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Defining Determinants of Perceived Discrimination for the LGBTQ+ Community and Their Impacts on Health

Fowler, Matthew Austin
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1620639418250342

Abstract Details

2021, BS, Kent State University, College of Public Health.
Health inequities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexual minorities (LGBTQ+) people are undoubtedly present in various social structures. Researchers have found evidence of increased experiences of perceived discrimination for LGBTQ+ people that lead to increased rates of mental health issues and risky health behaviors. This relationship is best explained by the Framework for Health Equity that identifies "upstream" factors that lead to "downstream" health consequences. It has been hypothesized that sociodemographic factors, including hometown size, household religion, and education level may be predictors of perceived discrimination. However, such little research has been done to concretely identify the upstream factors of perceived discrimination, which is necessary to better understand and address the root causes of the related health inequities. To begin filling in this gap of research, an anonymous online survey was distributed in late 2020 for LGBTQ+ people aged 18 and older that yielded a sample size of 62 adults. The first and novel research question aimed at identifying a relationship between sociodemographic factors and perceived discrimination. If increased perceived discrimination were to be found within certain sociodemographic characteristics, a new and greater understanding of LGBTQ+ health inequities could arise from the findings. Also, to confirm prior findings on perceived discrimination, two research questions were constructed to identify its relationship with depressive symptoms and risky health behaviors, including self-rated health, drug use, and sexual behaviors. These were measured using previously published index scales that assigned scores based on the severity of participant responses. The data reported no significant findings to suggest a relationship between any sociodemographic factors and increased experiences of perceived discrimination. Analyses in perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms reported a moderate positive relationship, confirming prior research. Cisgender males had an increased correlation in the sample, lending to future research priorities in understanding how experiences vary in gender identity and sexual orientation within the LGBTQ+ community. Lastly, when considering perceived discrimination and risky health behaviors, varying results were found. Self-rated health was inversely related to discrimination, supporting prior findings, but no significant relationships were discovered when looking at drug use and sexual behaviors. Though no new results were found in the data, this research remains valuable in the process of understanding and addressing LGBTQ+ health inequities, and it further suggests the importance of addressing upstream factors in the Framework for Health Equity for better guidance.
Abbey Eng, PhD (Advisor)
Tina Bhargava, PhD (Committee Member)
Lauren Vachon, MFA (Committee Member)
Susan Roxburgh, PhD (Committee Member)
55 p.
Gender Studies; Health; Mental Health; Public Health; Social Research
health; health behaviors; health equity; LGBTQ; mental health; perceived discrimination; public health; sociodemographics

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Fowler, M. A. (2021). Defining Determinants of Perceived Discrimination for the LGBTQ+ Community and Their Impacts on Health [Undergraduate thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1620639418250342

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Fowler, Matthew. Defining Determinants of Perceived Discrimination for the LGBTQ+ Community and Their Impacts on Health. 2021. Kent State University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1620639418250342.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Fowler, Matthew. "Defining Determinants of Perceived Discrimination for the LGBTQ+ Community and Their Impacts on Health." Undergraduate thesis, Kent State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1620639418250342

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ksuhonors1620639418250342
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This open access ETD is published by Kent State University Honors College and OhioLINK.