Health-related Quality of Life Among Black Sexual Minority Women

Korean sexual minority women (SMW) often experience discrimination, but their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains to be investigated. Therefore, we aimed to assess the levels of mental and physical HRQoL of Korean SMW and their influencing factors using data from the Korean Sexual Minority Women’s Health Study (2017) in a cross-sectional study, which included lesbian and bisexual females (N = 736; age ≥19 years). The HRQoL was measured using SF-36v2®; moreover, separate multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors influencing mental and physical HRQoL. The physical and mental HRQoL scores were average (52.38 ± 7.65) and low (38.33 ± 12.64), respectively. Significant factors influencing the physical HRQoL were bisexuality, minority stress, perceived social support, and physical activity. The same factors—apart from physical activity—were associated with mental HRQoL. Therefore, to improve the HRQoL of SMW, it is necessary to lower their minority stress and increase social support. Moreover, special attention is needed regarding bisexual women in Korea.

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Health-Related Quality of Life in Sexual Minority College Undergraduate Students

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab035_077 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 169-169

Author(s):

Leigh Neptune ◽

Kayla Parsons ◽

Ashley Reynolds ◽

Amelia Sullivan ◽

Carol Byrd-Bredbenner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Experiment Station ◽

College Undergraduate ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Abstract Objectives The objective was to examine differences in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in sexual minority (SM) college undergraduate students compared to their heterosexual peers. Methods A cross sectional convenience sample of college undergraduate students completed an online survey that assessed HRQOL, demographics, and height/weight. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported height and weight. A one-way MANCOVA was used to determine differences in HRQOL variables between SM and heterosexual participants while controlling for BMI and gender. Results Participants (N = 690) were 19.9 ± 1.8 years old, mostly female (63%), and white (83%). Twenty-four % (n = 165) of students identified as SM. There were statistically significant differences in HRQOL between SM and heterosexual students, (F (6, 584) = 8.89, P < 0.001; Wilk's Λ = 0.916, partial η2 = 0.084). Compared to their heterosexual peers, SM students experienced more days per month (d/m) having poor mental health (14.5 ± 9.8 vs. 8.5 ± 8.7 days, P < 0.001); more d/m feeling sad/blue/depressed (12.0 ± 9.7 vs. 6.3 ± 7.8 days, P < 0.001); more d/m feeling worried/tense/anxious (18.1 ± 10.2 vs. 10.9 ± 9.8 days, P < 0.001); more d/m feeling they did not get enough sleep (13.8 ± 9.6 vs. 11.1 ± 9.0 days, P < 0.01); and fewer d/m feeling very healthy and full of energy (6.8 ± 6.5 vs. 11.4 ± 8.7 days, P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in physical health. Conclusions This data confirms that SM college students experience similar health disparities observed in SM adolescent and adult populations. There is an apparent need for increased awareness of these disparities among healthcare professionals so that the appropriate interventions can be developed and implemented. This research provides justification for college aimed wellness interventions that advocate for health education and access to mental health resources to improve overall HRQOL, specifically for the LGBTQ + community. Funding Sources This project was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project number #ME0022104 through the Maine Agricultural & Forest Experiment Station. NJ Agriculture Experiment Station.

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