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Cross-National Investigation of Health Indicators among Sexual Minorities in Norway and the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Ryan J. Watson

    (School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T222-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada)

  • Christopher W. Wheldon

    (Department of Community & Family Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Lars Wichstrøm

    (Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim NO-7491, Norway
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Stephen T. Russell

    (Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keeton St., Stop A2702, Austin, TX 78712, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

A cross-national study of young adult sexual minorities was conducted in order to explore the associations between sexual orientation and measures of depression, suicidality, and substance use. Two nationally representative data sets were explored from the United States ( N = 14,335) and Norway ( N = 2423). Results indicated that sexual minorities experienced multiple health disparities (depression, suicidality, and substance use) compared to their heterosexual counterparts. We found similar patterns of depression, suicidality, and substance use for sexual minorities in both the United States and Norway. The highest odds of substance use were among heterosexual-identified Norwegian youth who reported same-sex sexual activity, and the highest odds of suicidality were found for bisexual young adults in Norway. These findings have implications for how we consider culture and social policy as barriers and/or opportunities for sexual minorities.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan J. Watson & Christopher W. Wheldon & Lars Wichstrøm & Stephen T. Russell, 2015. "Cross-National Investigation of Health Indicators among Sexual Minorities in Norway and the United States," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:4:y:2015:i:4:p:1006-1019:d:57894
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Hatzenbuehler, M.L. & McLaughlin, K.A. & Keyes, K.M. & Hasin, D.S., 2010. "The impact of institutional discrimination on psychiatric disorders in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: A prospective study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(3), pages 452-459.
    4. Sandfort, T.G.M. & Bakker, F. & Schellevis, F.G. & Vanwesenbeeck, I., 2006. "Sexual orientation and mental and physical health status: Findings from a Dutch population survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(6), pages 1119-1125.
    5. Meyer, I.H. & Bayer, R., 2013. "School-based gay-affirmative interventions: First amendment and ethical concerns," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(10), pages 1764-1771.
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