Dataset Information

Associations between sexual orientation discrimination and substance use disorders: differences by age in US adults.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Sexual minorities are at heightened risk for substance use disorders (SUDs). Discrimination based on sexual orientation may be an important factor in this increased risk, but differences across age have not been systematically examined. We examined age-varying associations of sexual orientation discrimination with alcohol use disorder (AUD), tobacco use disorder (TUD), and drug use disorder (DUD).

Methods

We used data from US participants aged 18-50 years who reported non-heterosexual identity, attraction, or behavior (N?=?2375) in a nationally representative survey. We examined the prevalence of sexual orientation discrimination across age and its salience as a risk factor for AUD, TUD, and DUD for gay/lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual identifying individuals using time-varying effect modeling.

Results

Sexual orientation discrimination was most prevalent in early young adulthood but was positively associated with greater odds of AUD, TUD, and DUD only at later ages. We found statistically significant associations at ages 24.5-40.0 for AUD, ages 32.5-42.9 for DUD, and ages 39.3-43.2 for TUD. For example, discrimination at age 30 was associated with 2.1 times greater odds of AUD (95% CI 1.3, 3.3) compared to those who reported no discrimination at that age. Discrimination at age 35 was associated with 2.8 times greater odds of DUD (95% CI 1.2, 6.6) relative to no discrimination.

Conclusions

Sexual orientation discrimination is significantly associated with SUDs and risk varies across age. Thus, age should be considered in the development of prevention and treatment of AUD, TUD, and DUD, particularly for sexual minorities.

SUBMITTER: Evans-Polce RJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6755065 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Associations between sexual orientation discrimination and substance use disorders: differences by age in US adults.

Evans-Polce Rebecca J RJ Veliz Phillip T PT Boyd Carol J CJ Hughes Tonda L TL McCabe Sean Esteban SE

Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology 20190322 1

<h4>Purpose</h4>Sexual minorities are at heightened risk for substance use disorders (SUDs). Discrimination based on sexual orientation may be an important factor in this increased risk, but differences across age have not been systematically examined. We examined age-varying associations of sexual orientation discrimination with alcohol use disorder (AUD), tobacco use disorder (TUD), and drug use disorder (DUD).<h4>Methods</h4>We used data from US participants aged 18-50 years who reported non- ...[more]

PMID: 30903234

Similar Datasets

Project description:Background This study focuses on sexual orientation and gender-based differences among Israeli young adult substance use behaviors. In addition, it evaluates young adult perception of substance use and acceptance of substances use by close friends. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study. A self-reported anonymous questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 496 young-adults (age: M?=?23.14, SD?=?2.48), which included 126 heterosexual males, 128 heterosexual females, 131 gay men, and 111 lesbians. Results This study revealed significant sexual orientation and gender differences in all outcomes examined. Significant substance usage differences were found for same-sex orientation as 52% reported cannabis use and 24% reported using other illegal substances during the past 12?months compared to 34 and 6% (respectively) among heterosexuals. Significant gender differences were found, as male participants reported 50% cannabis use and 19% reported other illegal substance use in the past 12?months compared to 35 and 11% (respectively) among females. Additionally, compared with heterosexuals, gay men and lesbians perceived/assessed significantly higher substance usage rates among their close friends and higher levels of substance use acceptance by close friends. Regression models indicated the important role of respondent perceived and acceptance of substance use among close friends. Binge drinking, cannabis use, and other illegal substance use were positively associated with participants’ perceived substance use and substance use acceptance level by close friends, after controlling for gender, sexual orientation, age, and level of education. Conclusions Close friends and community norms can play an important role in shaping substance usage among young adults, especially among gay men and lesbians. The results of the current study highlight the need for developing prevention and harm reduction drug policies for Israeli young adults, especially for gay men and lesbians. Interventions should also focus on young adult peers and community norms related to substance use by professionals in educational, policy-making, and therapeutic contexts.

Dataset Information

Associations between sexual orientation discrimination and substance use disorders: differences by age in US adults.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Associations between sexual orientation discrimination and substance use disorders: differences by age in US adults.

Similar Datasets

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