Toward global comparability of sexual orientation data in official statistics: a conceptual framework of sexual orientation for health data collection in New Zealand's official statistics system.

Frank Pega,Alistair Gray,Randell L Sell,Diane Binson,Jaimie F Veale

doi:10.1155/2013/473451

Abstract

Objective. Effectively addressing health disparities experienced by sexual minority populations requires high-quality official data on sexual orientation. We developed a conceptual framework of sexual orientation to improve the quality of sexual orientation data in New Zealand's Official Statistics System. Methods. We reviewed conceptual and methodological literature, culminating in a draft framework. To improve the framework, we held focus groups and key-informant interviews with sexual minority stakeholders and producers and consumers of official statistics. An advisory board of experts provided additional guidance. Results. The framework proposes working definitions of the sexual orientation topic and measurement concepts, describes dimensions of the measurement concepts, discusses variables framing the measurement concepts, and outlines conceptual grey areas. Conclusion. The framework proposes standard definitions and concepts for the collection of official sexual orientation data in New Zealand. It presents a model for producers of official statistics in other countries, who wish to improve the quality of health data on their citizens.

Highlights

Robust evidence demonstrates that sexual minority populations1 have poorer access to care, poorer care, and higher morbidity than heterosexual populations in areas such as mental health, sexual health, and cancer [1,2,3]
The conceptual framework is about sexual orientation and does not discuss gender identity concepts per se
This paper has described the development and content of a conceptual framework of sexual orientation tailored to the New Zealand context and Official Statistics System (OSS) requirements

Summary

Introduction

Robust evidence demonstrates that sexual minority populations have poorer access to care, poorer care, and higher morbidity than heterosexual populations in areas such as mental health, sexual health, and cancer [1,2,3]. Public health authorities and international health organisations have developed policies to eliminate these health disparities [4,5,6,7,8]. Developing such policies and monitoring their outcomes require official data on sexual orientation that is timely, accurate, reliable, comparable, and of overall high quality [9, 10]. The United States Department of Health and Human Services has obtained data on sexual orientation in several surveys since the early 1990s [11]. The United Kingdom Office for Journal of Environmental and Public Health

Results

Discussion

Conclusion