Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Reporting Among U.S. Health Centers

Sexual orientation and gender identity data collection is necessary to address health inequities. This study examines sexual orientation and gender identity data reporting among community health centers.

Using the 2016-2019 Uniform Data System for 1,381 community health centers, trends in reporting of sexual orientation and gender identity data were examined. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between community health center characteristics and whether sexual orientation and gender identity data were available for ≥75% of a community health center's patients in 2019. Data were analyzed in 2021.

In 2016-2019, the percentage of community health centers with sexual orientation and gender identity data for ≥75% of patients increased from 14.9% to 53.0%. In 2019, community health centers were more likely to have this data for ≥75% of patients if they were in nonmetro counties (OR=1.48, 95% CI=1.04, 2.10 versus metro), were in the South (OR=2.27, 95% CI=1.57, 3.31) or West (OR=1.91, 95% CI=1.27, 2.88 versus the Northeast), and had more patients aged between 18 and 39 years (OR=1.04, 95% CI=1.02, 1.07), between 40 and 64 years (OR=1.04, 95% CI=1.02, 1.06 vs <18 years), or veterans (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.01, 1.20). This was less likely among community health centers serving 10,000-20,000 patients (OR=0.70, 95% CI=0.52, 0.95) and >20,000 patients (OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.32, 0.61 vs <10,000) and community health centers with more patients of American Indian/Alaskan Native (OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.97, 0.99) or unknown race (OR=0.92, 95% CI=0.86, 0.97 versus White).

Collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data by community health centers has increased substantially since 2016, although gaps remain.