered, including proper screening, appropriate preventive care, and recommendations and resources for healthy living. Clinicians commonly avoid certain topics with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) patients because they may be unprepared to address their health needs. Therefore, clinicians should learn how to conduct an LGBTQ-friendly annual examination in order to provide high-quality care. This article focuses on both the general and unique health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer patients; care for transgender and gender-diverse patients is considered elsewhere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Suarez
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Boston University Medical Center, 72 East Concord Street, Evans 124, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Emily Lupez
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Boston University Medical Center, 72 East Concord Street, Evans 124, Boston, MA 02118, USA. https://twitter.com/emily_lupez
| | - Jennifer Siegel
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Boston University Medical Center, 72 East Concord Street, Evans 124, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Transgender Medicine & Surgery, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor Room 2082, Boston, MA 02118, USA. https://twitter.com/siegenatorJS
| | - Carl Streed
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Transgender Medicine & Surgery, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor Room 2082, Boston, MA 02118, USA. https://twitter.com/cjstreed
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Allostatic load scoring using item response theory. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 5:100025. [PMID: 35754455 PMCID: PMC9216382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2020.100025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
|
37
|
Wardecker BM, Graham-Engeland JE, Almeida DM. Perceived discrimination predicts elevated biological markers of inflammation among sexual minority adults. J Behav Med 2021; 44:53-65. [PMID: 32930919 PMCID: PMC7855007 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-020-00180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Sexual minority (SM) adults (those who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual) consistently report more health problems compared to heterosexuals, and they tend to experience excess social stress. Although numerous studies have established links between social stress and clinical outcomes in SM adults, few studies have examined biological factors that may help explain how social stress leads to health disparities among SM adults. We used data from the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS) to examine whether two inflammatory markers that have been commonly associated with social stress-C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)-differed by sexual orientation and whether any differences were explained by perceptions of discrimination. Participants self-identified as heterosexual (n = 1956) or lesbian, gay, or bisexual (n = 81). After controlling for age, gender, race, and education, SM individuals had higher CRP and IL-6 than heterosexuals on average and these differences were partially explained by perceptions of discrimination. Implications for inflammatory pathways as mechanisms related to SM health disparities and discrimination are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Britney M Wardecker
- College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Jennifer E Graham-Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - David M Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
López Castillo H, Tfirn IC, Hegarty E, Bahamon I, Lescano CM. A Meta-Analysis of Blood Pressure Disparities Among Sexual Minority Men. LGBT Health 2021; 8:91-106. [PMID: 33434095 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim was to review and summarize reports on three measures of elevated blood pressure (BP) among sexual minority men (encompassing men who have sex with men [MSM] and both men and women [MSMW]), using men who have sex with women (MSW) as the reference population. Methods: Crude prevalence rates were calculated, and a meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the likelihood of elevated BP history, antihypertensive medication use, and elevated BP above a cutoff value, as well as the mean differences (MDs) in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) measurements. We used random effects to generate estimates with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs); alpha was set at 0.05. Results: Studies (n = 20) were published between 2007 and 2018, mostly in the United States. The likelihood of elevated BP history was not statistically significantly higher among sexual minority men, except when the measurement of sexual orientation was multidimensional (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% CI 1.12-1.78). The likelihood of antihypertensive medication use was only statistically significantly higher for men who self-identified as MSMW (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.11-1.85). When elevated BP was determined through a set cutoff, MSM were less likely (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.70), whereas MSMW were more likely (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.54-3.28) to have elevated BP. Although there were no statistically significant findings in the MD for SBP, the MD for DBP among sexual minority men was significantly higher (MD 1.46, 95% CI 1.38-1.55 mmHg) than among the MSW comparison group. Conclusions: Sexual minority men classified using a multidimensional approach to sexual orientation had a significantly higher likelihood of elevated BP history. Using BP cutoffs yielded opposite effects in MSM and MSMW. Although SBP was not different compared to MSW, DBP-a marker of hypertension at earlier ages-was elevated among sexual minority men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humberto López Castillo
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ian C Tfirn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Evan Hegarty
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ivan Bahamon
- Hamilton Holt School, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida, USA
| | - Celia M Lescano
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
