Variations in Substance Use and Disorders Among Sexual Minorities by Race/Ethnicity

Bibliographic Data

ID21645117
AuthorsThomas M Freitag (0000-0001-8670-8058, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities), Julia Chen‐Sankey (0000-0002-1797-5248, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities), Julia C Chen-Sankey (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities), Danielle A Duarte (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities), M W Ramsey (0000-0003-2069-5471, Jackson State University), Kelvin Choi (0000-0002-6753-2883, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume56
Issue7
Pages921-928
Publication date2021-06-07
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2021.1899225
PMID33821743
OpenAlexW3142057161
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited19

Purpose Little is known about racial/ethnic minority substance use and disorder-related disparities among sexual minorities as compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This study aimed to understand the associations between sexual minority status and substance use and disorders among U.S. adults stratified by race/ethnicity. Methods: We analyzed data from a sample of U.S. adults (n = 35,981) surveyed during the 2012–2013 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. Respondents were categorized into four sexual minority statuses: heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, and conflicting. Respondents’ substance (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) use and disorders were also assessed using standard measures. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between sexual minority status and substance use and disorders, stratified by race/ethnicity, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Sexual minority adults experienced a higher prevalence of substance use and disorders than heterosexuals. For example, bisexuals were more likely than heterosexuals to use marijuana (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.64–4.50) and have tobacco use disorders (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI = 2.02–3.28). These associations were stronger among racial/ethnic minorities. For instance, bisexual non-Hispanic Blacks were more than twice as likely (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI = 2.16-4.65) to be current tobacco users than their heterosexual counterparts; while this association was weaker for bisexual non-Hispanic Whites (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.47–2.71). Conclusion: Sexual minority adults, especially those who are also racial/ethnic minorities, experience a significantly higher burden of substance use and disorders than heterosexuals. Efforts to screen and treat substance use and disorders among this particular population are critically needed to improve their health outcomes and reduce health disparities

Alcohol · Alcohol use disorder · Ethnic group · Lesbian · Logistic regression · Psychiatry · Sexual minority · Sexual orientation · Substance use · Demography · Gender Studies · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Epidemiology

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