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Differences among Latino heterosexual and sexual minority clients in residential substance use treatment: A preliminary study
Methods: We developed a sexual orientation question for the client questionnaires at baseline and 6 month follow up. This study compares heterosexual (n=305) and sexual minority (n=38) clients on risk factors related to mental health and sexual behavior using chi-square tests. Further analyses of the baseline and 6 month follow-up questionnaires will determine whether sexual minority status is an indicator of differential treatment response.
Results: Preliminary bivariate analyses reveal significant differences (p<.05) between Latino sexual minority and heterosexual clients on mental health indicators, including thoughts and attempts of suicide, hallucinations, obsessive thoughts, panic attacks, and strong fears. Our findings provide evidence that sexual minority clients were significantly (p<.01) more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, including trading sex for money, drugs, or housing.
Discussion: Few studies focus on the intersection between ethnic minority status and sexual orientation in addictions treatment. This exploratory study illustrates the need to collect LGB demographic information. It is important to determine whether LGB populations are being adequately served by mainstream programs. Findings from this research indicate that there may be important differences in risk factors and behaviors of LGB clients and in their treatment needs.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practiceDiversity and culture
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Identify sexual orientation as a demographic variable that is not commonly collected in addictions treatment.
List five mental health indicators that preliminary data suggest differ between sexual minority and heterosexual clients in this treatment program.
Name three sexual risk behaviors that preliminary data suggest differ between sexual minority and heterosexual clients in this treatment program.
Discuss the importance of collecting demographic data about sexual orientation and of using this data to determine client needs and to inform practice.
Keyword(s): Data Collection and Surveillance, Health Disparities/Inequities
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a student at the Boston University School of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I work as a program coordinator at the BU Center for Addictions Research and Services evaluating federally-funded addictions treatment and HIV/AIDS education grants. Among my interests are the robust collection of data related to sexual orientation and gender identity and the impact of multiple minority identities on clients seeking addictions treatment and other social or health services.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.