Abstract
Having a disability significantly increases the odds of mental health and substance misuse outcomes among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). Understanding these findings will help OT practitioners better assess and address the health care needs of SGMs.
Primary Author and Speaker: Kelsey A. Gately
Additional Authors and Speakers: Haylee A. Canadas
Contributing Authors: Samantha Rosenthal, Jennifer Swanberg
The health disparities faced by sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions are well-documented. SGMs have higher rates of disability and chronic illness compared to the general population, and current literature suggests that both groups face higher rates of substance misuse and poor mental health outcomes (Argenyi et al., 2023; Streed et al., 2021). Despite this, little research has investigated the intersection of these identities. From February-March 2022, data were collected from 1,316 SGMs over the age of 18 and living in the US via digital survey. Disability status, mental health outcomes, substance misuse outcomes, SGM identity (sexual minorities assigned male at birth (AMAB), sexual minorities assigned female at birth (AFAB), gender minorities AMAB, gender minorities AFAB), and demographics were measured. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between disability status and mental health and substance misuse outcomes while controlling for demographic variables. After adjusting for covariates, SGMs with a disability had significantly increased odds of anxiety (OR[95% CI] = 2.33 [1.83, 2.96 ]), depression (OR[95% CI] = 2.74 [2.03, 3.71]), having considered suicide in the last year (OR[95% CI] = 1.81 [1.40, 2.36]), hazardous cannabis use (OR[95% CI] = 1.85 [1.38, 2.47]), over-the-counter drug misuse (OR[95% CI] = 2.57 [1.92, 3.44]), and prescription drug misuse (OR[95% CI] = 2.07 [1.58, 2.72]) compared to SGMs without any disability. Sexual and gender minorities with a disability are at a significantly higher risk of all mental health outcomes and substance misuse outcomes with the exception of alcohol misuse. OT practitioners should seek to understand the intersecting identities of their clients to better identify and address healthcare needs. Future research should explore these relationships to further to inform therapeutic interventions for substance use and mental health.
Argenyi, M. S., Mereish, E. H., & Watson, R. J. (2023). Mental and Physical Health Disparities Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents Based on Disability Status. LGBT health, 10(2), 130–137. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2022.0032
Streed, C. G., Jr, Hall, J. P., Boyd, B. A., Batza, K., & Kurth, N. K. (2021). Comparative Health Status and Characteristics of Respondents of the 2019–2020 National Survey on Health and Disability by Sexual and Gender Minority Status. LGBT health, 8(8), 563–568. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2021.0075