Exploring Substance Use Among Sexual and Gender Minorities by Place of Residence

• In Event: Sociology of Sexualities Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 6: Sexuality and Health

Abstract

Research suggests sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to report alcohol and tobacco use, and have an elevated risk for substance abuse. Research also indicates rural communities in the U.S. experience higher prevalences of substance use than urban communities. Given limited existing research on substance use among SGM adults living in rural areas, this research aims to examine the association between rurality and substance use among SGM adults. We use nationally representative data from the 2023 cycle of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to investigate substance use across space, focused on tobacco use and alcohol consumption. We find that SGM adults living in rural areas had varied odds of engaging in substance use compared to heterosexuals and SGM adults living in urban areas. Examining the nuanced substance use patterns for this population can help to advance treatment strategies in rural communities.

Authors

• Kaylee A Wilson, University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Chloe Marie Patterson, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Tai Simpson, Drexel University

• Stephanie Hernandez, Drexel University