Sexual orientation differences in asthma correlates in a population-based sample of adults

Am J Public Health. 2011 Dec;101(12):2238-41. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300305. Epub 2011 Oct 20.

Abstract

To understand what conditions may correlate with asthma diagnoses in the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population, we used Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to construct multivariable logistic regression models separately for LGB individuals and heterosexuals. Current or former smoking and obesity were positively associated with history of an asthma diagnosis among both LGB individuals and heterosexuals. Being underweight (negative correlation) and overweight and reporting frequent symptoms of depression in the preceding 30 days also predicted a history of asthma diagnosis among heterosexuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Asthma / complications
  • Asthma / epidemiology*
  • Bisexuality*
  • Female
  • Homosexuality, Female*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Massachusetts
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / complications
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking
  • Young Adult