Susan D. Cochran|Vickie M. Mays
Physical Health Complaints Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexual and Homosexually Experienced Heterosexual Individuals: Results From the California Quality of Life Survey
University of California, Los Angeles|University of California, Los Angeles
objectives examined evidence minority sexual orientation associated morefrequent reports physical health complaints also investigated possible role hiv infection among gay men higher rates psychological distress among lesbians gay men bisexually homosexually experienced heterosexual individuals generating health disparities methods used data california quality life survey n2272 adults examine associations sexual orientation selfreports physical health status common health conditions disabilities psychological distress results prevalent hiv infection reported nearly 18 gay bisexual homosexually experienced heterosexual men gay men bisexual homosexually experienced heterosexual individuals higher levels psychological distress compared exclusively heterosexual individuals selfreported physical health status varied gender sexual orientation conclusions lesbians bisexual homosexually experienced heterosexual women reported greater variety health conditions limitations compared exclusively heterosexual women however differences mostly disappeared distress levels taken account among men differences health complaints appeared reflect ongoing burden hiv sexually transmitted diseases gay male community