Identifying Latent Patterns and Predictors of Health Behaviors and Healthcare Barriers Among LGBT Older Adults.

Abstract

Heightened risk of adverse health behaviors is of major concern among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Yet, no previous research has investigated heterogeneity of LGBT older adults on a set of health behaviors in conjunction with healthcare barriers. We aim to identify latent classes of the behavior and barrier patterns and examine differences in physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by the specified latent classes while exploring predictors of the class membership. Three-step latent class analysis applying survey weights was conducted with 14 indicators of health-risk behavior, health-promoting behavior, preventive care use, and healthcare barriers from baseline data of the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS, N = 2450). The best empirical and substantive fit was determined with four classes consisting of (1) healthy behaviors and minimal barriers (C1, 39%), (2) less healthy behaviors and high barriers (C2, 31%), (3) healthy behaviors and healthcare system barriers (C3, 19%), and (4) optimal health behaviors with risks of limited healthcare access (C4, 11%). Compared to C1, C2 and C3 had lower physical HRQOL and C2 also had lower psychological HRQOL. C4 did not differ in HRQOL from C1. C2 was associated with more day-to-day discrimination, lower mastery, and lower social support. Efforts to lower healthcare barriers are warranted in addition to interventions to strengthen social support and reduce marginalization. Positive relationships between LGBT older adults and healthcare need to be established via trust-building and cultural competency.