The Social Determinants of Health Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Adults in Nashville, Tennessee.

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations experience widespread disparities in health outcomes, health behaviors, and access to care compared to their non-LGBT counterparts. Moreover, very few studies have either studied the social determinants of health (SDoH) of LGBT populations or LGBT health in large cities located in the US South. This study uses novel, community-informed, and representative data to study the SDoH of LGBT adults in Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. Compared to non-LGBT adults (n = 1583), LGBT adults (n = 128) in Nashville, Tennessee, were more likely to report being dissatisfied with life and feeling emotionally upset or physical symptoms as a result of how they were treated based on their race/ethnicity compared to non-LGBT adults. LGBT adults in Nashville were also less likely to keep a firearm in the home than their non-LGBT peers. This study documents new disparities in the SDoH for LGBT adults living in one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the southeastern US. More research on LGBT populations in urban centers located in the US South is critically needed. Meanwhile, locally based community organizations and public health leaders may consider developing and testing innovative solutions to enhance social networks and social supports among LGBT populations. Addressing the SDoH among LGBT adults in southern cities will be essential for achieving health equity for all LGBT populations in the USA.