Abstract
Research has found that sexual minority individuals are more likely to experience health inequalities and have higher rates of substance use compared with their heterosexual counterparts. This association between sexuality and health outcomes is increasingly being explored using quantitative methodologies within the context of public health, psychology and health geography. Much of this research, however, has relied on primary data, despite the wide availability of secondary sources, mainly survey data, collecting information on sexuality and different types of health outcomes and health risk behaviours, such as substance use. This study reviewed recent surveys in the UK that are appropriate for exploring topics related to LGB populations and substance use behaviours. We carried out a narrative review of secondary data sources in the UK to assess the accessibility and suitability of secondary sources for sexuality and substance use research. We identified eight cross-sectional and two longitudinal surveys that contained both sexuality and substance use data. We summarised the possible applications of each survey and the scope of questions within sexuality and substance use research that could be addressed by each survey. The identification of appropriate surveys in this review can allow researchers to extend the use of secondary data sources in the UK to examine substance use inequalities between sexuality groups, further advancing this key topic.
Highlights
Sexual minority individuals are more likely than heterosexual individuals to experience adverse health outcomes, inequalities and an increased risk of substance use [1,2,3].Whilst, originally, this work was predominantly qualitative in nature [4], the shift towards quantitative analyses and taking a more epidemiological approach has meant that there is a need for good-quality quantitative data that allows for the analysis of health inequalities comparatively in lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) populations
The purpose of this study was to highlight secondary data that can be used for sexuality and substance use research in the UK, which is needed to advance this important topic and build on the vast amount of qualitative research on LGB health inequalities [4]
The majority of the results came from the UK Data Service (UKDS) search, which contained both crosssectional and longitudinal surveys, and some of the surveys that were returned through the Cohort and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources (CLOSER) and Medical Research Council (MRC) data search engine appeared in the UKDS search
Summary
Sexual minority individuals are more likely than heterosexual individuals to experience adverse health outcomes, inequalities and an increased risk of substance use [1,2,3].Whilst, originally, this work was predominantly qualitative in nature [4], the shift towards quantitative analyses and taking a more epidemiological approach has meant that there is a need for good-quality quantitative data that allows for the analysis of health inequalities comparatively in lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) populations (see table at the end for a glossary of acronyms). Sexual minority individuals are more likely than heterosexual individuals to experience adverse health outcomes, inequalities and an increased risk of substance use [1,2,3]. Substance use, including illicit drug use, alcohol and tobacco use, have been well documented in this population, and is suggested to be linked to poor mental wellbeing, increased stigma and social norms within the LGB community [5]. Many of the studies looking at health inequalities and outcomes in LGB populations have utilised primary data, which, while beneficial in that there is often a more representative sample size in the target group, is time consuming. Available through the UKDS, years 2007 and 2014 are the latest available This survey aims to give insight into psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders and anxiety disorders in adults over 16 in England.
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