Mental Health Behavior of Sexual and Gender–Minority Youth: Highlighting Disparities Using Risk Ratios

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: Racialized Contexts of Urban Schooling: Discipline, Disparities, and Data (Table 13)

Abstract

Abstract

Research has demonstrated greater health disparities among lesbian/gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) youth which places them at higher risk for a variety of mental health concerns. This study compared disparities of LGBT+ youth and demographically similar straight and cisgender youth in Kansas along four measures of mental health (depression, suicide thoughts, plans, and attempts, safety, and food insecurity). Statistically significantly higher risk-ratios were found for LGBT+ students for all measures ranging from four times greater risk of suicide thoughts-plans-attempts to two times greater risk for feeling unsafe and food insecurity. Results compared the level of risk for each minority group. Findings provide insight to guide the implementation of prevention strategies to reduce disparities and burden on gender minority youth.

Authors

• Farzana Sultana, Greenbush Education Service Center
  Presenting Author

• Lisa Chaney, Greenbush Education Service Center
  Presenting Author