HEALTH DISPARITIES AMONG LGB LATINO, NON-LGB LATINO, AND LGB NON-LATINO ADULTS AGED 50 AND OLDER

Abstract

Research on aging Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) adults has been limited by relying on non-probability samples. This study uses data from a population-based survey, California Health Interview Survey, 2015–2016, which for the first time included sexual orientation measures for adults over age 70. We compared health disparities among LGB Latino, non-LGB Latino, and LGB non-Latino adults aged 50 and older (n=4,935). Logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with health outcomes and assess how they differ by Latino ethnicity and sexual orientation after adjusting for gender, age (50 – 64 and 65+), poverty, and education. Compared to non-LGB Latinos, LGB Latinos were more likely to experience distress (OR=7.3; 95% CI=2.5, 21.3), which remained statistically significant after adjusting for poverty, also a significant predictor of distress. The groups did not differ in overall health and chronic health conditions. Compared to LGB non-Latinos, LGB Latinos were more likely to have poor health (OR=3.3; 95% CI=1.4, 7.8), experience distress (OR=6.4; 95% CI=1.4, 29.0), have diabetes (OR=3.0; 95% CI=1.0, 8.8) and be obese (OR=2.3; 95% CI=1.1, 4.6). However, differences were no longer significant after adjusting for covariates. The groups did not differ in asthma and heart disease. Findings indicate LGB Latinos have poorer health outcomes than non-LGB Latinos and LGB non-Latinos, and that factors such as poverty influence health disparities. Policy efforts toward health equity should consider the intersection of sociodemographic factors influencing the health of individuals with multiple minority statuses.