Mental Health of Older Adults by Sexual Minority Status: Evidence From the 2021 National Health Interview Survey.

ABSTRACT: This study explored differences among older adults in mental health by sexual minority status. Data came from the 2021 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. The study sample included older adults (or those aged ≥50 years, N = 15,559), and of those, two percent (n = 380) self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Older LGB adults had significantly higher odds of reporting a diagnosis of depression and anxiety and experiencing serious psychological distress than older non-LGB adults. Additionally, older LGB adults reported higher odds of experiencing depression and anxiety more frequently than older non-LGB adults. Significant covariates included age, sex, housing, food security, and social support. Increased risk for mental illness may be long-term consequences of st

SUBMITTER: Masa R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10809733 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature