Navigating the LGB Data Landscape: A Review of Appropriate Secondary Data Sources for Sexuality and Substance Use Research in the UK

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.

Using Routine Data to Improve Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health

“…The UK Biobank and Our Future Health are 2 large biomedical data research cohorts accessed through trusted research environments (secure data hosting platforms) with relatively low but nonzero costs to researchers [ 28 , 34 ]. For all sources, access to data can require time and perseverance [ 11 ]. In terms of longitudinal follow-up, the UK Biobank is a mature cohort study, for which recruitment began in 2006 before sexual orientation and transgender status were routinely collected.…”

“…However, data are improving [ 11 ]. The Equality Act in 2010 placed a statutory duty on public bodies in the United Kingdom to publish equality outcomes and report on progress in addressing disadvantage experiences by (among other characteristics) sexual orientation and gender reassignment [ 12 ], which had a strong positive impact.…”

“…However, data are improving [11]. The Equality Act in 2010 placed a statutory duty on public bodies in the United Kingdom Interact J Med Res 2024 | vol.…”