 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
David Rak, MPH, Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support, 250 South 4th Street, Room 510, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1384, 612-673-3141, david.rak@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
Lesbians, gays, and bisexuals constitute a visible social and cultural community within the city of Minneapolis, MN. This presentation discusses the community connectedness of this population as well as some healthcare challenges faced. Data for this abstract were gathered from the population-based SHAPE 2002 survey of adults in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. The study sample was limited to Minneapolis respondents between the ages of 25 and 64 who described their sexual identity as either lesbian, gay,or bisexual (n=194); or heterosexual (n=2,190). Lesbians, gays, and bisexuals reported strong connections to their community. About nine of 10 say they can “depend on the people in their community,” and “living in their community gives them a secure feeling.” This population also makes use of the traditional health care system at a level almost comparable to heterosexuals, yet have a much higher rate of using alternative or complementary health care. This population faces challenges in healthcare and receipt of healthcare. Lesbians, gays, and bisexuals were more than twice as likely as heterosexuals to report that they had been diagnosed with depression or anxiety/panic disorder at some point in their lives. And a much higher percentage who wanted to see a mental health professional reported a delay in getting the care they desired compared to heterosexuals. Implications of these findings will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Gay Men, Lesbian Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.