Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
13.8K
Health Indicators for Older Sexual Minorities: National Health Interview Survey, 2013-2014
Christina N Dragon1, Alison M Laffan2, Erkan Erdem3
11 Office of Minority Health, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services , Baltimore, Maryland.
LGBT Health
|October 14, 2017
Summary
Older sexual minorities report better health and higher rates of HIV testing and flu vaccination than heterosexual peers. However, they are also more likely to engage in binge drinking, highlighting a complex health profile.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Significant advancements in sexual minority (SM) acceptance have occurred.
- Gaps in data persist for specific SM subgroups, particularly older adults.
- Understanding the health of aging SM populations is crucial as this demographic grows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine health indicators among older sexual minorities (aged 65+).
- To identify health differences between older SM individuals and their heterosexual peers using national data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pooled data from the 2013-2014 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS).
- Conducted descriptive analyses comparing SM and heterosexual groups (65+) across 12 health indicators.
- Followed established research methodologies for NHIS sexual orientation studies.
Main Results:
- Four of 12 health indicators showed significant differences between SM and heterosexual older adults.
- Sexual minorities reported significantly higher rates of excellent/very good health, HIV testing, and influenza vaccination.
- Older sexual minorities were more than twice as likely to report binge drinking compared to heterosexual peers.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first national analysis of health indicators for older sexual minorities using NHIS data.
- Future research with more extensive data collection will offer a clearer understanding of older adult SM health.
- Findings highlight both positive health outcomes and specific risks within this understudied population.
Related Concept Videos
02:20Longitudinal Research
13.5K
Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...
13.5K
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
1.3K
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
1.3K
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
349
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
349
01:21Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
480
The genitourinary system is critical to maintaining fluid balance, waste elimination, and reproductive function. Nurses play a vital role in assessing this system, beginning with a thorough health history. This process involves gathering patient information, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms of genitourinary disorders. Early detection is vital for timely interventions and management.1. Gathering Patient InformationA complete health history includes the patient’s personal,...
480
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
5.2K
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
5.2K
02:12Relationship Formation
46.3K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
46.3K