A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open has shed light on the cardiovascular health (CVH) of sexual-minority (SM) females based on race and ethnicity. Conducted by Nicole Rosendale, M.D., from the University of California San Francisco, the study 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 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.
The study is a reminder that disparities in healthcare can be vastly different among different groups of people. As such, it is crucial for healthcare providers to understand these disparities and develop targeted interventions to address them effectively.
In conclusion, this new study provides valuable insights into how race and ethnicity can impact cardiovascular health among SM females. By understanding these disparities better, healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions that will help improve the overall health outcomes for these individuals.
It’s worth noting that this study only examined one aspect of cardiovascular health among SM females based on race and ethnicity. Further research is needed to better understand how other factors may also contribute to disparities in cardiovascular health among this population.
Overall, this new study underscores the importance of incorporating intersectionality into healthcare research and interventions to ensure equitable access to care for all individuals.
