Growing up Gay: Effects of Perceived Discrimination on LGBT Individuals' Health in Indiana

Background: Research shows that lack of support from the medical community on LGBT health needs assessment, awareness and acceptance by healthcare professionals, as well as, contribute to LGBT individuals' reluctance to seek health care. This study looked at perceived discrimination from beyond the health care setting and its effects on LGBT health.

Methods: Participants (n = 237) completed an on-line survey for a larger study of self-identified LGBT persons who grew up in Indiana. Recruitment for this convenience sample involved advertisements in LGBT media and word-of-mouth. Measures for this study included a perceived experienced discrimination scale and several general health measures.

Results: The perceived experienced discrimination scale (Chronbach's á = 0.873) mean scores were compared to responses to several general health measures. T-tests showed that individuals reporting higher perceived experiences of discrimination based on sexual orientation were more likely to rate themselves as having fair to poor health (p < 0.01), yet were more likely to have had a checkup in the last 6 months (p < 0.01) and have eaten 5 servings of fruits and vegetables at least 3 times a week (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences for sleep habits, exercise habits, and tobacco use.

Conclusions: The relationship between perceived experienced discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and health is complex. While overall general health appears to be negatively influenced, other healthful behaviors are not. Future research should expand the participant pool and take a more in-depth approach to measuring health behaviors.