avril 17, 2023
Western University researchers suggest the stigma and discrimination faced by members of these groups may increase the risk of pain. They found that psychological distress was the factor most strongly linked to the higher prevalence of pain in LGBTQ+ groups, while socioeconomic status and healthcare covariates played only modest roles. Compared with straight adults, the study found:
- Gay and lesbian adults had a 47% higher prevalence of pain and a 33% higher prevalence of chronic pain;
- Bisexual adults had a 105% higher prevalence of pain and an 88% higher prevalence of chronic pain; and
- Adults who identified as “something else” on the survey had a 133% higher prevalence of pain and an 89% higher prevalence of chronic pain.
The authors call for the need for a better understand of pain disparities by sexual identity, with the ultimate goal of eliminating disparities and achieving better health and well-being.