Financial vulnerability refers to a person's ability to access adequate resources to meet their basic needs. It can have negative effects on individuals' physical and mental health. Financially vulnerable people are more likely to experience stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide. LGBT populations, who face discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, may be especially at risk for financial vulnerability due to limited job opportunities, lower incomes, and higher rates of poverty. This study investigates whether financial vulnerability exacerbates mental health disparities among LGBT populations compared to heterosexual counterparts.
Data and methods
The study used cross-sectional data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) to analyze differences between financially vulnerable and nonvulnerable LGBT adults and heterosexuals aged 18 and older. The NSDUH is a national representative survey that collects information about alcohol use, drug use, and mental health problems. The sample included 250,693 respondents, including 475 LGBT individuals and 249,218 heterosexuals.
Results
Compared to heterosexual individuals, financially vulnerable LGBT individuals were more likely to report poor mental health (OR 1.60; CI 1.35–1.89). Specifically, they were significantly more likely to report serious psychological distress (OR 1.74; CI 1.49–2.03), major depressive episodes (OR 1.66; CI 1.42–1.94), and anxiety disorders (OR 1.53; CI 1.31–1.80). Financial vulnerability also interacted with sexual orientation: among LGBT individuals, bisexuals and lesbians reported greater risk than gay men or heterosexuals.
Transgender individuals did not have higher rates of mental health issues than cisgender individuals.
Discussion
The results suggest that financial vulnerability may exacerbate mental health disparities in the LGBT population, particularly for bisexual and lesbian women and all transgender people. This study adds to previous research showing that financial stress can contribute to adverse health outcomes and healthcare access barriers. Policies aiming to reduce financial insecurity could help close the gap between LGBT and non-LGBT populations' mental health.
Does financial vulnerability exacerbate mental health disparities among LGBT populations?
Yes, financial vulnerability can exacerbate mental health disparities among LGBT populations due to various factors such as discrimination, lack of social support, and stress caused by the need to conceal one's identity. Research shows that LGBT individuals are more likely to experience poverty, unemployment, and homelessness than their heterosexual counterparts, which can lead to increased stress levels and decreased access to healthcare services.