Abstract B099: Localized implicit and explicit forms of anti-gay prejudice and area-specific chronic disease prevalence

Abstract

Abstract Objectives. Ample evidence suggests that prejudice detrimentally affects individual-level health status, but little is known about associations between anti-gay/lesbian prejudice and prevalence for stress-modulated chronic diseases. Moreover, research examining implicit or “automatic” and explicit or “overt” prejudice in relation to the health status of sexual minorities and non-minorities remain scant. Thus, I examined the influence of dual forms of prejudice on chronic disease disparities among gay male and lesbians in relation to straight-identifying individuals. Methods. Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey responses collected in 2020 and localized measures of anti-gay prejudice from an online forum, I examined the association between geographic area-specific levels of implicit and explicit anti-gay/lesbian prejudice and prevalence for the following stress-modulated chronic conditions: heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. The sample included gay/lesbian and straight male and female adults living in 28 U.S. states. Results. Relative to areas with low prejudice, residents living in areas high in prejudice (both forms) reported higher prevalence for diabetes and COPD among sexual minorities. Both forms of prejudice predicted greater number of reported days of poor physical and mental health for gay male and lesbian residents. Among heterosexual residents, implicit prejudice predicted greater prevalence for all diseases and explicit prejudice predicted prevalence for all diseases but cancer. Conclusions. Findings show that both forms of anti-gay prejudice predict chronic disease diagnoses for gay/lesbian and straight residents. Theoretical insight using the minority-stress model and practical implications are discussed. Citation Format: Carlos O. Garrido. Localized implicit and explicit forms of anti-gay prejudice and area-specific chronic disease prevalence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B099.