Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

6-1-2025

Journal

International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

DOI

10.1007/s12529-024-10267-5

PMID

38396275

PMCID

PMC12956442

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

3-4-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Background: Knowledge gaps remain on stroke risk and disparities between sexual minority (SM) subgroups. In this study, stroke risk between SM subgroups, specifically gay/bisexual men and lesbian/bisexual women (G/BM and L/BW), was assessed.

Method: Data were collected in June 2022 using a bilingual (English and Spanish) cross-sectional paper-and-pen survey distributed among 183 SM individuals attending the 2022 Houston Pride Parade and Festival, as well as across Texas via phone call or online format. Relevant sociodemographic and stroke risk factors were compared between G/BM and L/BW using chi-square (or Fisher's exact, when appropriate) and two-sample t-tests. Sexual orientation was used to predict stroke risk using multiple binomial logistic regression, adjusting for other sociodemographic determinants.

Results: While comparing the stroke risk factors between G/BW and L/BW, statistically significant differences were found in hypertension (p = 0.047), age (p < 0.001), smoking status (p = 0.043), cholesterol level (p < 0.001), and HIV (p = 0.038). G/BM were 2.79 times more likely to have a higher stroke risk compared to L/BW (aOR = 2.79; CI, 1.11-6.05, p = 0.032), after adjusting for other sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion: This pilot study, conducted in Texas, adds to the existing scientific literature on stroke risk among the SM population and revealed that G/BM might have a higher stroke risk compared to L/BW. These findings can inform future research and intervention designs tailored to G/BM and L/BW communities and improve their overall health.

Keywords

Humans, Texas, Male, Female, Stroke, Sexual and Gender Minorities, Risk Factors, Middle Aged, Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Aged, Hypertension, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Sexual orientation, Stroke risk

Published Open-Access

yes

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