Abstract
Introduction: Sexual minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer) adults appear to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than heterosexual adults. Although social determinants of health have been shown to contribute to cardiovascular health (CVH) disparities in the general population, there is a dearth of research examining these determinants in sexual minority adults. Objective: Using the World Health Organization’s definition of social determinants of health, we conducted a systematic literature review to synthesize and critique existing evidence on social determinants of CVH among sexual minority adults. Methods: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and performed a comprehensive search of literature published between January 2011 and March 2022. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed, English-language, and examined associations between social determinants of health and CVH outcomes among sexual minority individuals 18 years old or older. CVH outcomes were CVD risk factors (including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity) and CVD conditions (such as stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease). We performed quality appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies and Cohort Studies. Results: Our search retrieved 2,133 studies, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 16 were cross-sectional and two used longitudinal designs. All 18 studies had a low risk of bias. The majority (n = 17) included predominantly White samples. Overall, the findings were mixed. Stressful life events were associated with elevated CVD risk. Individuals who reported living in more supportive environments had lower odds of being overweight; however, greater disclosure of sexual minority status was associated with higher odds of being overweight. Living in rural settings was associated with higher odds of obesity and hypertension. Experiences of discrimination were not associated with any CVH outcomes. Findings for interpersonal trauma (e.g., adulthood trauma, childhood trauma), education, religious activity, and relationship status were mixed. No studies examined social determinants at the structural level. Conclusions/Implications: Findings highlight social determinants that may serve as targets of clinical and public health interventions to improve the CVH of sexual minority adults. Future longitudinal research is needed that includes more diverse samples and examines multi-level social determinants of CVH, including at the social and structural levels.
Published Version
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