Health-Related Social Needs Among LGB+ Veterans.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Disparities
• LGBTQ+ Health

Background:

• Veterans identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, additional orientations, or not sure (LGB+) may experience unique health-related social needs.
• Addressing social needs is vital for health systems to reduce persistent health disparities in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate associations between sexual orientation and the need for support for social needs among primary care patients within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing a national sample of VHA primary care patients surveyed online or by mail in early 2023.
• Data included self-reported sexual orientation (straight or LGB+) and needs across 13 health-related social domains.
• Prevalence ratios (PRs) and adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) were calculated to assess the need for support.

Main Results:

• LGB+ veterans (5.8% of respondents) showed a higher prevalence of need for support in several areas compared to straight veterans.
• Unadjusted analyses indicated higher needs for LGB+ veterans in social isolation, loneliness, employment, food security, housing, and discrimination.
• Adjusted analyses revealed significantly higher needs for LGB+ veterans in managing discrimination (APR, 1.79) and securing housing (APR, 1.91).

Conclusions:

• LGB+ veterans report a greater prevalence of social needs, specifically related to managing discrimination and housing instability, compared to their straight counterparts.
• Health systems should consider expanding support systems for social needs, with tailored approaches for populations experiencing specific challenges.
• These findings underscore the importance of inclusive care to address health disparities among LGB+ veterans.