A study published in JAMA Network Open on May 1 revealed that cardiovascular health (CVH) varies among sexual-minority (SM) females based on race and ethnicity. The study was conducted by Nicole Rosendale, M.D., from the University of California San Francisco, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2016. The primary outcome was the overall CVH score, which is an unweighted mean of eight CVH metrics.
The researchers found 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 emphasized the importance of incorporating intersectionality into CVH health equity studies and interventions. They suggested that tailored interventions are needed to improve the cardiovascular health of SM individuals, particularly Black and Hispanic SM female individuals. The study highlighted the need to address disparities in cardiovascular health based on race, ethnicity, and sexual identity to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all individuals.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the importance of understanding how different groups may have different levels of cardiovascular health based on their race and ethnicity. It also highlights the need for targeted interventions that take into account the unique needs of each group in order to promote better overall health outcomes for all individuals.
