The association of sexual orientation measures with young adults' health-related outcomes
- PMID:22021310
- PMCID: PMC3483939
- DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300262
The association of sexual orientation measures with young adults' health-related outcomes
Abstract
Objectives: We examined associations among 3 dimensions of sexual orientation (identity, behavior, and attraction) and key health-related indicators commonly studied among sexual minority populations: depressive symptoms, perceived stress, smoking, binge drinking, and victimization.
Methods: We analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, Wave IV (2007-2008) when respondents were aged 24 to 32 years (n=14,412). We used multivariate linear and logistic regressions to examine consistency of associations between sexual orientation measures and health-related indicators.
Results: Strength of associations differed by gender and sexual orientation measure. Among women, being attracted to both sexes, identifying as "mostly straight" or "bisexual," and having mostly opposite-sex sexual partners was associated with greater risk for all indicators. Among men, sexual attraction was unrelated to health indicators. Men who were "mostly straight" were at greater risk for some, but not all, indicators. Men who had sexual partners of the same-sex or both sexes were at lower risk for binge drinking.
Conclusions: Using all 3 dimensions of sexual orientation provides a more complete picture of the association between sexual orientation and health among young adults than does using any 1 dimension alone.
References
- Austin SB, Conron K, Patel A, Freedner N. Making sense of sexual orientation measures: findings from a cognitive processing study with adolescents on health survey questions. J LGBT Health Res. 2007;3(1):55–65 - PubMed
- Laumann E, Gagnon J, Michael R, Michaels F. The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States. Chicago: University of Chicago Press; 1994
- Solarz AL, ; Committee on Lesbian Health Research Priorities; Neuroscience and Behavioral Health Program; Health Sciences Policy Program; Health Sciences Section Lesbian Health: Current Assessment and Directions for the Future. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1999 - PubMed
- Badgett L, Goldberg NE. Best Practices for Asking Questions About Sexual Orientation on Surveys. Los Angeles: The Williams Institute; 2009
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