DuBois LZ, Gibb JK, Juster RP, Powers SI. Biocultural approaches to transgender and gender diverse experience and health: Integrating biomarkers and advancing gender/sex research. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 33:e23555. [PMID: 33340194 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are increasingly visible in U.S. communities and in national media. With this increased visibility, access to gender affirming healthcare is also on the rise, particularly for urban youth. Political backlash and entrenchment in a gender binary, however, continue to marginalize TGD people, increasing risk for health disparities. The 2016 National Institute of Health recognition of sexual and gender minority people as a health disparities population increases available funding for much-needed research. In this article, we speak to the need for a biocultural human biology of gender/sex diversity by delineating factors that influence physiological functioning, mental health, and physical health of TGD people. We propose that many of these factors can best be investigated with minimally invasively collected biomarker samples (MICBS) and discuss how to integrate MICBS into research inclusive of TGD people. Research use of MICBS among TGD people remains limited, and wider use could enable essential biological and health data to be collected from a population often excluded from research. We provide a broad overview of terminology and current literature, point to key research questions, and address potential challenges researchers might face when aiming to integrate MCIBS in research inclusive of transgender and gender diverse people. We argue that, when used effectively, MICBS can enhance human biologists' ability to empirically measure physiology and health-related outcomes and enable more accurate identification of pathways linking human experience, embodiment, and health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Zachary DuBois
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - James K Gibb
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sally I Powers
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gibb JK, Shattuck EC. Sexual orientation-based disparities in bone health: Evidence of reduced bone mineral density and mineral content among sexual minority men but not women in multiple NHANES waves. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 33:e23534. [PMID: 33174660 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual minority (SM) people experience significant stress associated with stigma, contributing to a higher rate of adverse health outcomes. Several known factors (eg, smoking) elevate risk of poor bone health, but to date little research has examined disparities in bone health among SM people. To address this, we analyzed sexual orientation differences in an available bone mineral density (BMD) cross-sectional dataset assessed via dual X-ray absorptiometry. METHODS We combined the 2007 to 2008, 2009 to 2010, and 2013 to 2014 cycles of US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine sexual orientation-based differences in z-scored BMD in the proximal femur (greater trochanter and intertrochanter locations), bone mineral content (BMC) in the femur and spine, and osteoporosis risk among Lesbian/Gay (n = 53), Bisexual (n = 97), Same-Sex Experienced (n = 103), and Heterosexual (n = 2990) adults. RESULTS Sexual orientation-based disparities in bone mass were observed across all anatomical sites. This effect was due to differences between heterosexual and gay men and persisted in linear regressions after adjusting for risk factors. We found differences in femoral and femoral neck BMC in heterosexual and gay men (P = .02) and in femoral, femoral neck and spinal BMC between heterosexual and bisexual women (P = .05). Sexual orientation remained significant in BMC regressions. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that SM men but not women are at greater risk for poor bone health relative to heterosexuals and this disparity is independent of the lifestyle and psychosocial risks included in our models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James K Gibb
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric C Shattuck
- Institute for Health Disparities Research, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kerr P, Kheloui S, Rossi M, Désilets M, Juster RP. Allostatic load and women's brain health: A systematic review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100858. [PMID: 32758482 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Allostatic load represents the 'wear and tear' of chronic stress on the brain and body that may differ between men and women. A small but growing number of studies are assessing allostatic load in relation to mental health. The objective of this systematic review was to (1) assess sex differences in allostatic load and (2) identify allostatic load associations that are specific to women. We systematically searched for allostatic load studies that included psychosocial causes and/or psychiatric consequences. Our search focused on allostatic load studies that disaggregated by sex and that include women. Sixty-two studies were included in this systematic review. First, men appear to have higher allostatic load than women. Second, women show gender-specific variation for numerous factors such as age, race/ethnicity, adversities, social support, and health behaviors that influence associations between allostatic load and mental health. Recommendations are made to guide researchers advance sex and gender approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Kerr
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada; Center for Studies on Human Stress, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Sarah Kheloui
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Mathias Rossi
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie Désilets
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gibb JK, DuBois LZ, Williams S, McKerracher L, Juster RP, Fields J. Sexual and gender minority health vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 health crisis. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 32:e23499. [PMID: 32910838 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James K Gibb
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - L Zachary DuBois
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Sarah Williams
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luseadra McKerracher
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Fields
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
The Intersection of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Race/Ethnicity on Cardiovascular Health: a Review of the Literature and Needed Research. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12170-020-00651-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
44
|
Lambrou NH, Cochran KM, Everhart S, Flatt JD, Zuelsdorff M, O'Hara JB, Weinhardt L, Flowers Benton S, Gleason CE. Learning from Transmasculine Experiences with Health Care: Tangible Inlets for Reducing Health Disparities Through Patient-Provider Relationships. Transgend Health 2020; 5:18-32. [PMID: 32322685 PMCID: PMC7173690 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2019.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We examined health care experiences of transmasculine young adults to clarify factors contributing to mistrust in the health care system and identify tangible and modifiable means to address health disparities through improved patient-provider interactions. Thematic analysis highlights patterns within historical relationships between medical models and transmasculine embodiment, and provides guidance for health care clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to deliver competent services for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. Methods: The study team used qualitative methodology guided by interpretive phenomenological analysis. Semistructured interviews with 12 participants who self-identified as transmasculine were conducted, transcribed, and coded thematically. Results: Participants were a community sample of 12 young adults 18-35 years of age (M=23, standard deviation=3.74), who self-identified as transmasculine. Three participants identified as a racial/ethnic minority. Participants were highly educated, with most completing at least some college. The superordinate thematic domain Perspectives on Health Care emerged, under which three subthemes were nested: (1) an essentialist, binary medical model is inaccurate and oppressive, (2) consequences of medicalizing gender (i.e., gender as a diagnosis), and (3) recommendations to improve health care. Conclusions: Qualitative analysis revealed specific ways in which the relationship between transmasculine individuals and current health care systems are fraught with difficulties, including the impact of stigma, gatekeeping, and inaccuracies, in current diagnostic criteria. Participants shared lived experiences and offered innovative ideas to improve health care delivery, such as challenging socialized biases, increased education, and immersion in TGD communities to advocate for change in research, practice, and policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nickolas H Lambrou
