The study published online in JAMA Network Open on May 1 found that cardiovascular health (CVH) varies among sexual-minority (SM) females based on race and ethnicity. The study, conducted by Nicole Rosendale, M.D., from the University of California San Francisco, used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2016 to examine CVH differences at the intersection of race, ethnicity, and sexual identity. The primary outcome was the overall CVH score, which is an unweighted mean of eight CVH metrics. The sample included 12,180 adults.
The researchers discovered that Black, Hispanic, and white SM female adults had lower overall CVH scores compared to their heterosexual counterparts, after adjusting for age, survey year, and socioeconomic status. However, there were no statistically significant differences found for female adults of other races and ethnicities or SM male adults of any race and ethnicity when compared to heterosexual counterparts.
The authors of the study emphasize the importance of incorporating intersectionality into CVH health equity studies and interventions. They suggest that tailored interventions are needed to improve the cardiovascular health of SM individuals, particularly Black and Hispanic SM female individuals. The study highlights the need to address disparities in cardiovascular health based on race, ethnicity, and sexual identity to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all individuals.