Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life and Health Behaviors Among Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Women Surviving Cancer from the 2013 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey

Abstract

Purpose: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health behaviors contribute to cancer morbidity and mortality, which are elevated in lesbian and bisexual women (LBW). The purpose of this study was to assess differences in HRQoL and health behaviors between heterosexual and lesbian women and heterosexual and bisexual women cancer survivors. Methods: We pooled 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey data. HRQoL comprised physical, mental, financial, and social health domains. Health behaviors included tobacco and alcohol use, physical activity, and preventive health care. Weighted, multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The sample included 10,830 heterosexual, 141 lesbian, and 95 bisexual cancer survivors. Lesbian women reported higher odds of fair/poor self-rated health (

Health outcomes of sexual and gender minorities after cancer: a systematic review

“…Unmet needs included depression, sadness, cancer-related fears, uncertainty, stress, and sexual dysfunction [ 52 ]. Another study found bisexual women who had a history of cancer to be three times more likely to report psychological distress [ 97 ]. Bisexual individuals often experience dual discrimination by both mainstream and SGM communities, which may account for this heightened distress.…”

“…Limitations: No notable limitations. Hutchcraft et al (2020) [ 97 ] USA Lesbian and bisexual women who participated in the National Health Interview Survey 2013–2018 Quantitative Weighted, multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios of heterosexual, lesbian, and bisexual women with a history of cancer on health-related QOL and health behaviors. With heterosexual women as the reference group, lesbian women were 58% more likely to self-report fair/poor health, almost twice as likely to report chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart conditions, and twice as likely to be current smokers; bisexual women reported three times the rate of psychological distress, twice the rate of heart conditions, nearly three times the rate of food insecurity, and were less likely to have a recent mammogram.…”

Rapid, application-based survey to characterise the impacts of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ communities around the world: an observational study

“…Growing evidence indicates that the incidence of COVID-19 is higher in communities of lower socioeconomic status, in which LGBTQ+ individuals are over-represented given their long history of economic marginalisation 48–51. Additionally, higher burdens of mental health and infectious diseases—due to the intersection of upstream determinants such as stigma, criminalisation of same-sex practices and sex work, and continued limited investment in these communities—place LGBTQ+ individuals at even higher risk 2 13 16. Such compounding vulnerabilities result in earlier disruptions to health services, leading to prolonged periods without access to care, especially during global crises 31.…”

“…Reports also indicate the unique concerns and challenges experienced by members of the LGBTQ+ community resulting from antigay backlash and community crackdown under false pretexts 12–14. Moreover, many members of the LGBTQ+ community are at increased risk for food insecurity, unemployment and unstable housing, thereby making them more vulnerable to the economic and health impacts from COVID-19 7 15–18…”

Cross‐sectional study of psychosocial well‐being among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual gynecologic cancer survivors

“…However, evidence on psychosocial outcomes among this population of gynecologic cancer survivors is limited with inconsistent findings. 29 , 30 , 31 Given the potential impact of gynecologic cancer on psychosocial health outcomes in general, and the greater prevalence of clinical risk factors among sexual minority populations specifically, further identifying disparities among subgroups of survivors is necessary to identify highest risk individuals for worse outcomes. 32 , 33 We sought to compare self‐reported QOL and psychosocial measures between heterosexual and sexual minority gynecologic cancer survivors.…”