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Katherine M Cochran
- University Counseling Services, Norris Health Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Samantha Everhart
- Department of Educational Psychology, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Jason D Flatt
- Institute for Health and Aging, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Megan Zuelsdorff
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Medicine, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - John B O'Hara
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Institute of Living, Hartford Healthcare, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Lance Weinhardt
- Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Susan Flowers Benton
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Medicine, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,College of Nursing and Allied Health, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Carey E Gleason
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Medicine, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Li MJ, Takada S, Okafor CN, Gorbach PM, Shoptaw SJ, Cole SW. Experienced homophobia and gene expression alterations in Black and Latino men who have sex with men in Los Angeles County. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 83:120-125. [PMID: 31563693 PMCID: PMC6906252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience high rates of homophobic victimization, which is linked to myriad chronic physical and mental health disparities. Social adversity such as rejection, isolation, and racial discrimination can induce a conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA) involving upregulation of proinflammatory genes and downregulation of type I interferon and antibody synthesis genes. This study specifically examines whether homophobic victimization is associated with expression of CTRA profiles in Black and Latino MSM living in Los Angeles. Analyses linked behavioral survey data with quantified RNA from leukocytes from blood samples of 70 participants over 12 months. CTRA gene expression was increased by 3.1-fold in MSM who experienced homophobic victimization while adjusting for major leukocyte subsets and sociodemographics. Accounting for all these factors, CTRA gene expression was significantly enhanced in MSM who identified as Black compared to Latino. Our findings identify experiences of homophobic victimization as drivers of inflammatory and type I interferon gene expression profiles, which can contribute to physical and mental health challenges in Black and Latino MSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Sae Takada
- National Clinician Scholars Program UCLA, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA,Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research & Development, Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, & Policy, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Chukwuemeka N. Okafor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Steven J. Shoptaw
- Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Steven W. Cole
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Juster RP, de Torre MB, Kerr P, Kheloui S, Rossi M, Bourdon O. Sex Differences and Gender Diversity in Stress Responses and Allostatic Load Among Workers and LGBT People. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:110. [PMID: 31630247 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Measuring biological sex differences and socio-cultural gender diversity provides insights into individual variation in stress physiology and the development of "sex-specific" diseases. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this selective review, we summarize recent findings that assess sex and gender in relation to the stress hormone cortisol and multi-systemic physiological dysregulation called allostatic load. The focus of this research centers on workers as well as sexual and gender minorities as these populations provide unique insights into sex and gender at various levels of analysis from the micro-level to the macro-level. RECENT FINDINGS: Male/female sex, sex hormones, gender identity, gender roles, and sexual orientation are all variables that are distinctly correlated with stress physiology. Beyond identifying patterns of vulnerability to stress-related diseases, pathways towards resilience are of high priority in emerging literature. Stress scientists must account for both sex and gender in biobehavioral research. Future directions should assess macro-level constructs like institutionalized gender, occupational sex composition, and structural stigma to better understand the social determinants of health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert-Paul Juster
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada.
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience (CESAR), Montreal, Canada.
- , Montréal, Canada.
| | - Margot Barbosa de Torre
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience (CESAR), Montreal, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Philippe Kerr
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience (CESAR), Montreal, Canada
| | - Sarah Kheloui
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience (CESAR), Montreal, Canada
| | - Mathias Rossi
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience (CESAR), Montreal, Canada
| | - Olivier Bourdon
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience (CESAR), Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sex × Gender and Sexual Orientation in Relation to Stress Hormones and Allostatic Load. GENDER AND THE GENOME 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/2470289719862555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this selective review, emerging literature linking biological sex, sociocultural gender, and sexual orientation to stress hormone functioning and multisystemic physiological dysregulations are summarized. Beyond sex as a binary biological variable, continuums of sex hormones, gender roles, gender identity, and sexual orientation each uniquely help delineate pathways and mechanisms linked to stress-related disease trajectories. This implicates glucocorticoid functioning and allostatic load, the “wear and tear” of chronic stress in synergy with unhealthy behaviors. Clinical considerations are also discussed for the field of gender medicine.
Collapse
|