The acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals in society has come a long way in recent years. However, despite progress towards equality, members of this community still face unique challenges when it comes to health and wellness. According to recent research, LGBTQ+ adults report higher rates of pain and are more likely to experience chronic pain compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This painful truth highlights the need for more understanding, awareness, and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the healthcare industry.
LGBTQ+ adults experience higher levels of pain compared to their straight counterparts, according to a new research study analyzing data from the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey. The study was conducted by researchers from Western University, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, and the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. The study found that LGBTQ+ adults reported significantly higher levels of pain, with psychological distress being the primary factor associated with higher prevalence of pain in LGBTQ+ groups. Socioeconomic status and healthcare covariates, on the other hand, played only modest roles, which were not statistically significant.
The researchers suggest that the stigma and discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals face may increase their risk of pain. The authors called for additional research to better understand and address these disparities in pain experienced by sexual minorities, ultimately to eliminate disparities and reduce pain to achieve better health and well-being.
Western University sociology professor Anna Zajacova said that pain can serve as an overall holistic measure of physical and psychological well-being at the population level. Chronic pain is now widely understood as a condition in its own right, said Zajacova, adding that it’s an important condition, given the high burden it places on the population and its tremendous impact on an individual’s quality of life.
Zajacova stressed the need for data collection in Canada, despite the country being more advanced in terms of sociolegal acceptance of LGBTQ+ adults. Given that the psychosocial issues that may be influencing higher prevalence of pain, she suspects similar patterns will be observed in Canada.
The analysis used data from adults aged 18-64 who participated in the 2013-2018 waves of the NHIS. They answered questions about chronic pain, socioeconomic characteristics, health behaviors, and psychological distress. The survey defined chronic pain as having pain most days or every day in the past three to six months and pain at three or more sites.
The new research calls attention to the need to better understand and eliminate pain disparities experienced by sexual minorities. It encourages policymakers and health professionals to prioritize the collection of data that captures the unique experiences of different groups, leading to improved healthcare outcomes and reducing the burden of pain in our society.
In conclusion, the findings of the study show that there is a critical need for healthcare providers to recognize the unique concerns and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The higher rates of chronic pain reported by LGBTQ+ adults can be attributed to various factors, including discrimination, social stigma, and lack of access to medical care. It is crucial for healthcare systems to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals receive equitable and inclusive care, free from bias and discrimination. Only by taking a comprehensive and compassionate approach to the healthcare of the LGBTQ+ community can we alleviate the pain and create a better future for all.
